2007 Annual Meeting: How It's Made in America(s)
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Santa Monica, California
March 11-13
TESTIMONIALS
Jim Hopkins, Hamrick Mills, “I am still somewhat in awe of the people I meet at these gatherings. I still feel as though, "I still don't know, what I don't know." These meetings continue to reinforce my belief that it is beneficial for me, as well as Hamrick Mills, to be present to learn more and more about how we can fit into a supply chain, either in Central America, or any other America.”
Yanira Bugarin of Cotton Inc, West Coast, “I thought the conference was outstanding! I am a believer of the America's. I strongly feel no one has really evaluated the ACTUAL cost it takes to land one garment versus the FOB only. We need to champion together to keep some business here directly not just to fill in or to handle the quick test orders. The panels and guest speakers were enlightening and thought provoking.”
David Sasso, Buhler Quality Yarns, “To sum things up about the "value" these conferences I attend with AAPN is that I learn more about the issues facing the supply chain which affects our ability to sell yarn. Sure the Networking is extremely important, but professionally, to be in control of your own destiny, you have to know more of our customer's business and all the way up the chain. We have been able to challenge people's conventional thinking because of this.”
Mike Younkin, FedEx, “I can definitely say that the 'network" portion of the name is holding true as I had at least 3-4 members approach me with questions and opportunities which is not only potentially good for business but also provides me insights as to their expanding transportation and logistics needs.”
Charlie Brickley, Lawson, Software, “... it was an impressive group of people and I was able to introduce Lawson to 2 CEOs, a CIO, and a CTO of companies with whom I have being trying to meet. AAPN is a great networking event to meet executive in the Fashion Industry and hear from experts as to the trends in the industry.”
John Mayer, FastReact, “I do believe that this was the best AAPN that I have attended. The attendees, the dialogue, the networking, never better. I will tell you also, some of the first timers had very positive comments and comments about joining such a dynamic organization. I agree the "The AAPN has arrived". “
Walter Wilhelm, WWAssociates, “Congratulations on a great meeting. You two did a bang up job, better than any other event I think I have attended.”
Barbara Ende, MAGIC Sourcing, “ Both Bob and I were amazed at the openness, exchange of information and networking that went on (not to mention the wonderful organization). As I told both Sue and Mike, I attend many annual meetings of most major trade groups in the U.S. and in Europe and have never had a better and more interesting experience.”
AGENDA
Sunday, March 11:
7 p.m. - Registration & Welcome Reception sponsored by AM Group
Monday, March 12:
7 a.m. - Buffet Breakfast sponsored by Lawson Software
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - General Session
Welcome & Announcements - Keith Crisco, AAPN President
Wi-fi internet access in Meeting Room sponsored by FedEx Services
Attendee Self Introductions
Coffee Break sponsored by RadiciSpandex Corp.
INDUSTRY MEGATRENDS
Mike Todaro, AAPN, Moderator
Walter T. Wilhelm, WWAssociates
Rick Horwitch, Bureau Veritas
Keith Crisco, Asheboro Elastics
Lunch sponsored by Green Textile
PAINS AND GAINES OF TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION
Walter T. Wilhelm, WWAssociates, Moderator
Barbara Zeins, Gerson & Gerson
Coffee Break sponsored by Cadmus Global Packaging Solutions
COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY
Rick Horwitch, Bureau Veritas, Moderator
Randy Harward, Patagonia
Joanne Zimmerman, Rock & Republic
Julie Thompson, The Gap
THE AMERICAN APPAREL STORY
Dov Charney, American Apparel
5 p.m to 6:30 p.m. - Networking Reception - sponsored by Norman Shatz Co USA
7:00 p.m. - Dutch treat dine around at area restaurants.
Tuesday, March 13:
Breakfast on your own
8:30 a.m. to Noon - General Session
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
Mike Todaro, AAPN, Moderator
Carlos Arias, Koramsa
Jeff Marine, JEM Sportswear
Coffee Break sponsored by Rocedes S.A.
FINANCIAL CHALLENGES OF STARTING/MAINTAINING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS
Walter T. Wilhelm, Moderator
Mario Lejtman, Chrome Hearts
Michael Rosen, Chip & Pepper
"TOWN MEETING" WRAP UP
ADJOURN
