2007 Apparel Conference of the Americas
one market ... one region ... one source
July 31 - August 2, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua, Guatemala
The theme of the Annual Apparel Conference of the Americas continues to be one market ... one region ... one source. This year's meeting moves to Guatemala and is hosted by VESTEX. The number of U.S. organizations supporting this event has grown to include the American Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN), American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) and the Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation [TC]2.
The agenda for these meetings will continue to be a moving target of addressing issues and challenges the region agrees are actually important to producers there. The goal is always to have attendees leave with skills they can use in their operations. Also, topics build on those from meetings which precede this annual meeting.
AGENDA
Tuesday July 31
7 pm _____ Welcome Reception with music provided by former members of the Buena Vista Social Club
Sponsored by Koramsa
Wednesday August 1
8:00 - 9:00 am _____ Registration, Networking & Coffee
Sponsored by Seaboard Marine Ltd.
9:00 am _____ Brief Introductions of Attendees
Opening Comments: Carlos Arias, Koramsa
Recap of Last Meeting & Past Year: Mike Todaro, AAPN
Coffee Break Sponsored by Rocedes S.A.
Report Card on the Region: Nancy Marino, Hanes Branded Apparel
Global Legislative Developments & Outlook: Steve Lamar, AAFA
12:30 - 1:45 pm _____ Lunch
Sponsored by American & Efird Inc.
Specific Market Opportunities: Mary O'Rourke, Jassin-O'Rourke
Innovative Energy Investments in the Region: Jesus Canahuati, Elcatex
Coffee Break Sponsored by COTTON USA Sourcing Program
What About Asia: Kim Krummell, Timberland
4:45 pm _____ Adjourn Meeting
7:00 - 10:00 pm _____Networking Reception & Presidential Dinner with music by jazz saxophonist, Scott Stanton
Guatemala's President, Oscar Berger, has been invited to speak
Sponsored by VESTEX
Thursday August 2
8:00 - 9:00 am ____ Networking Coffee
9:00 am _____ Summary of the Previous Day > Open Discussion
Full Value Costing: Barbara Zeins, Gerson & Gerson
A New Wave in Global Sourcing: Kurt Cavano, TradeCard
Coffee Break Sponsored by Lawson Software & IBM
Shifting Sourcing Strategies: Walter T. Wilhelm, Walter Wilhelm Associates; John Strasburger, VF Americas; Teresa Nersesyan, Pacific Sunwear; Roberto Bequillard, The Argus Group
12:30 - 1: 45 pm ____ Lunch
Yarn/Fabric Investments & Innovations: Jim Borneman, Textile World magazine
Conference Wrap-up
3:00 pm _____ Adjourn
