2026 AAPN CAROLINA MILL TOUR
March 23-26 I Charlotte, NC
AAPN and it's members are pleased to host the 2026 Carolina Mill Tour. The purpose of this tour is to highlight and educate attendees about fabric and trim capabilities in the U.S.
Target audience: Brands/Retailers interested in sourcing production in the Western Hemisphere. AAPN reserves the right to determine eligibility.
Who should attend: Supply Chain/Sourcing/Product Development/Design talent (all levels) newer to the region or early in their career who want to acquaint or reacquaint themselves with current capabilities in the U.S. and/or experience manufacturing activities in person. Could be a great "1st trip" for those that who have not been able to travel to mills and factories previously.
"Visiting the spinning, weaving, and knitting mills in the Carolinas was an unforgettable experience. The openness and generosity of the mill leaders in sharing their knowledge and walking us through each step of the process gave me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every textile. It’s a must tour for anyone wanting to understand the true art and science of American textile manufacturing."
Johanna Koper - ILNA Inc. (2025 Tour)
NEW Sponsorship Opportunities for ALL Members! Join AAPN as we take brands and retailers behind the scenes of U.S. textile innovation on the Carolina Mill Tour. By sponsoring, your company will be front and center as industry leaders experience the people, processes, and products that bring textile manufacturing to life. Gain meaningful visibility, build powerful connections, and help educate the next generation of apparel leaders—all within this exclusive, high-impact AAPN experience.
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Monday, March 23
•Travel Day - Fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
• Attendees should arrive no later than 3:30pm ET for Orientation and Welcome Reception/Dinner at The SpringHill Suites in Charlotte - Uptown
Tuesday, March 24
• Day trip to Lumberton, NC for a tour of Contempora Fabric Mills + the Unifi's Repreve Mobile Tour
• Group Dinner in Charlotte at Chima Steakhouse
Wednesday, March 25
• Day Trip to Gaffney, South Carolina for tours of Parkdale Mills and Hamrick Mills
• Group Dinner in Charlotte at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Thursday, March 26
• Bus to Mount Holly, North Carolina for tour of American & Efird's Dyeing & Finishing facility
• Transportation to Charlotte Douglas International Airport after lunch
REGISTRATION
> AAPN Member Registration Fee: $1299 per person
> Non-Member Registration Fee: $1799 per person (limited to 3 representatives per non-member company)
- Registration is limited to 30 representatives.
- The deadline to register is February 26, 2026 or until all slots have been filled.
- Registration Fee includes everything except airfare and hotel as follows:
- Four (4) mill tours + educational content, including Apparel 101, Cotton Yarn & Synthetic Fiber/Yarn production, Knitting/Weaving & Color/Dyeing/Finishing
- Contempora Fabrics, Lumberton, NC with Unifi classroom on site
- Parkdale Mills - W. Duke Kimbrell Plant, Gaffney, SC
- Hamrick Mills, Gaffney, SC
- American & Efird Dyeing & Finishing facility, Mount Holly, NC
- All lunches & dinners (breakfast included for those staying at the SpringHill Suites)
- Ground Transportation - starting Tuesday morning through drop-offs at Charlotte Airport on Thursday after lunch
Please contact Holly Williams if you have questions!
HOTEL
AAPN has reserved a block of rooms at the SpringHill Suites - Uptown at the discounted rate of $169/night for Mill Tour Attendees. The AAPN rate includes complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, complimentary wi-fi and double Marriott Bonvoy Points. Note: You are not required to stay at our host hotel; however, you will be expected to arrive on time for bus departures each morning from the SpringHill Suites. Click the link below to book your room.
Book your group rate for AAPN Room Block 2026
MILL TOUR HOSTS - THANK YOU!
Elevate Your Brand - NEW Sponsorship Opportunities!
Click Here to Sponsor
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