2026 AAPN CAROLINA MILL TOUR
March 23-26 I Charlotte, NC
Go Behind the Scenes of Textile Manufacturing
The Carolina Mill Tour is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go behind the scenes of U.S. textile manufacturing and learn directly from the mills that produce the materials used every day across the apparel and textile supply chain.
This immersive, multi-day experience combines exclusive mill access, expert-led education, and hands-on learning in real production environments—now with the opportunity to earn the Certificate in Foundations of Textile Manufacturing, an industry-endorsed credential issued by Americas Apparel Producers’ Network.
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.
NEW for 2026! Earn the Certificate in Foundations of Textile Manufacturing
"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)
AGENDA AT A GLANCE (times subject to change)
Monday, March 23
- Attendees should fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), arriving no later than 3:30 PM
- 1 PM Badge Pickup in Hotel Lobby Begins
- 4 PM Orientation and Welcome by AAPN
- 4:15 PM Standards to Success: The Specifiers' Edge presented by AATCC
- 5 PM Welcome Reception Begins - Presented by AATCC
Tuesday, March 24
- 6:30 AM Breakfast Begins at Hotel
- 7 AM Depart for Lumberton, NC for a full day of education and tours of Contempora Fabric Mills + education from Unifi
- KNITTING 101
- QUALITY
- KNITTING MACHINERY
- TEXTILES 101
- FACILITY TOURS
- Group Dinner in Charlotte, NC
Wednesday, March 25
- 6:30 AM Breakfast Begins at Hotel
- 8 AM Depart for Day Trip to Gaffney, South Carolina for a full day of education and tours of Parkdale Mills and Hamrick Mills
- YARN MANUFACTURING 101
- INTRODUCTION TO THE COTTON STAPLE FIBER
- STAPLE YARN SPINNING
- YARN MANUFACTURING
- FACILITY TOURS
- Group Dinner in Charlotte, NC - Happy Hour Presented by A&E
Thursday, March 26
- 6:30 AM Breakfast Begins at Hotel
- 8 AM Depart for Mount Holly, NC for a half day of education and tour of American & Efird's Dyeing & Finishing facility
- THREAD BASICS 101 - "THREADUCATION"
- DYEING AND FINISHING FACILITY TOUR
- 12:30 PM Transportation to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) 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 education 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. Room Block Closes March 2nd!
Book your group rate for AAPN Room Block 2026
MILL TOUR HOSTS and SPONSORS - THANK YOU!
Elevate Your Brand - NEW Sponsorship Opportunities!
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