Schedule

Schedule subject to change


Ron Houle, Founder and President, Pivot Step Consultants LLC

Much about the defense budget, and the military textile marketplace, has changed in just a year since our last Outlook. This session will highlight the priorities of the defense budget, and how the geopolitical landscape has influenced priorities. We will also discuss domestic sourcing, the health of the Berry Amendment, and trends in textiles and products in the defense market.

Dr. Melissa Furman, MS, DBA, Founder/Consultant, Career Potential, LLC

As business methods and workplace continue to change at an accelerated rate and employees continue to experience prolonged exposure to psychological stress, organizational and individual adaptability will be critical for future success. This thought-provoking, interactive session utilizes assessment exercises to assess and develop adaptability.

Jackie Ferrari, Founder and CEO, American Fashion Network

The US Apparel Industry is on the verge of extinction and collectively, we as industry leaders must possess the heart of a warrior; standing clearly and powerfully for what we hold dear and exercising our ability to face the challenges and obstacles in front of us.

Jackie Ferrari will take us on a historical journey of the US apparel industry and what we can do to pull it out of the grip of extinction.

Moderator:
Dr. Melissa Furman, MS, DBA, Founder/Consultant, Career Potential, LLC

Panelists:
Patti Bates, General Manager, Protective Business Unit at Glen Raven
Ron Houle, Founder and President, Pivot Step Consultants LLC
Robert Rosania, Chief Executive Officer, Ehmke Manufacturing Company, Inc.

A panel of mature professionals to provide insight and guidance for developing leaders. Panel questions include:

  • What was the best career mistake you ever made?
  • What was the worst decision you ever made? What did you learn from it?
  • Have you experienced burnout as a professional? If no, how did you prevent it? If yes, how did you overcome it?
  • What role has professional relationships played in developing your success?

Dr. Melissa Furman, MS, DBA, Founder/Consultant, Career Potential, LLC

Bring your mental “gym clothes” and be ready to build mental strength, flexibility, and endurance by completing individual leadership development exercises.

Cross Fit Exercise 1: Overcoming and Managing Burnout
Cross Fit Exercise 2: Decision Making Exercise
Cross Fit Exercise 3: Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships Exercise

Sara Beatty, President, White Haven Trade

USIFI & NFI consultant Sara Beatty will review various federal policy matters currently confronting the U.S. advanced textile sector.  Issues covered will include military procurement under the National Defense Authorization Act and key legislative and enforcement initiatives related to international trade.

Dan Hughes, Co-founder, ClariteeAI

Join us for a dynamic 1-hour exploration into the world of Generative AI and its transformative influence on the textile industry. Designed for executives and senior managers, this session will unravel the complexities of Generative AI, revealing its profound implications for innovation and strategic business growth in textiles. Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Introduction: Kickstarting the session with an overview of our goals and the exciting journey ahead.
  • Demystifying Generative AI: Delve into the essence of Generative AI, understanding its core principles and tracing its evolutionary journey.
  • Revolutionizing Textiles with Generative AI: Discover real-life applications and case studies where Generative AI is reshaping product development, design, and supply chain dynamics in textiles.
  • Strategic Advantages for Businesses: Learn how to harness Generative AI for competitive advantage, enhanced customization, and operational efficiency.
  • Navigating Challenges and Ethical Considerations: Address critical concerns around ethics, privacy, and workforce adaptation in the context of AI integration.
  • Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Textiles: Explore the horizon of possibilities and upcoming trends at the intersection of AI and textile innovation.
  • Interactive Q&A Session: Engage in a thought-provoking dialogue, ask questions, and share insights.
  • Closing Insights: Concluding with key takeaways and a note of thanks to our participants.

This interactive presentation will be enriched with compelling visuals and supplemented by resourceful materials, ensuring an insightful, engaging, and actionable learning experience for all attendees. Get ready to weave

Aubrey Hilliard, President, Texican

This session will provide an overview of the advancements and investments in the energy sector that will affect your cost of doing business.

Laura Murphy, Research Director, Fibers, Wood Mackenzie Chemicals

What has changed in the fabulous fiber world in the last year? What does the most recent turmoil mean for your business and your strategic planning? This presentation will examine the current state of affairs and attempt to show what can come next for our industry.

Roger Tutterow, Ph.D, Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University

A decade ago, we cleared important hurdles that were necessary steps back toward “normalcy” after the Great Recession. However, as the economic expansion moved through its 11th year, it was derailed by a global pandemic not seen in several generations. Three years into the post-pandemic recovery, the economy faces set of challenges threatening a return to recession. In this session, Dr. Roger Tutterow provides a timely overview of global, national and regional economies.

Participants will consider the residual impacts of COVID-19 on the retail sector and real estate, prospects for resolution of supply chain and labor market dislocations, the recent trajectory of inflation, ongoing changes in Federal Reserve policy accommodation including both movements in policy interest rates and the “unwinding” of bond purchases, implication of these policy shifts for bank balance sheets, recent shifts in the outlook for residential and non-residential real estate markets and the implication of demographic trends for the general business climate and textile industry.

The Links Golf Course at Wild Dunes Resort was Tom Fazio’s first. Today, it’s still among his favorites – and he’s not the only one. From the rustling palms lining lush, rolling fairways to a finishing hole overlooking the glistening Atlantic Ocean, the Links Course is South Carolina golf at its finest.

Nothing better than an afternoon at the beach! There will be something for everyone. During the cocktail making, groups will work to concoct a Bourbon Punch while learning about the History of the liquors. After enjoy the spoils of your labor by putting your toes in the sand to network and maybe play (or watch) some casual beach games.

Questions?

For more information, or website accessibility questions, contact: Jill Newman, Education & Events Manager | 651-225-6953 | jill.newman@textiles.org