Trade experts to share policy updates, outlooks at ATSC

“With Canada in the midst of a shifting trade environment, ATSC has put together the most comprehensive sourcing seminars, expert panels and Q&A segments to arm representatives across all segments of the industry — brands, retailers, e-commerce sellers, designers, importers and buying offices — with the knowledge, tools and practical solutions they need to address current industry issues and navigate through the rapidly-transforming sourcing ecosystem,” said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, producer of the show and publisher of North America’s leading B2B trade platforms in a press release.

There will be 500 exhibits of the latest in apparel and textile products and services from more than 20 countries at the ATSC conference sessions.

The show will include Canadian trade shifts and policy updates. The Canadian trade ecosystem is changing quickly and Bob Kirke, executive director of the Canadian Apparel Federation and Julie Hughes, president of the DC-based United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), will provide updates on directions in Canadian importing and exporting, new sourcing opportunities, and the latest shifts in the North American retail trade policy that are affecting Canadian fashion brands, retailers and manufacturers.

Leading global apparel industry expert Jeff Streader, managing director of Go Global Retail, will discuss China’s changing role in the international sourcing landscape, and how the realignment of the global supply chain is affecting Canadian sourcing directions and opening new partner opportunities.

India has emerged as a premier sourcing destination and panellists Ayoosh Jain, assistant director of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Mahesh Sanil, executive director of the Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) will reveal India’s new strategic direction, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the Canadian apparel and textile supply chain. 

A team of panellists including trade offices and leading industry players such as Agnes Gifty Adjei-Sam, director of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and Antonio Ramos, trade advisor of Peru in Toronto, will discuss about emerging sourcing markets in Africa, Turkey and Latin America and why an increasing number of Canadian businesses are forming global trading partnerships with these countries.

Top style forecaster Cynthia Florek, founder of The Trend Office, will unveil up-and-coming fashion and design trends, providing a glimpse of what consumers can expect from apparel brands and retailers next year and beyond.

Sustainability is one of the most talked about topics in the apparel and textile industry today. As one of the world’s largest and quickly-growing consumer industries, the fashion industry is taking bold steps towards integrating sustainable business practices. Avedis Seferian, president and CEO of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), will examine the importance of sustainability in today’s apparel world and share the necessary steps companies need to take to comply with laws, policies, regulations and industry standards.

In a separate panel, Katherine Stein, director of business development at SGS, and Gabriella Smith, founder of the Upcycle Project, will highlight how brands, retailers, designers and product developers are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices into their business models to minimise waste, screen vendors to ensure supply chains are compliant with international standards, and reduce costs.

Top industry experts, such as Sal Khokhar, CEO of Kollective Moda and Analucia Beltran, brand ambassador for Korite Jewelry, will share valuable tips on topics including launching a successful brand in today’s global market, the importance of building locally before growing globally, and how to build a stand-out brand with authentic content that resonates with consumers.

Roger Lamoureux, director, fashion merchandising of Today’s Shopping Choice and Pamela Bokser, director softgoods direct imports of Giant Tiger, will guide the audience on best practices in choosing factories and brands to work with, taking into account sustainability in the supplier evaluation and decision-making matrix.

In a panel session, Pamela Shainhouse, president of The Shainhouse Group fashion specialists and Jody Steinhauer, president of Bargains Group, will differentiate between a good company and a good brand, reinforcing the importance of corporate social responsibility and diversity to a company’s growth. 

Social media expert Christine Daal, CEO & founder of The Fashion Consulting Agency, Fashion Angel Warrior LLC, will share trade secrets to convert website traffic into customers, unveiling 12 key digital marketing strategies to target the right customers, drive online sales and build a successful, thriving business.

An increasing number of Canadians are creating sustainable trade partnerships with developing countries. Steve Tipman, executive director of TFO Canada – the expert in trade for developing countries and primary Canadian point of contact for emerging businesses exporting to Canada, will unveil new partnership opportunities and developments with his organisation’s work.

Dozens of other high-profile officials including Cao Jiachang, chairman of China Chamber of Commerce for import and export of textile and apparel, and Mizanur Rahman, high commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, will also be on hand to discuss new opportunities for trade with their countries.

Presented free of charge, the interactive educational sessions are expected to draw more than 6,000 local, national and international visitors who will attend ATSC to learn, source new innovations, and make connections with sourcing partners globally.

In addition to the show’s exhibits and conference sessions, ATSC will deliver a world-class fashion show, representing local and international designers, up-and-coming student talent and global fashions presented by show exhibitors.

Apparel Textile Sourcing is the apparel industry's link to the entire global supply chain. Resources, experts and manufacturers come from more than 20 countries and cover the worlds of fashion, apparel, textiles and sourcing. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India