The Sewn Products track will provide expert led panel discussions examining all levels of the supply chain. These topic-specific deep-dives will address the challenges, trends and technologies affecting the sewn products industry, and provide insights into the future of sewn products manufacturing.
Sewn Products & the Future of Manufacturing
Texprocess Americas will be kicking off the series with a special, two-part session on the future of manufacturing. The first session, The Factory of the Future, will address the evolution of technology in sewn products manufacturing, followed by part two, The Workforce of the Future, a discussion addressing the importance of human capital in a technology heavy supply chain.
Full Session Schedule:
October 7, 2020 | 11:30 AM | The Factory of the Future

Moderated by:
Arnie Kravitz, Chief Technology Officer, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)
Speakers:
Andrea Madho, DEO & Cofounder, Lab141
John Martynec, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations, Hickey Freeman
Eric Spackey, Chief Executive Officer, Bluewater Defense
Giovanni Tracanella, Global Industrial Director, U.S. Operations Vice President, Vibram
Description:
The textile industry is experiencing a shift from mass production to custom service and rapid distribution. Opportunities to apply robotics, AI, visual systems, advanced path planning, and other advanced technologies are being developed by a new generation of entrepreneurs, and companies motivated to keep up with this changing environment are presented with a number of new challenges and questions to consider. Join us on October 7th, to hear our panel of experts (representing perspectives from small start-ups to government suppliers to market leaders) as they discuss:
- What disruptive technologies are coming and what is the current robotic sewing capability?
- What infrastructure is required to address the changing workforce?
- Who is building/integrating robotic technology and where are funds being sourced?
- What are some metrics observed that compares robotics vs human manufacturing?
- What are the challenges and progress made as it relates to end-of-arm tooling?
- Are there any unique challenges in manufacturing DoD apparel and non-apparel products?
October 7, 2020 | 2:30 PM | The Workforce of the Future

Moderated by:
Laura McAndrews, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Product Development & Design, University of Georgia
Speakers:
Jenny Guarino, Chief Executive Officer, ISAIC - Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center
Jill Coleman, Business Development Director, Alvanon
Sheng Lu, Associate Professor, Fashion & Apparel Studies, University of Delaware
Description:
In just a short time our world has drastically changed – from technology, trade, economy, and more. The one constant is the people working hard in the textile and apparel supply chain. Now more than ever, investment in human capital is vital to the survival of any industry. Therefore, the textile and apparel industry must evolve their perspective in how employees are trained, educated and retained. This moderated panel discussion will dive deeper into the development of human capacity in textile and apparel businesses with a study on challenges, successes and recommendations conducted by Alvanon in partnership with Motif.
Register for Recording AccessNovember 18, 2020 | 2:30 PM | Readily Available Sewing Technologies
Moderated by:
Dan Berzack, President, Sewn Products Equipment Company
Speakers:
Rick Frye, Director of Engineering & Sales, Brother International Corp.
Jairo Duran, Sales Manager, Juki
Warren Shannon, Operations Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Sewing Machines
Description:
This presentation/panel style hybrid session will explore the latest technology available to sew and seal materials. Our panel of experts will each give a brief presentation on a specific technology in their wheelhouse, followed by a question-and-answer led discussion that will dive deeper into the efficiency improvements, production improvements, and maintenance impacts that are currently available in the sewing and sealing marketplace.
Register for Recording AccessJanuary 13, 2021 | 2:30 PM | Industry 4.0 and the Evolution of Printing
Moderated by:
Cary Sherburne, Senior Editor, WhatTheyThink
Speakers:
Kristen Dettoni, Founder, Design Pool
Kerry King, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Spoonflower
Jonathan Tio, CEO, Prima-Tex Industries
Description:
In recent years, the textiles, home décor and apparel industries have seen dramatic change, yet the industry is still the world’s second-largest polluter. As brands, retailers and consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, looking for innovative ways to address the climate emergency, the industry is under pressure to reduce its footprint, and digital printing offers a significant way to do that. In addition, there is a growing demand for customization – and even personalization – in the manufacture of apparel and home décor.
In this session, you’ll hear from providers of fabric printing who use both analog and digital printing technologies. You’ll learn how the latest developments in printers, inks and materials have removed the quality gap between analog and digital processes – and in some cases, even offering improved quality. You’ll gain an understanding of when and why digital printing can and should be used in lieu of analog technologies, as well as some of the challenges the industry still faces in its analog-to-digital transformation journey.
Register for Recording AccessFebruary 24, 2021 | 11:00 AM | Fashion On Demand: From Supply Chain to Demand Chain
Moderated by:
Edward Hertzman, Founder/President, Sourcing Journal
Speakers:
Omer Kulka, CMO, Kornit Digital
Edouard Macquin, President Americas, Lectra
Salone Monet, Founder & Creative Director, Salone Monet
Description:
After an unexpectedly tumultuous year, uncertainty remains the one thing everyone can agree on. How the industry will navigate this fluid environment is top of mind for brands, retailers and manufacturers alike. While some are in loss-recovery mode and others are solidifying their market share, one thing is clear: the traditional supply-first model of product development and production is no longer optimal for all categories and also much less profitable. Join us for a session covering how the traditional models are being innovated and transformed as the landscape continues to alter manufacturing's modus operandi, with a focus toward minimizing risk, increasing margins and providing the right product, to the right consumer, at the right time.
Register for Recording AccessFebruary 24, 2021 | 2:30 PM | The Success of On-Demand Technology Implementation
Moderated by:
Michael Rabin, Country Manager, America, Morgan Tecnica Spa
Speakers:
Lenny Marano, Chief Commercial Officer, Gerber Technology LLC
Mihaela Coapsi, VP Manufacturing Systems, CGS
Jen Guarino, CEO, ISAIC
Michael Frankhouser, Co-Owner, Carriage House Printery
Description:
Join us for an interactive panel discussion covering the latest in on-demand manufacturing. We will bring together experts in the sewn products industry who can speak firsthand on the success behind implementing on-demand technology in the production of sewn products across industries. They will discuss the tools and technologies equipping companies with maximum flexibility throughout the supply chain, as well as their individual experiences and challenges. Tune in on February 24th to learn about the solutions and processes companies can and should implement in their own journey to an on-demand methodology.
Register for Recording AccessMarch 24, 2021 | 2:30 PM | How Direct-to-Consumer is Transforming the Supply Chain
Moderated by:
Shoshana Burgett, Owner & Explorer, Colorkarma, Pink Elephant Productions
Speakers:
Koskia Bello, Design Director Retail Markets, Greg Norman
Kristen Dettoni, Founder, Design Pool LLC
Ryan Stanley, Senior Director of Color, PVH Corporation
Session Description:
Direct-to-consumer is transforming the manufacturing supply chain. Time to develop, produce and ship is condensed, and consumers are demanding faster delivery with more customized and personalized options. This session will focus on the designer’s place in today’s digital and how creatives can leverage data driven and on-demand technologies to speed up design rounds. Attendees will learn how to leverage the latest innovations to create new colors, patterns and products.
Register for Recording Access