The Concept 2 Consumer® Interest Group (C2C IG) is intended for designers, merchandisers, product developers, colorists and others from brands, retailers, and commercial testing labs to share their interest in color and quality, and the challenges of working with a complex textile supply chain. This Spring, the C2C speaker is Keith Hoover, President of Black Swan Textiles LLC. Hoover will present, “Resurrecting Fashion: Digitalization and the Path Forward.”

The apparel industry has been under fire from several fronts over the past few decades. Profitability, sustainability, workers’ rights, manufacturing logistics, supply chain constraints, fit, quality, and the lack of any point of view on style are among the wounds that are festering in the once-proud industry.

This presentation will examine the apparel industry—past, present, and future—and provide the presenter’s opinion on what it will take to actually improve things (not just change them). Instead of doing the same old same old, new practices and technologies must allow employees to focus on solving problems and provide genuine improvement.

If you are interested in how we can change the model from Concept to Consumer—and you see an opportunity to address a higher class of problem (instead of doing the same old same old), then don’t miss this session.

The Chemical Applications Interest Group (CAIG) seeks to stimulate and expand the knowledge base of applying chemicals (preparation aids, colorants, finishes, polymers, etc.) to textile substrates. The group concentrates on the technologies, equipment, systems, and processes used, as well as testing the physical/mechanical properties of treated materials. Speakers Scott Bowers and Ben Triplett from TexPro will talk about “Optimizing Finishing Productivity & Quality.”

TexPro’s  Optimization Program restores the uniformity and heat transfer capabilities of thermal production equipment. The program involves restoring oven performance and educating plant staff on how to maintain their ovens consistently at peak performance. Just as importantly, TexPro utilizes patented equipment to document the web temperature profile as it travels through the oven; and we aid in the optimization of production recipes to provide the needed web temperature profile at the highest possible throughput. Line speeds typically are increased 15% – 35%, often considerably more, with improved quality and enhanced consistency. In addition to seeing improved quality and line speed increases, users have reported 5%-10% energy reductions.

The mission of the Rising Professionals Interest Group (RISE) is to address professional development, networking, mentorship, leadership, and other aspects of a career in textiles. The Rising Professionals interest group is open to all AATCC members regardless of age. The group provides a “home” for individuals new to AATCC and/or new to the industry—whether recent graduates or seasoned professionals coming to textiles from another industry. Speaker Jeff Sackaroff, Director of Career Services for the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, will talk about “Career Management for the New Professional; How to Set Yourself Up for Long Term Career Success.”