In ​this ​unique ​and inspiring session, you’ll hear from several ​standout ​startups that are disrupting the retail apparel ecosystem via new technologies and business models that challenge conventional ways of thinking and operating. Our featured speakers are part of XRC Labs, an innovation accelerator for the next wave of retail entrepreneurs, created in partnership with Kurt Salmon ​(now part of Accenture) and housed at the Parsons New School of Design. 

Success Stories from Apparel’s Innovators
Moderator: Jordan Speer, Editor-in-Chief, Apparel

Each year Apparel honors an outstanding field of apparel retail, brand and manufacturing companies that are recognized for unique innovations that are having a positive impact on their businesses. In an executive panel discussion format, several of the 2017 Innovators will share their success stories.

AEF University features an array of interactive, topic-right workshops and peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in two 55-minute workshops in each AEF University segment for maximum idea exchange and networking.

• Round 1: 10:25 - 11:20 am
• Round 2: 11:25 am - 12:20 pm

 

Participants will select from sessions A and B.

As consumers embrace a marketplace where they can buy anywhere, anytime, retailers and brands are scrambling to reimagine their fulfillment paths. Explore common challenges and strategic approaches and solutions for efficient and effective order fulfillment across a maze of channels.

In a world where buyers desire and are willing to buy any product at any time, how should your channels expand? Best practice dictates evaluating the strategic value of distributed commerce from the perspective of (1) The Buyer, (2) The Channels and (3) Your Organization.

 

AEF University features an array of interactive, topic-right workshops and peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in two 55-minute workshops in each AEF University segment for maximum idea exchange and networking.

• Round 1: 1:25 - 2:20 pm
• Round 2: 2:25 - 3:20 pm

Participants will select from sessions A, B and C. 

 

 

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We will reveal and discuss the results of the inaugural Apparel Magazine and ICIX “State of Transparency, CSR & Compliance in the Global Apparel Supply Chain” survey that will be officially released this fall.

 

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Mirroring the style of TED Talks, Apparel’s Top 30 Under 30 honorees will share their unique perceptions on finding success in fashion, meeting the needs of consumers and pushing the envelope on new ways of thinking and doing to propel the apparel market forward.

Moderator: John Wilkinson, CEO, b2btalk

Managed by industry partnering experts, these fast-paced topic-based meetings between attendees and attendees, and attendees and sponsors not only serve as a productive ice-breaker but encourage real business dialogue to build on for future conversations. Pre-event profiles allow for the best possible matching of interests.

Susan Nichols, Brand Director, Apparel

Shinola, the Detroit-based watch, leather goods, bicycle and accessories brand is on a tear of expansion. With its mostly Assembled-in-America products and “localized” retail stores — from Miami to Dallas to Los Angeles to Brooklyn to Chicago to London — it’s been called the “coolest brand in America” by Adweek, and an “innovative giant” by The Washington Post.  It’s both lauded as a U.S.  job creator and sometimes criticized in Detroit for “using” the gritty image of the Motor City to sell its high-end wares. Come along for this fascinating look at the building of a highly successful and innovative consumer brand and retail base, while getting the lowdown on future product launches.

An expert examination of the business, trade and political environment for the fashion industry.