.png)
About the Event
SPESA’s Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference is a one-day event packed with educational sessions for you and your team to learn about the new ideas, solutions, and technology available for the sewn products industry. ​
​
The conference is designed specifically for sewn products manufacturers, brands, retailers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders to hear directly from the technology providers responsible for what’s on the horizon when it comes to new innovations and advancements in manufacturing soft goods.
​
This is an industry event like no other. We carefully curate panels and content that address the latest trends and issues impacting the industry. Previous topics include: AI, sustainability, waste management, on-demand manufacturing, robotics, and automation.
​
Speakers of the conference — many of them SPESA members — are there to discuss the products they make as well as the challenges they still want to tackle to improve efficiency, speed, and accuracy in sewn products manufacturing. We invite you to join us for a day filled with learning and productive conversations with the people who create the solutions and products you need.
​
Worried you won't have enough time to network? We’ve got you covered. In addition to a full-day conference, we will also be hosting two networking events while in Austin — an introductory event on the evening of Wednesday, April 2nd and a culmination event on the evening of Thursday, April 3rd.
What's in Store for 2025?
Registration is now open for the 2025 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference!
​
This year's conference features sessions on global topics that are relevant to any market such AI & Automation; sourcing; and manufacturing scalability, but also brings a sharp focus to U.S. production and nearshoring.
​
Keeping it local, we are thrilled to partner with the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative to introduce our attendees to the state’s burgeoning industry. Touching on a wide range of issues from building successful supplier relationships to managing carbon footprints to inspiring emerging designers, a TFII panel will kick off our day with a discussion on the manufacturing opportunities available in Texas, and the challenges ahead.
Click here to view the complete agenda.​
​
Why Austin?
This is a conference focused on highlighting new technology and advancements for the soft goods industry. So, Austin — as one of the largest and fastest growing tech hubs in the country — was an obvious strategic choice from the start. But the more we researched and learned about the growing fashion and sewn products industries in Austin and Texas, the more impressed we were by the creativity and determination of those who are working to not only keep the industry alive but allow it to thrive despite enduring challenges.
​
We are so excited to include some of those creators and innovators in the discussions at this year's conference, including Nina Means, Director of the Austin Community College (ACC) Fashion Incubator. Read more about Nina's efforts to advance Austin's fashion industry here.
​
And, as a bonus, we get to enjoy some of the best food and live music in the country! Read SPESA VP Marie D'Avignon's guide to her home state here.
About the Venue
This isn’t your boring run-of-the-mill library. The Austin Central Library, a LEED Platinum Certified space, brings history, culture, technology (be sure to check out the “technology petting zoo” on the 5th floor), and community together in the heart of downtown Austin. It's one block away from the Google headquarters in Austin and two blocks away from Austin City Limits Live. It's that unique marriage between emerging tech and deep roots that attracted us to Austin in the first place. We hope you enjoy the library, and the city, as much as we do.
​
Here's what other people are saying about Austin Central Library:
Austin Central Library Is One of the World's Greatest Places (Time Magazine)
Step Inside the World's 15 Most Futuristic Libraries (Architectural Digest)
Review: Austin Central Library (Condé Nast Traveler)
​
Plus, who wants to go to another conference in a boring hotel meeting room?!
​
Speaking of hotels, please note there is no official room block for this event, as there are several great options downtown to suit anyone’s tastes. We are, however, recommending the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown, which is a 10 minute walk to the Austin Central Library. Please reach out to Marie or Maggie if you need assistance booking at this hotel.
You’re welcome to connect with the SPESA team should you need additional recommendations in Austin.