Exhibiting companies announced; complimentary educational programming detailed; sourcing consultants available for appointments; hosted sourcing event added
NORWALK, Conn. (December 20, 2016) – More than 40 fabric mills and factories from around the world will showcase the latest developments in athletic and golf-related apparel in the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing section of the PGA Show Floor, Jan. 25-27, in Orlando, Fla. Daily complimentary education sessions have been announced and will provide expert insight into technical fabric innovations, international trade policies, American manufacturing and advantages of duty-free sourcing. Sourcing industry professionals will be available within the PGA Show Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing area for consultative appointments and prescheduled appointments. A hosted textile sourcing event also has been added for sourcing executives, product developers and apparel designers.
“We are pleased to have growing participation by international textile companies and a full educational calendar in our second year of the Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing at the PGA Merchandise Show,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Event Director Marc Simon. “The participating companies, complimentary workshops, sourcing consultants and hosted sourcing event combine to offer a premier opportunity for exhibitors and apparel development executives to expand their sourcing matrix and develop a deeper knowledge of performance fabrics, manufacturing and international trade opportunities.”
Current participating Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing companies include:
Company Country Description
Align Textile | Taiwan | Leader in Functional Knit Fabrics with various Functionalities.
All Magic Sports | Taiwan | Quick Response, High Tech Vertical Manufacturer with concentration in Eco-Friendly Materials.
Burlington | Domestic | World leader in Tech Based Outdoor Garment Characteristics i.e. Insect Repellency, Waterproofing, etc.
Bestex | Taiwan | World Leader in Spun Polyester and Technical yarns
Camara de la Industria Puebla y Tlaxcala | Mexico | Agency dedicated to introducing Business Leaders in US to Mexican Manufacturers
Chia Her | Taiwan | Vertical Suppliers of Knits and Wovens. Large producers mainly in mass markets.
Cocona 37.5 | USA | Cutting Edge Technical Fabric Development Specializing in Temperature Control and Moisture Management.
Colorful Textile Co | Taiwan | Fabric Supplier of Stretch Cotton, Poly and Rayon; Quick Dry, Anti UV, and Anti-Microbial.
Danken | China, Taiwan | High End Hosiery Manufacturer Specializing in Sport and Tech.
Dri Release | USA | Scientific research company specializing in wicking, drying, cooling and freshening textile fabrics.
Eagle Tex | Taiwan / Vietnam | Fabric Supplier of Stretch Cotton, Poly and Rayon; Quick Dry, Anti UV, and Anti-Microbial.
Everest Yarn | Taiwan | High End Knitting Facility specializing in Nano-Silver, Bamboo Carbon, Cool Knit and Comfort Stretch.
Fortune Textile | Taiwan | Functional Fabric Vertical Supplier for all Athleisure Products.
Full Color Co. Ltd. | Taiwan | Sublimated Fabric Printing for Sportswear Garments.
Glowtex | Taiwan | Vertical Fabric Converter specializing in Technical Knits and Wovens including Outerwear.
Inprotex | Taiwan | Vertical Fabric Converter specializing in Eco-Friendly fabrics.
Inovatex | India | Innovative materials specifically designed for customers’ needs, including labeling and full package options.
iRabbitt Technical Fabrics | Taiwan | Vertically Integrated Functional Circular Knitting Facility and Tech Fabric Developer.
LJ Sports Technical Textile Co | Taiwan | Specializing in Sealed Stitching and Waterproof Garment Production for Sports Marketplace.
Maxland Sportswear | Taiwan | Technical Fabric Developer and Garment Supplier for all Outdoor Markets.
Nan Ya Plastics | Taiwan | Sophisticated Yarn Supplier specializing in Recycled Polyester.
Nanchang Keize | China | Finished Goods manufacturer specializing in Design and Technical Fabrications
Outlast | Germany | Climate Control Fiber Technology Leaders, especially in outerwear.
Quanzhou Amaze Imp/Exp | China | Finished Goods manufacturer specializing in suppling Retail Stores Direct. Private Label.
Ruey Fa | Taiwan | Vertical Technical Sportswear Manufacturer and Fabric Development Specialist.
Samtex | India | Leader in Stretch Fabric Development in Knit and Woven. Vertical Facility exporting finished products.
Seamless Global Solutions | Mexico | Technical Fabric Knitter specializing in Seamless Performance Garments
Sofileta | France | High Tech Yarn Spinner and Supplier
Xiamen Kingland | China | Outerwear company specializing in technical garments.
Tai Erh | Taiwan, China | Technical Knitters Specializing in Viscose/Rayon, Bamboo, Viscose/Bamboo, Cotton, Poly, Spandex.
Textiles Brito | Mexico | Vertical factory specializing in Cotton and Bamboo blends.
Textiles La Libertad | Mexico | Finished Goods Factory specializing in Towels, Bedding, etc.
Thermore | Germany | Yarn Insulation Experts specializing in Athletic Apparel.
Tzay Kuen Knitting | Taiwan | Vertical Knitting Facility Specializing in Golf Wear from Opening Price Point to High End.
Uniquo Way | Taiwan | Finished Goods manufacturer specializing in Design and Technical Fabrications
Waywaytex | Taiwan | Vertical Supplier of Technical Knits, Woven, Outerwear and Accessories.
Wu Luen Knitting | Taiwan | Vertical Precision Knitting facility specializing in Tricot, Spandex and Poly Blends.
Yangzhou Tongue Knitting | China | Leader in Functional Knit Fabrics with various Functionalities
The PGA Show Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing Education Program:
Wednesday, January 25th
– 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | KEYNOTE: SOURCING MERCHANDISE IN THE NEW POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
Rick Helfenbein, President & CEO, American Apparel and Footwear Association).
• In this session, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) President and CEO Rick Helfenbein will share unique perspectives on sourcing merchandise in the new political climate following the 2017 Presidential election. AAFA sits at the crossroads of the many regulatory and legislative challenges that face the apparel and footwear industry. With a strategic focus on trade, supply chain management, and brand protection – the association helps the industry chart a course through these challenges in Washington, in the United States, and around the world. What new challenges does the industry face? What opportunities exist and how can we best seize them? With Inauguration Day 2017 just five days earlier, Helfenbein will draw upon his Washington, D.C. perch and his forty years in sourcing and manufacturing in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries – including green grass channel experience – to share his insights into the new political setting that defines commercial realities.
– 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. | COMFORT IS POWER, THE SCIENCE OF HOW COMFORT INCREASES ATHLETE PERFORMANCE
Gregory W. Haggquist, Ph.D is an American Polymer Photo-Physical Chemist and Inventor. He is Chief Technology Officer of Cocona, Inc., the maker of patented 37.5 technology, which Haggquist invented.
• Golf is a game that combines mental acumen and physical stamina. To date, the science of comfort has been mostly based on subjective responses by users, with each user defining what is comfortable to them. New research in scientifically and objectively measuring comfort and its effect on the human body gives fresh insight into apparel design that can actually lead to better cognitive and physical performance. Dr. Haggquist will discuss the newest methods of measuring comfort and human performance and explain how increasing comfort in clothing, specifically to keep the core temperature stable, can profoundly impact athlete performance.
– 1 – 1:45 p.m. | SPEED TO PROFIT
Edward A. Gribbin, President, Alvanon Inc.
How speed-to-market development and sourcing strategies can enhance customer engagement, grow sales and market share and impact bottom-line results. This session will explore how apparel and footwear brands are implementing new technologies, business processes and sourcing strategies to reduce product development cycle times and bring new products to market faster.
– 2 – 2:45 p.m. | NEAR SOURCING PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderator: Mike Todaro, Managing Director, AAPNetwork
Panelists: Philip Poel, VP Global Manufacturing and Quality, Under Armour & Jesus Canahuati, CEO, Elcatex Corporation, Honduras
Apparel sourcing is shifting from Asia back to the Americas. For many brands, the Americas have proven to be faster, easier, better, cheaper and safer. Today, 60% of men’s synthetic knit shirts and 55% of men’s cotton knit shirts are produced in the Americas. This panel will share insights into market opportunities and industry leadership by producers based in the Western Hemisphere.
– 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. | OPPORTUNITIES IN DUTY-FREE SOURCING: CUT YOUR COSTS BY UP TO 32 PERCENT!
Moderator: Gail W. Strickler, President of Global Trade
Panelists: Steve Diblasi, VP Lanier Clothes & Oxford Golf, Marc Hansult, CEO DTRT Apparel & Bruce Thomson, Economist, World BankModerator: Gail W. Strickler, President of Global Trade
Duties on apparel imported into the US are as high as 32%. In a day and age where brands and retailers are struggling to reduce costs, no apparel company can afford to leave as much as 32% of the cost of a garment on the table. Learn where and how you can import garments duty free. We will discuss FTA’s (Free Trade Agreements) such as CAFTA, NAFTA and more as well as preference programs like Haiti Hope/Help, QIZ’s and AGOA. The rules for each of these programs vary widely and knowing how to comply is essential.
Thursday, January 26
– 10 – 10:45 a.m. | NEW TECHNOLOGY/INNOVATION – WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH WEARABLE TECH
Bob Bland, Founder and CEO, MNY
– 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | KEYNOTE: PROTECTING YOUR NAME – HOW SOCIAL COMPLIANCE SECURES YOUR BUSINESS REPUTATION
Avedis H. Seferian, Esq., President & CEO, WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
• As Warren Buffet put it, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation, and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Sustainability and social compliance are becoming increasingly important aspects of supply chain management given how today’s global value chain operates in an instant communication media environment. As a result, the imperative of protecting your business reputation by adequately addressing social compliance and sustainability has never been stronger, from both a risk management perspective and for ensuring business continuity and competitive success. This session will focus on providing you with tools to proactively manage sourcing options (including social compliance issues) in order to allow you to be more flexible and responsive, without putting your brand at risk.
– 1 – 1:45 p.m. | GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT! RESEARCH SHOWS WHICH PERFORMANCE FEATURES AMERICANS DESIRE IN APPAREL. YOU MIGHT THINK YOU ARE GIVING IT TO THEM, BUT ARE YOU REALLY SURE?
Dr. Robert Monticello, Sr. Tech Advisor, International Antimicrobial Council
• Apparel brands and retailers are constantly searching for new ways to differentiate their products and, often, that means adding various performance features. One of the most popular trends today is adding “freshness” features to apparel. Research shows that 60% of consumers are interested in purchasing products that will remain fresh all day. Or, for those who already own ‘all-day fresh’ products, interest in re-purchasing items with this feature is 90%. Of course, antimicrobials help brands and retailers make and keep their all-day fresh promise.
– 2 – 2:45 p.m. | FUTURECAST: WHAT’S NEXT IN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
Roberto Ramos, Senior Vice President Global Strategy & Communications, The Doneger Group
• Our hyphenated lifestyles require greater flexibility and fluidity, with apparel playing a key role. Activewear has surfaced as the transitional foundation as we toggle from work to workout and then to different forms of entertainment. Activewear has spun multiple expressions, with the consumer easily adding and subtracting elements to fit their needs. This session will look at the state of Activewear and its manifestations for tomorrow.
– 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. | SOCIAL COMPLIANCE AS A GLOBAL SOURCING IMPERATIVE – OPEN DISCUSSION
Moderator: Clay Hickson, VP Strategy & Business Development, WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
• Share your perspectives on how social compliance has become a sourcing imperative during this open discussion with your peers and social compliance specialists. It has long been true that if a supplier wants to sell to a customer, there are certain conditions (price, quality, and lead time) that must be met before that sale can take place. If a factory cannot meet these requirements, they will not receive the order. While these pre-conditions continue to be just as important today as ever, in recent years, social compliance has been added to that sourcing imperative mix. That means that both suppliers and buyers (brands and retailers) must objectively demonstrate that they are abiding by the principles of ethical sourcing. Those who remain mired in the “old ways” of sourcing soon will find themselves left behind!
Consultative Appointments
Attendees will also have the opportunity to make complimentary consulting appointments with sourcing professionals who can provide basic sourcing protocol and guidance, plus assist with identifying appropriate suppliers. Consultative sourcing professionals will be available from the Sourcing Journal, The Doneger Group, WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), AAPNetwork (Americas Apparel Producers’ Network), Alvanon and the U.S. Department of Trade.
Hosted Sourcing Event
Additionally, PGA Merchandise Show organizers are hosting an invitation-only, turn-key textile sourcing event during the PGA Show for sourcing executives to meet potential new partners from a curated group of more than 40 mills and factories, to learn insights from key industry stakeholders, and to participate in matchmaking with select mills and factories. To apply for the hosted textile sourcing program, complete the invitation form at PGAShow.com/source.
All sourcing events and programs will be conducted in the PGA Show Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing area located in the Apparel Hall of the PGA Show Floor. Comprehensive details on exhibitors, workshops and special programs are available at PGAShow.com/textilesourcing.
About the PGA Merchandise Show
The 64th PGA Merchandise Show, held Jan. 25-27, 2017, in Orlando, will welcome some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s annual global summit for the business of golf. The PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day, the world’s largest professional golf testing event, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Orange County National Golf Center. During PGA Show days, Jan. 25-27, at the Orange County Convention Center, PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders will uncover the latest trends, source the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, learn proven business best practices, network among peers and move forward the business of the game. The PGA Merchandise Show is organized in partnership with the PGA of America and is a trade-only event, not open to the public.
Contact:
PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions/Media: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions/Exhibitor: Alex Goodman, (203) 840-5641, agoodman@reedexpo.com
PGA of America/Media: Michael Abramowitz, (561) 624-8458, mabramowitz@pgahq.com
