Cotton, Fiber, Finishes & Performance at FIT

This events Key Note Speaker is a good friend and colleague of mine Will Manzer the President and CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports. I worked with Will when he was President of Perry Ellis and I was SVP for their factory outlet stores. Also one of the moderators Vincent Quan, Associate Professor at FIT is a former colleague and friend. I worked with him at both Perry Ellis and London Fog. 

I highly recommend that you attend this event. I will be there and I hope you will too. You can register by clicking the link below.

Thanks, Hope to see you there, 

Mark Libell

Cotton, Fiber, Finishes & Performance

October 28, 2011  | Fashion Institute of Technology | New York, NY

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), in cooperation with the Fashion Institute of Technology, is hosting a seminar on Friday, October 28th entitled "Cotton Fiber, Finishes, and Performances." This one day event will feature panel discussions focused on the economics and sustainability of cotton, developing new finishes and innovative fibers, and product development and performance. Luncheon Keynote Speaker, Will Manzer, President & CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports, will gives his perspective on what major retailers are looking for in product performance, fit, comfort and sustainability.
Featured Speakers Include:

• Will Manzer, President & CEO, Eastern Mountain Sports
• J. Berrye Worsham, President & CEO, Cotton Incorporated
• Tony Post, President & CEO, Vibram USA
• Christine Standal, Director of Fabric Research & Development, Coach, Inc. 

About AAFA:

The American Apparel & Footwear Association is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market.

AAFA is a powerful source of intelligence and catalyst for change in addressing the external forces that are important to your business.

Cotton, Fiber, Finishes & Performance

October 28, 2011   |   Fashion Institute of Technology   |   New York City

8:00 – 8:30 AM	REGISTRATION & CONTINTENAL BREAKFAST
8:30 – 8:35 AM	WELCOME REMARKS
8:35 – 10:05 AM	ECONOMICS OF COTTON & SUSTAINBILITY This panel will cover supply and demand, overview of cotton market, product cost and sustainability. Panel Discussion J. Berrye Worsham, President & CEO, Cotton Incorporated Terry Townsend, Executive Director, International Cotton Advisory Committee Judith Ganes Chase, President, J. Ganes Consulting, LLC. Moderator: Jeffrey Silberman, Chairperson, Textile Development & Marketing Department, Fashion Institute of Technology
10:05 – 10:30 AM	COFFEE BREAK
10:30 – 11:45 AM	NEW FINISHES & INNOVATIVE FABRICS This panel will involve a discussion between a testing lab, fabric supplier and chemical company/finishes with a tie into sustainability. Panel Discussion Duraisamy Ravichandran, Textile Director, Intertek Consumer Goods North America Liz Johnson, Military Market Manager & Paige Mullis, Concept Development Director, Glen Raven Darrell Burnette, Business Development Manager North America, Sanitized AG
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM	Moderator: Sean Cormier, Professor, Textile Development & Marketing Department, Fashion Institute of Technology BRAND PERFORMANCE & INNOVATION Industry experts from leading brands representing footwear, apparel, and accessories will share their insight on some of the exciting new products they have in the market, what’s in-demand, and what’s ahead. Panel Discussion Tony Post, President & CEO, Vibram USA Christine Standal, Director of Fabric Research & Development, Coach, Inc. Toshiko Sakane, Vice President, Nikko Textile Moderator: Vincent Quan, Associate Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology
1:00 – 2:15 PM	LUNCH & KEYNOTE PRESENTATION – Sponsored by Intertek Consumer Goods North America Will Manzer, President & CEO, Eastern Mountain Sports