SOURCING at MAGIC - February 2013

Details

From February 18-21, 2013, USA-ITA will again partner with SOURCING at MAGIC, the largest and most comprehensive sourcing event in North America. Offering unmatched access to over 40 countries representing the world’s most important markets, SOURCING at MAGIC showcases more than 800 apparel, accessories and footwear resources, conveniently merchandised by country and category: contract and original design manufacturers; fabric, trim and component suppliers; and service and technology providers.

In addition to visiting our booth in the Sourcing Resources Center--where you can chat with our staff about trade policy questions and learn more about membership and our events--we hope you'll also join us at the seminars throughout the week, including one moderated by USA-ITA President Julia K. Hughes.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

SOURCING OUTLOOK FOR 2013
10:00 AM at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S229
Leading global players give their views on the complex considerations of apparel and accessory sourcing: areas to investigate for future sourcing initiatives, the use of private-label specialists to meet specific needs in multiple markets, creating local sourcing strategies within an international structure and the new set of rules when introducing brands into international markets including laws, free trade agreements, benefits and more.

MODERATOR:

Katherine Stein, DIRECTORY OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SOFTLINES, SGS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (USA-ITA Member)

PANELISTS:

Ken Mangone, FORMER EVP PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN AND SOURCING, JCPENNEY (Former USA-ITA Board Member)

Courtney O’Keefe, SVP PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND SALES, NORWEST USA/PDS MULTINATIONAL

Crystal Button, VP GLOBAL SOURCING/TECH DESIGN, ONESTOPPLUS (REDCATS USA)

THE AMERICAS: SOURCING OPTIONS IN OUR HEMISPHERE
2:30 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S231
Ease of access to end-market is becoming sought after by sourcing executives in major markets worldwide. As brands and retailers re-evaluate their sourcing allocation, they are continually looking to bring manufacturing "closer to home.” Led by Walter Wilhelm, expert panelists share the opportunities available for apparel production in our hemisphere.

MODERATOR:   

Walter Wilhelm, CEO, WALTER WILHELM ASSOCIATES, LLC

PANELISTS:

Barbara Nicholson, VP OPERATIONS, BROOKS APPAREL/MOVING COMFORT

Carlos Arias, CEO, KALTEX APPAREL

Simon Cohen, CO-FOUNDER and PRESIDENT, 291 VENICE and FORMER PRESIDENT, MICHAEL STARS

Alfredo Frech, VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING, INDUSTRIAS MERLET

Don Young, CEO, MERCHANT COTERIE

Anthony Travis, SOURCING MANAGER, PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

OBAMA’S SECOND TERM: FOCUS ON TRADE AND APPAREL
10:30 AM at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S229
With President Obama focused on trade negotiations and new agreements that will play an important part in the apparel sourcing supply chain, industry experts examine the ins and outs of the current Administration’s position: Where are we with ongoing negotiations like the Trans-Pacific Partnership? What will affect sourcing decisions? Are there new agreements in the air?

MODERATOR:

Julie Hughes, PRESIDENT U.S. ASSOCIATION OF IMPORTERS OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL

PANELISTS:

Gail Strickler, ASSISTANT U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Mark Jaeger, SENIOR VP SENIOR VP GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY, JOCKEY INTERNATIONAL

FOOTWEAR SOURCING OPTIONS: REGIONS TO CONSIDER FOR A BALANCED SUPPLY CHAIN
1:30 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S229
Based on 2012 sourcing survey results from the FDRA (Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America), Matt Priest of FDRA and fellow footwear panelists share their views on the present and future of footwear sourcing: Will ongoing changes in China's economy, worker demands, currency manipulation and domestic demand impact how and where footwear brands and retailers source product? Will China continue to dominate the market? Will we see a return to the sourcing of footwear in other regions such as Italy, Brazil, Africa and others?

MODERATOR:

Matt Priest, PRESIDENT, FOOTWEAR DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS OF AMERICA (FDRA)

PANELISTS:

Ron Sorini, FORMER AMBASSADOR and ATTORNEY, SORINI, SAMET & ASSOCIATES (USA-ITA Member)

Bryan Collins, PRESIDENT, TOPLINE CORP.

For the full list of seminars, visit http://www.magiconline.com/seminars.

We hope to see you there!