The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) is pleased to present the

2023 Washington Trade Symposium

Join USFIA in Washington DC to talk about the key issues and politics affecting the fashion industry. From forced labor enforcement to textile policy to the future of the China 301 tariffs, don't miss this opportunity to hear insights and solutions, and meet with key DC policy-makers.   

We listened to you! This year's Washington Trade Symposium will be a hybrid event. Tickets are available for both virtual and in-person attendance.

Join USFIA tohear from insidersnetworkexpand your knowledgethis July in DC!

Agenda

The Symposium runs from 9:00AM until 4:45PM

This agenda is preliminary and subject to change prior to the event.

8:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Registration & Networking

 

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9:00 AM - Opening Remarks

  • Julia K. Hughes, President, United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)
  • Michael Lambert, Executive Director of Global Trade and Compliance for Urban Outfitters, Inc. and Vice Chair of the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)

 

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9:10 AM - Fireside Chat on the Next Steps in the Fight Against Forced Labor
Moderated by Julia Hughes, President, USFIA

  • Robert Silvers, Under Secretary at Department of Homeland Security, Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force

 

 McCandless Scott Spooner David  

9:40 AM - The Washington Insiders on Trade Policy & Politics

  • Scott McCandless, Partner in PwC’s Washington Tax Practice
  • David Spooner, USFIA Washington Counsel and Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP

 

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10:25 AM - Perspectives on Textile Trade Policy in the Biden Administration

  • Laurie-Ann Agama, Acting AUSTR for Textiles, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
  • Jennifer Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials, Department of Commerce

 

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11:00 AM - Audit Fatigue in the Age of Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence

  • Avedis Seferian, President & CEO, WRAP

 

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11:30 AM - GSP: Renewal Status and Opportunities for Improvements

  • Daniel Anthony, Executive Director, Coalition for GSP

 

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch

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1:00 PM - What’s On the Horizon for U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  • John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

 

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1:30 PM - Today’s Customs Issues

  • John Pellegrini, Customs Consultant, USFIA
  • Erin Williamson, Senior Director of Customs Brokerage Product, GEODIS
  • Bob Kirke, Executive Director, Canadian Apparel Federation

 

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break

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2:15 PM - Trade and Sourcing Trends for 2023: Results of the Fashion Industry Benchmarking Survey

  • Dr. Sheng Lu, Associate Professor at the University of Delaware Department of Fashion & Apparel Studies

 

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3:00 PM - CAFTA Outlook: New Opportunities for Sourcing

  • Ann Marie Brouillette, Director of Programs, Partnership for Central America
  • Patricia Figueroa, Executive Director, CECATEC

 

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3:30 PM - Exploring the Possibilities: Direct Tax Incentives to Change the Sourcing Landscape
Moderated by Maytee Pereira, PwC Customs and International Trade Co-Leader

  • Mark Prater, Managing Director in PwC's Tax Policy Services
  • Eric Shin, PwC Consumer Markets Tax Leader
  • Matt Wallace, Partner in PwC's International Tax Services

 

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4:00 PM - Best Practices and Warnings for Forced Labor Enforcement

  • Anne Marie Lacourse, Global Trade Advisor, Sayari
  • Bob Kirke, Executive Director, Canadian Apparel Federation

Speakers

Our Sponsors & Partners

There are many sponsorship opportunities to increase your company's visibility at USFIA's Washington Trade Symposium. Contact Stephanie Gauzens, sgauzens@usfashionindustry.com, to discuss details or confirm your sponsorship.

2023 Symposium Event Supporter

Sayari Logo

 

2023 USFIA Partners

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IHKIB copySayari Logo BLK

 

2023 USFIA Sponsor

WRAP Basic Logo web updated 2022