Washington, D.C. – Dozens of global fashion brands, retailers, importers, and industry service providers will convene in New York City on November 7, 2018, the day after the U.S. midterm elections, for the 30th Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference. Hosted by the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) and American Import Shippers Association (AISA) in conjunction with USFIA Premier Partner & Host Sponsor PwC, the event will bring together executives working in compliance, logistics, sourcing, supply chain management, government relations, and corporate social responsibility to discuss the impact of the elections on trade and business, as well as other hot topics.
The agenda will cover challenges in the morning, and solutions in the afternoon, with an array of expert speakers from across the supply chain.
Many discussions will focus on the U.S.-China trade tensions and how companies can mitigate the impact of the Section 301 tariff increases. Confirmed speakers include Bill Jackson, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles; David Spooner of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, former Chief Textile & Apparel Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration; Erin Ennis, Senior Vice President of the U.S.-China Business Council; and Avedis Seferian, President & CEO of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), who will discuss factory safety and compliance considerations for companies considering shifting sourcing to combat price increases.
In addition to trade policy, the conference will include discussions on retail, sustainability, and innovation, including experts from Levi Strauss & Co., Macy’s Merchandising Group, BSI, Canopy, Lenzing, and PwC, as well.
One of the industry’s most important transportation and logistics events, the conference will likewise feature speakers from The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, The Port of Long Beach, GEODIS USA, Bamboo Rose, and more.
Members of the press who would like to cover the event must contact Samantha Sault at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday, November 2. All press must be registered in advance.
The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7th at PwC, 300 Madison Avenue between E 41st and E 42nd Streets, New York, New York.
About the U.S. Fashion Industry Association
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) represents the fashion industry: textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., USFIA is the most respected voice for the fashion industry in front of the U.S. government as well as international governments and stakeholders. With constant, two-way communication, USFIA staff and counsel serve as the eyes and ears of our members in Washington and around the world, enabling them to stay ahead of the regulatory challenges of today and tomorrow. Through our publications, educational events, and networking opportunities, USFIA also connects with key stakeholders across the value chain including U.S. and international service providers, suppliers, and industry groups.
About the American Import Shippers Association (AISA)
The American Import Shippers Association (AISA) was established in 1987 as a not-for-profit organization to secure, based on the members’ collective container volume, discounted ocean freight rates and other volume-based incentives for U.S. imports of apparel, textiles, footwear, fashion accessories,
