Inside Apparel: Together We Prosper
As this issue goes to press, the team at Apparel is revving up for an exciting series of upcoming events, propelled by a powerful succession of industry gatherings we recently wrapped up in our editorial coverage.
We hope the articles in this issue convey accurately and fully the throbbing pulse of the industry that can be taken when people from different companies take time out to meet -- to share their ideas and war stories, to hatch plans for the future, to enjoy a few laughs over common ground.
This month we offer you coverage from the Source It 2005 show, where ASEAN producers and global buyers came together to talk shop in Hong Kong. We also share highlights from [TC]2's anniversary celebration and from two of Apparel's own roundtable discussions, one held live in New York and the other via conference call. And let's not forget fashion -- as contributing author Christian Chensvold takes us through the must-see trends from the L.A. runways.
Stay posted for upcoming issues, where we'll share the latest from the CAFTA region from the Apparel Sourcing Show in Guatemala, an update on the SEAMS organization's "Made-in-USA" movement and more.
The cross-pollination, collaboration and interaction that come from professional meetings and industry events are invaluable, and perhaps more important than ever as the apparel business becomes more global.
And it's easier to take part -- for instance, thanks to advances in telecommunications, some events do not even require you to leave your desk. I invite you to attend Apparel's RFID webinar via your computer June 8 (visit our home page for more details). Have a conflict that day? No problem. You can "attend" the event after the fact, at your convenience, by simply clicking on a link to it on our web site.
For face-to-face opportunities to learn about new technologies, network with colleagues and meet prospective production sources, I encourage you to attend Apparel's China Symposium & Sourcing Fair this Sept. 19-22 in Shanghai and Apparel's Tech Conference on Nov. 10 in New York. No matter where you are with implementation of technology and global sourcing, you can benefit from meeting with the diverse array of industry experts, production sources and solutions providers we will have gathered for you at these venues. And if you're a senior-level executive from an apparel business, it's not too late to express interest in attending Apparel's Executive Forum, featuring a special focus on the "Supply Chain of the Future," to be held Oct. 9-11 in Naples, FL.
If there is a common theme that emanates from some of the events we cover in this month's magazine, it is that the world is becoming a much smaller place. Technology and in particular the Internet have made interconnectivity easier and more efficient between individuals and companies around the world. At the same time, personal relationships and good, old-fashioned effective communication remain necessary.
This is not new-age wisdom, but worth reiterating because executing on the basics can be the toughest row to hoe. Through our events, just as through the content of these print pages, I hope Apparel can help you find the keys to your connected supply chain. We're in this together!
Editor's Note: For more information about the events mentioned above and other industry gatherings, visit the "Events" section at www.apparelmag.com.
Kathleen DesMarteau is editor in chief of Apparel and may be reached at tel.: 864-627-0276, e-mail: [email protected].