SEAMS, the National Association for the US Sewn Products and Textile Industries, will mark its 50th anniversary at the annual Spring Networking Conference ‘Shaping the Next 50 Years’. The conference on sewn products will be held at OMNI Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, from May 16 to 17, 2017. The conference will explore trends and opportunities that diverse sewn products brands, original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers will encounter as they grow into the future.

The event is meant for textile providers, contract manufacturers, brands, vertical retailers and their suppliers and service providers who collectively represent the complete concept-to-consumer supply chain. It aims at promoting the continued growth of the US fashion, sewn products and textile industries through educational programs, networking opportunities, business opportunity matchmaking, industry collaboration and special member benefits packages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce their company to all attendees, meet industry-focused benefits providers, and visit special products/services displays during the conference.

Highlights include a keynote presentation on trends and predictions delivered by a noted futurist, feature presentations covering trade, government relations, human resources and more, breakout sessions on several relevant industry topics to choose from, and a panel discussion, which will provide an update on trends in military, automotive, industrial and other segments. The focus is on preparing members to embrace the future.

A new single-day conference program will be preceded by an optional plant tour, golf outing, opening reception and dinner.