The International Apparel Federation (IAF) and the Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), with the support of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), are set to host the 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This marks the first IAF convention in North America in two decades.

Taking place October 22–25, 2023, the convention will be held at the historic Bellevue Hotel, a Hyatt property situated in Philadelphia city centre, the IAF, SPESA, and AAFA said in a joint press release.

The convention dinner will be hosted at the National Constitution Center, a venue dedicated to the US Constitution, located at Independence Mall, on October 24.

The hosts have invited industry representatives to engage with the theme ‘Our Industry in Transition: Building Stronger, Smarter, and More Sustainable Supply Chains’.

The 2023 convention aims to gather the full global supply chain, including brands from the US, Canada, and Europe, manufacturers from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as solution and technology providers, educators, and policy makers. Around 300 delegates from over 20 countries are anticipated to join the event.

Activities throughout the convention will balance education and socialisation, featuring a 1.5-day conference, a festive off-site dinner, a business matchmaking session, and the IAF Golf Tournament. The theme and activities of this convention emphasise the importance of collaboration across the supply chain in times of transition.

Registrations are now open for the convention, a welcome announcement after successful editions in Dhaka, Antwerp, Lahore, Istanbul, Maastricht, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro. With this year's edition, IAF and SPESA continue their commitment to unite the global supply chain and strengthen industry connections.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)

2-decade hiatus ends with IAF convention in North America

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