Programs & Events
Below are the 2007 Programs and Events. Be sure to check back for 2008 information soon.
GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES™ ATTENDEE CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Global Home Textiles is pleased to present a two-part Conference Program (for the Exhibitor Program, click here), focusing on the evolving global home textiles business. More than 15 industry professionals will present eleven sessions over the course of three days, imparting expert information for offshore manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, product development teams, agents, and service providers with a current or future business interest in the home textiles arena.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
PART 2 - Attendee
For importers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, product development teams, agents and anyone interested in sourcing/importing home textiles into the U.S.
Six expert-led sessions present an unparalleled opportunity to gain knowledge and obtain tools for succeeding in the complicated business of sourcing for the U.S. marketplace.
Part 2 Conference Program – Attendee (7 sessions) cost: $350 advance / $450 on-site. Individual session tickets as indicated below.
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2007
Opening Luncheon
The Future of the U.S. Home Textiles Industry
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Keynote Speaker:
Warren Shoulberg, Editor-in-Chief – HFN
People are always going to need sheets, towels and other home fashion products, but how they buy them and where they come from will change radically over the next few years. Major modifications in sources of supply, channels of distribution, branding and merchandising will result in a future quite different than the present for the home textiles industry. Are you ready to look into the future? Our keynote speaker, Warren Shoulberg, will candidly address all the changes and offer his educated predictions for the next decade.
Not to be missed!
Session cost (including lunch): $100 advance / $125 on-site
Introduction to Importing
2:30 – 4:30 PM
Presented by:
Robert Leo, Partner - Meeks & Sheppard
Isabelle Vermeersch, President - Centipid LLC
Whether you’re just beginning to import, are thinking about it, or have a few years of experience, you’ll want to attend this seminar to learn from three educated and expert presenters. They’ll explain the latest on government regulations, quotas, free trade agreements, rules of origin, and other important compliance issues specifically affecting the home textiles industry. You’ll also get particulars on document clearance, INCOTERMs, post-entry requirements and the legal issues you may face. Find out what information you need to keep, for how long, and what you are required to have on file, including government forms. And what the penalties are if you don't comply. This information-packed session is a must for anyone serious about sourcing and importing from offshore manufacturers.
Session cost: $75 advance / $85 on-site
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9
Kickoff Breakfast
The Impact of Demographic Trends on Consumer Spending
8:00 – 9:30 AM
Presented by:
R. Mark Castle, Vice President - Smith Barney
Michael J. Scotto, Managing Director – Legg Mason
How much do you really know about the American consumer, particularly the Baby Boomer who accounts for a huge piece of America’s spending? Learn about the shifting habits of Baby Boomers and how this aging demographic will impact consumer spending over the coming decades. Our speakers will bring a focus to certain areas such as spending on the home, leisure and healthcare-related costs – valuable information that everyone involved in producing, marketing or retailing home products should be attuned to.
Session cost, including continental breakfast: $75 advance / $85 on-site
Selecting Overseas Suppliers
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Presented by:
Michael A. Levin, Attorney at Law – Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
Marian E. Ladner, Attorney at Law – Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
Peter Relovsky, Regional Sales Mgr, Business Information Services - Lee & Hawthorne Agency - Coface North America, Inc.
Are you are looking to import products, but are not sure who the overseas suppliers are? Learn about the key steps to take when selecting factories, confirming payment terms, while protecting yourself and your company throughout the process. Discover ways in which you can qualify and monitor your suppliers overseas, and how to minimize your risk. Best practices for working with agencies, and a focus on credit reports for manufacturers will also be discussed.
Session cost: $75 advance / $85 on-site
Global Home Textiles Focus on: CHINA
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Presented by:
China Chamber of Commerce for Textiles (CCCT)
Get an in-depth overview of China’s home textiles industry and learn about upcoming opportunities for sourcing – what products are made where, how to select reputable factories, what are typical manufacturing capabilities such as product development, order sizes, services, delivery, compliance and more. Whether you’re currently importing from China or not, this session should provide valuable information for your business.
Session cost: $50 advance / $60 on-site
INDIA: Understanding Home Textiles Sourcing Opportunites
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Presented by:
Arun Roongta, Publisher & Editor, Home Fashion India Magazine
Although India’s textiles industry has a long history of exporting, there’s much new to learn about this growing and advanced market. Sourcing opportunities abound for small – to medium – to large volume programs. Come learn about the latest in technological advancements, investments being made by the Indian government, and meet manufacturers of all sizes eager to do business in the U.S.
Session cost: $50 advance / $60 on-site
Buying Duty-Free Home Textiles From Egypt
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Presented by:
Dr. Ashraf El-Rabiey, Minister Plenipotentiary/ Head of the Egyptian Economic & Commercial Office
Eng. Abo El-Sebaa, President of the Egyptian Home Textiles Export Council
Tamer Ali, Second Commercial Secretary of the Egyptian Economic & Commercial Office
Doing business with Egyptian home textiles producers has great advantages for US-based companies. Learn about the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ’s) and the custom/duty-free eligibility criteria. Presenters will also enlighten attendees about the Egyptian home textiles industry, its companies, production costs and competitive strategies for doing business in the US. Senior representatives from Egyptian companies will be present to answer specific inquiries.
Session cost: $50 advance / $60 on-site
The Global Home Textiles™ Conference Program is co-sponsored by HFN; produced by NEXCO.
