2026 Featured Seminars
September 23, 2026
Seminar: A Preview of the 35th East China Fair Global Promotion Conference
The 35th East China Fair Global Promotion Conference will be held in Shanghai New International Expo Centre from March 1-4, 2027. The 115,000-square-meter exhibition will provide over 5,100 standard booths for about 4,000 exhibitors. Learn more about this huge international…
Canadian Apparel Trade Update
Canadian Apparel Federation Executive Director Bob Kirke will present an overview of key policies, import statistics, and developments from a Canadian perspective. This session is a unique opportunity to hear a broad range of issues discussed in one place. Topics…
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Tariffs and Trade in Flux: Voices from the Front Lines
New U.S. tariff policies continue to reshape the global apparel supply chain. What does this mean for Canada, the U.S., and major sourcing countries? Canadian Apparel Federation Executive Director Bob Kirke and USFIA President Julia Hughes return to the stage,…
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The New Reality of Global Sourcing: Forced Labor Enforcement and Supply Chain Risk
As governments expand efforts to prevent goods linked to forced labor from entering global markets, supply chains are facing new compliance, sourcing, and reputational challenges. This session examines the evolving enforcement landscape and outlines practical strategies for reducing risk while…
Fireside Chat with Robin Yates: A Career in Canadian Outerwear
Join us for a candid fireside conversation with Robin Yates, Co-Founder of Nobis, on building a Canadian apparel brand from the ground up. Robin will take questions from the audience, with the conversation moderated by Bob Kirke, Executive Director of…
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AI & Apparel: Reshaping Design, Sourcing and Production
AI is no longer a distant trend – it’s already reshaping how apparel gets designed, sourced, and produced. Learn how to put it to work from three Canadian founders building it firsthand: Stuart Campbell, Founder & CEO of Passen (AI-powered…
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September 24, 2026
Tariffs, Trade and Compliance: Key Takeaways for Canadian Buyers and Suppliers
Moderated by Mark Jaeger, SVP of Stakeholder Engagement at WRAP, join this fast-paced discussion on the key issues shaping today’s sourcing environment. As tariffs, trade policies, and compliance expectations continue to evolve, buyers and suppliers must adapt quickly to manage…
Customer Confidence through Regulatory Compliance – OEKO-TEX® and TESTEX give brands and manufacturers peace of mind in a world of evolving product safety regulations
Max Li, General Manager APAC at TESTEX — the Swiss organization behind OEKO-TEX® — brings over 25 years of business development experience to the world of textile compliance. As regulations tighten worldwide around PFAS and other product safety concerns, Max…
The Future of Canadian Fashion – a Fashion Show & Industry Event
Canada Unites, ATS Canada’s official show partner, celebrates new talent, career opportunities and the future: The Future of Canadian Fashion – a Fashion Show & Industry Event – spotlighting emerging designers and connecting students from fashion, business, marketing and media…
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The Future of Fashion: Surviving and Thriving in the Apparel Industry
Join Canadian designer Ross Mayer and other industry leaders (to be announced) for a conversation moderated by Fashion Exchange’s Rosa Fracassa. Explore how fashion businesses can adapt and thrive amid changing consumer expectations, new technology, social media, sustainability pressures, manufacturing…
Previous Year's Seminars
September 29, 2025
Canadian Apparel Trade Update
Canadian Apparel Federation Executive Director Bob Kirke will present an overview of key policies, import statistics and developments from a Canadian perspective. This wide-ranging presentation is a unique opportunity for companies to hear a wide range of issues discussed. The…
Click for more information on 'Canadian Apparel Trade Update'
Global Tariffs and Trade in Flux: The consequences of new trade policies and perspectives from suppliers and importers
The United States has initiated major changes to tariff policies in place for most of the last 50 Years. New, arbitrary tariffs are placing huge stress on the global apparel supply chain. How does this impact Canada, the U.S. &…
Panel Discussion: Strengthening Sustainable Supply Chains Through Reliable Trading Partnerships
At a time of global economic and geo-political volatility, global trading systems are being put to the test, creating greater uncertainty. This has prompted the need for Canadian buyers to seriously consider diversifying their sources of supply. Join our panel…
Creative Escapade: Trends SS26
Join leading international trends firm Peclers Paris Business Development Manager Gaia Prado as she reveals the seasonal themes for Spring/Summer ’26. As we see global instability increasing, creativity can often becomes a form of resistance—bringing spontaneity, emotion, and self-expression back…
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Empower consumers with confidence through OEKO-TEX® certified sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s a consumer expectation. Today’s buyers want to know not only that products are safe to use, but also that they have been produced responsibly, with respect for people and the planet. OEKO-TEX®…
September 30, 2025
Innovation in Materials and Responsible Textile Development
Discussing the rise of innovative materials, from circular fibers to waterless dyeing technologies, and the importance of third-party verification in preventing greenwashing. What does innovation look like when scaled responsibly?
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Enchanted Living: Trends FW26/7
International trends firm Peclers Paris reveals their Fall/Winter 26/7 Trends. Business Development Manager Gaia Prado shows us four seasonal themes and how the boundaries between the everyday and the imaginary are increasingly blurred, challenging our connection to the tangible world….
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Built to Last
Born in Toronto Canada, Ross Mayer established his namesake brand in 1990. His career in fashion started with the design of private label products for luxury retailer Holt Renfrew and was soon adopted by many more high end merchants and…
Apparel + Tech = Sustainability
Technology is enabling the apparel industry to adopt more sustainable practices through innovations like digital design. Customization and small orders in apparel support sustainability by reducing overproduction and minimizing excess inventory that often ends up as waste. These approaches allow…
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Innovating Sustainability: Apparel Recycling Made Practical
Learn how Brands for Canada is driving circularity in fashion with its Recycling Program. This presentation will highlight BFC’s new Debranding Manual and Converter Program, giving apparel companies a clear roadmap to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.
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