Trend Forecast by Connie Crawford

Our Preview Reception will be a business casual networking event with your peers, our speakers, and exhibitors Monday September 10th, 2012 from 4PM to 8PM featuring a Trend Forecast from Connie Amaden-Crawford.

The American Sewing Guild awarded Connie with the 2009 selection for the Sewing Hall of Fame.

Connie Crawford is a licensed designer for The McCall Pattern Company under the Butterick label and is owner of Fashion Patterns by Coni (www.fashionpatterns.com). She is a nationally recognized lecturer, fashion specialist, educator, and author of sewing and pattern textbooks, including A Guide to Fashion Sewing, The Art of Fashion Draping, and Patternmaking Made Easy. Drawing on her 35 years of experience in apparel manufacturing and 23 years teaching fashion design classes in patternmaking, sewing, and draping at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles.

Your Preview Reception registration also grants you access to the main expo on the 11th and 12th.

Eventbrite - SITEF12 Registration

Financing Your Business

Financing Your Business

Presented by John Seeley / Senior Business Development Officer from Hennessey Capital

Monday, March 12, 2012, 3:15 P.M.

Getting funding to grow your small business has never been easy, and with the recent financial crisis lending requirements have become even stricter.  However there are resources available to you beyond your financial institution to get the capital you need to achieve your business goals.  If you’ve ever had difficulty getting financing then maybe factoring is right for you?

In this seminar you will learn about alternate funding options to traditional bank loans that may be able to help if:

  • Your company has not been in business long enough to secure bank financing
  • Your company is not yet profitable
  • You are in need of Accounts Receivable administration and credit review assistance
  • You are in the process of restructuring your business
  • Your credit scores do not meet bank minimums
  • You experience seasonal or one-time orders
  • You cannot produce financial reporting
  • You have maximized your current facility and you are still receiving new orders

Hennessey Capital offers working capital options to growing business-to-business companies that are post-revenue, in transition or otherwise do not meet the credit guidelines of traditional bank lending. We provide working capital lines of credit secured by accounts receivable and inventory, as well as factoring of accounts receivable. Cash availability ranges from $10,000 to $3 million.

Our experienced team provides guidance and the financing tools businesses need to realize new opportunities. Hennessey Capital’s growth capital and financial wisdom has helped companies across the country thrive.

This Seminar will be about 45 Minutes.

Register for SITES12 Seminar Series Track 2 in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Hnnessey Capital Business Financing

220 Montgomery Street, Suite 1020
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: (415) 433-4000
Fax: (415) 358-9777
www.HennesseyCap.com
jseeley@hennesseycap.com

Adding Customizable Fabric to Your Product Line

Presented by Valerie Vavrik, Art Restorationist, Graphic Designer and Teacher

Monday, March 12th 11:15 A.M.

Learn how easy it is to customize and make fabric personal. Almost everyone nowadays has an inkjet printer or access to one.  See how you can use printable inkjet fabric sheets (available in silk, bamboo or cotton) in conjunction with your other fabrics to help you and your customers add a new process to their textile designs.

  • Use vintage photos in fabric design to create an authentic antique feel
  • Replicate out-of-print fabric for repairs or print patterns in a complementary color to accessorize
  • Add your own sketches, paintings and photography to your fabric cost effectively
  • Stain, dye, paint, silkscreen and embellish your fabric prints to add dimension and artistic touches

Valerie Vavrik is President and founder of V V Graphics, LLC (formed in 1992). She has been in the fabric industry since 2001 when she began V V Prints. V V Prints manufactures a line of 30 image CDs of restored vintage art from the 1800s and early 1900s.  Valerie has taught Photoshop and Digital Printing on Fabric classes for the spring and fall International Quilt Festivals and numerous other quilt and craft shows. She teaches at local community colleges and enjoys helping people discover their inner artist and explore various techniques in fabric decoration and design.

VVPrints.com carries a line of image CDs, fabric sheets, silkscreens, silk scarf kits, kumihimo braiding kits and other crafts-related products

The presentation will be 45 minutes with time for Q&A

Register for SITES12 Seminar Series Track 2 in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Marketing Basics for Today’s World

Presented by Rob Charlton / Owner: Charlton Engel Marketing

Monday, March 12th 1:15 P.M.

Learn the key basics of marketing communication that never change, but many advertisers get wrong without even knowing it.  This seminar will also cover how to organize a marketing plan and what should go into it. You will get tips on how to identify your most valuable target audience and how to time your advertising to get the most value out of your budget. We will also review traditional media, online marketing and social media and discuss their respective places in the overall marketing mix.

Rob has more than 40 years of experience in the advertising profession. He started on the retail side of the business, becoming the advertising director of a chain of home improvement centers with 35 stores throughout the United States and Canada. He went into the agency business in 1978, and has owned and managed Charlton Engel Marketing, a regional advertising agency, since 1998.

Rob has a wealth of experience with a variety of strategic marketing concepts in dozens of industry categories. His combined strengths in account management and creative have earned him a number of awards in both print and broadcast media.

This presentation is about 60 minutes.

Register for SITES12 Seminar Series Track 2 in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Sustainable Business Practices|S.I.T.E. Seminar Series

Presented by Stephanie Gowing / ECOSS

Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 4:15 P.M.

Interested in learning how to implement sustainable practices into your apparel business? Join Stephanie Gowing to hear why sustainable companies are the most successful. Opportunities are  available to help your business grow and green and ECOSS can help you get there.  ECOSS Business Assistance services are free and confidential and can help with:

  • Carbon footprint reduction & energy efficiency
  • Solid waste management
  • Water conservation & storm water management
  • Incentives and rebates available

Stephanie Gowing is a Sustainable Business Coordinator at ECOSS, a non-profit environmental organization.  In this capacity she is responsible for assisting businesses with energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and helping businesses implement sustainable practices into their business plans. Stephanie provides technical support and education on carbon footprinting and assists businesses with locating financing, rebates and incentives that help conserve resources.  Prior to joining ECOSS, Stephanie directed a green business program at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. From 2004-2009 Stephanie worked as a project coordinator at an environmental consulting firm. She has a B.A in environmental planning and policy, and a Masters in Environmental Studies. Stephanie is a LEED AP and a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor.

ECOSS

ECOSS is a nonprofit organization that encourages urban redevelopment and a healthy environment by providing education, resources and technical assistance to diverse businesses and communities in the Puget Sound region. ECOSS services are free and confidential.

The presentation will be 40 minutes with time for Q&A

Register for Spring 2012 S.I.T.E. Seminar Series in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Sourcing Solutions for Small Manufacturers|S.I.T.E. Seminar Series

Aboutsources.com

Presented by Susan Power/ About Sources

Sunday, March 11, 2011 at 1:45 P.M.

Discover New Resources!

Learn about US & Canadian fabric & trim suppliers that have low minimums, providing quick turn around, and in-stock programs.  Must have, and hard to find products such as Organic/Eco-friendly fabrics & trims – plus hi-tech fabrics will be included.

Plus industry terms, and classifications including the description of mills, converters, distributors, jobbers, agents, and brokers – and how they may work with you!  Get info on finding contractors who will produce small lots and work with growing companies.

A Question & Answer session will follow the presentation.
Register for Spring 2012 S.I.T.E. Seminar Series in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Media Relations 101 – Using PR to Effectively Communicate Your Brand|S.I.T.E. Seminar Series

Presented by Jessica Piha / Fashion Publicist for Blue Nile, Inc.

Sunday, March 11, 2012 3:00 P.M.

Gain an understanding of the field of public relations and the best ways to effectively message your brand to consumers through print, broadcast and online mediums. This seminar will also touch on marketing your brand through social media like Twitter and Facebook.

Jessica Victoria Piha is the owner of JVP Media & Public Relations and works full-time for Blue Nile as their Fashion Publicist. As Publicist for the leading online luxury jewelry retailer, she coordinates all media and publicity for the Blue Nile brand including but not limited to television, print, radio, movies, celebrity endorsements, strategic partnerships, and red carpet appearances.

Notable partnerships include working with the costume departments at GLEE, Gossip Girl, Mad Men, Vampire Diaries and America’s Got Talent.

This presentation is about 60 minutes.
Register for Spring 2012 S.I.T.E. Seminar Series in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Retail Math – Understanding Apparel Principles and Costing|S.I.T.E. Seminar Series

Presented by Henry Cherner / AIMS

AIMS 360

 

Sunday, March 11, 2012 12:30 P.M.

Gain an understanding of the mark up principles applied as a retailer or manufacturer and how these principles are critical to profitability. This seminar will explain the best options for implementing costing formulas/principles to realize gross margin profitability.

Henry Cherner is President and founder of AIMS.  AIMS is an industry leader in apparel software since 1984.  Apparel Information Management System, AIMS, is a complete order and production processing system for apparel manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and distributors offering integrated products for EDI, QuickBooks GL, web-based order processing, retail shopping carts, web development and more.

Henry has been in the apparel industry 40 years and serves on the Advisory Boards and Dean’s Council at Cal Poly Pomona, Art Institute of CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC), Saddleback College in OC, Textile Association of Los Angeles and is a founding board member of Fashion Business Inc.  He also is an adjunct instructor and teaches Merchandising Math classes at LATTC and Understanding Apparel Principles – AIMS Certification at UCLA Extension.

This presentation is about 60 minutes.

Register for Spring 2012 S.I.T.E. Seminar Series in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Microsoft Certified Partner

Introducing our NEW S.I.T.E. Seminar Series

We are excited to announce that for the first time at our Spring 2012 event Seattle International Textile Expo will be offering educational seminars by local and national industry leaders.

Below are just a few examples of the seminars we have confirmed for this spring.  Check back regularly for more information on exact dates and times for the seminars, and how you can participate in them.

Register for Spring 2012 S.I.T.E. Seminar Series in Seattle, WA on Eventbrite

Retail Math – Understanding Apparel Principles and Costing

AIMS 360

 

 

Presented by Henry Cherner / AIMS

Gain an understanding of the mark up principles applied as a retailer or manufacturer and how these principles are critical to profitability. This seminar will explain the best options for implementing costing formulas/principles to realize gross margin profitability.

Henry Cherner is President and founder of AIMS.  AIMS is an industry leader in apparel software since 1984.  Apparel Information Management System, AIMS, is a complete order and production processing system for apparel manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and distributors offering integrated products for EDI, QuickBooks GL, web-based order processing, retail shopping carts, web development and more.

Henry has been in the apparel industry 40 years and serves on the Advisory Boards and Dean’s Council at Cal Poly Pomona, Art Institute of CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC), Saddleback College in OC, Textile Association of Los Angeles and is a founding board member of Fashion Business Inc.  He also is an adjunct instructor and teaches Merchandising Math classes at LATTC and Understanding Apparel Principles – AIMS Certification at UCLA Extension.

The presentation is about 60 minutes

Sourcing Solutions for Small ManufacturersAboutsources.com

Presented by Susan Power/ About Sources

Discover New Resources!

Learn about US & Canadian fabric & trim suppliers that have low minimums, providing quick turn around, and in-stock programs.  Must have, and hard to find products such as Organic/Eco-friendly fabrics & trims – plus hi-tech fabrics will be included.

Plus industry terms, and classifications including the description of mills, converters, distributors, jobbers, agents, and brokers – and how they may work with you!  Get info on finding contractors who will produce small lots and work with growing companies.

A Question & Answer session will follow the presentation.

Susan Power, AboutSources – Principal + Publisher

Since 1988, Susan Power has been providing fabric & trim sourcing information to manufacturers of apparel, accessories, and home furnishings.  To meet the needs of both small and larger manufacturers, including private label retailers, AboutSources publishes two comprehensive directories quarterly -  The Sourcer’s Guide, and The Designer’s Guide – and http://www.rrag.net/.  Prior to publishing in-print and on-line, Susan’s experience includes marketing, sales, and design of both textiles and apparel.

Sustainable Business Practices

Presented by Stephanie Gowing / ECOSS

Interested in learning how to implement sustainable practices into your apparel business? Join Stephanie Gowing to hear why sustainable companies are the most successful. Opportunities are available to help your business grow and green and ECOSS can help you get there.  ECOSS Business Assistance services are free and confidential and can help with

• Carbon footprint reduction & energy efficiency
• Solid waste management
• Water conservation & storm water management
• Incentives and rebates available

Stephanie Gowing is a Sustainable Business Coordinator at ECOSS, a non-profit environmental organization. In this capacity she is responsible for assisting businesses with energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and helping businesses implement sustainable practices into their business plans. Stephanie provides technical support and education on carbon footprinting and assists businesses with locating financing, rebates and incentives that help conserve resources. Prior to joining ECOSS, Stephanie directed a green business program at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. From 2004-2009 Stephanie worked as a project coordinator at an environmental consulting firm. She has a B.A in environmental planning and policy, and a Masters in Environmental Studies. Stephanie is a LEED AP and a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor.

ECOSS

ECOSS is a nonprofit organization that encourages urban redevelopment and a healthy environment by providing education, resources and technical assistance to diverse businesses and communities in the Puget Sound region. ECOSS services are free and confidential.

The presentation will be 40 minutes with time for Q&A

Call for Speakers for Professional Seminar Series at Spring 2012 S.I.T.E.

In order to better meet the needs of our attendees Seattle International Textile Expo is posting this open call for speakers to present on topics related to the textile industry.  Our attendees are independent fashion designers, small manufacturers, over the counter fabric retailers, and other small business owners that use or resell textiles and related products.

Key topics of interest to our attendees who responded to our survey include:

  • Marketing
  • Trend Forecasting
  • Small Business Finance
  • Business Management

To be considered, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities email us a description of your 45 minute to one hour speaking topic to SITE@seattlefashionincubator.org.