HFPA TexTalks
UPCOMING EVENT
Woven Wisdom: Sustainable Textiles Unraveled
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Woven Wisdom: Sustainable Textiles Unraveled
Join us for an inspiring webinar where industry leaders CiCLO®, Farm to Home®, and Lenzing® come together to explore the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping our future. This dynamic session will highlight how each company contributes to a more sustainable world—CiCLO® through innovative biodegradable fiber technology, Farm to Home® with eco-conscious and ethically produced home textiles, and Lenzing® with their groundbreaking sustainable cellulose-based fibers. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand how these forward-thinking brands collaborate and lead the way in creating lasting, positive change.
About the Host:
Jody Folino is a senior executive with a background in retail, sales and manufacturing. Jody is highly skilled in developing merchandising, marketing and omni channel business strategies. Jody provides effective results in all aspects of management with impressive communication and leadership skills. Priding herself in solid core values of honesty, integrity and commitment to excellence. Jody Folino is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for Blue Ridge Home Fashions.
About the Panelists:
Andrea Ferris is co-inventor of CiCLO® technology and Co-Founder and CEO of Intrinsic Advanced Materials (IAM), a joint venture with Parkdale Mills, the world’s leading manufacturer of spun yarns. Launched in 2017 after five years of R&D, CiCLO is a textile ingredient that helps reduce microplastic pollution by enabling synthetic fibers to biodegrade when they end up as environmental pollutants, while maintaining durability during use and recyclability at end of life.
Throughout Andrea’s decade-long journey from inventor to CEO, she has experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs of commercializing a scientific textile technology in the often misunderstood industry of biodegradable plastics. She has been involved in many areas of the business including product development, testing, manufacturing, supply chain, sales and marketing, but most enjoys educating on the issue of synthetic microfiber pollution and how biodegradation is a practical solution.
Cheryl Smyre leads the Parkdale Advanced Materials division, with a keen focus on the creation of new fiber and polymer technologies that deliver sustainable and innovative solutions to the textile industry.
Over the past 7 years, Cheryl’s prime focus has centered on market development and growth of the CICLO® technology, a revolutionary patented chemistry that catalyzes the biodegradation of polyester and nylon at rates similar to natural fibers when they become pollutants in the environment.
During her 27-year career with Parkdale, she has led International Sales, Global Supply Chain, R&D and Customer Relations. Her International Business degree from the University of South Carolina, multi-cultural background and extensive textile manufacturing experience, have served as an asset to the company on a global scale.
Cheryl enjoys traveling with her family, playing golf and serving her church family.
Marci Zaroff coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995 and is an internationally-recognized ecolifestyle expert, educator, innovator, serial entrepreneur, and Author of “ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World.” Founder/CEO of ECOfashion Corp—a “Greenhouse of Brands”—including a turnkey tech-enabled B2B private label apparel & home manufacturing platform, regenerative/organic cotton farm project RESET, affordable sustainable lifestyle brand Farm to Home, and (e)co-creation retail marketplace YesAnd. Marci is also Founder of Under the Canopy, Producer of “THREAD: Driving Fashion Forward,” and Co-Founder of BeyondBrands, Good Catch, and The Institute for Integrative Nutrition—and has been instrumental in driving authenticity, environmental leadership, and social justice worldwide for over 35 years. Co-founder and Board Chair of the Textile Exchange, Marci is the recipient of countless awards, including the 2023 “WWD ESG Leadership Award,” “New York Moves Power Woman Award” and “Real Leaders Impact Award,” is featured in the book “ECO AMAZONS: 20 Women Who Are Transforming the World,” and is a Henry Crown Fellow of The Aspen Institute. @marcizaroff
Walter Bridgham is the Senior Business Development Manager at the Lenzing Group where he educates and inspires the home and interior industries on the benefits of TENCEL™ branded fibers and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers. Previously, Walter led the domestic and international teams at WestPoint Home in developing innovative bed and bath textiles as the Director of Product Innovation/Development. Walter has over 35 years in retail experience overseeing several home categories as Director of Product Development for Private Brands at Macy’s. In his early career he was a home categories buyer at Burdines nameplate before moving to Macy’s in 2004 as home textiles buyer. [email protected]
PAST EVENT
Navigating Change: Tariffs and the Future of Home Textiles
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Navigating Change: Tariffs and the Future of Home Textiles
Discover what lies ahead for the home textiles industry as the new administration reshapes trade policies impacting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. This timely webinar will dive into the critical changes in tariffs and their ripple effects throughout the supply chain.
Key topics include:
- The evolving tariff landscape and its impact on costs for manufacturers and retailers.
- How trade policy shifts will affect pricing, availability, and consumer behavior.
- Strategies to navigate these challenges and stay competitive in a changing market.
This session will provide actionable insights to help you prepare for the road ahead. Whether you are a supplier, retailer, or industry stakeholder, don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and proactive.
About the Host:
Robert J. Leo is a partner in the New York office of Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP. The firm’s practice is national and focuses on U.S. and international law and regulations affecting exports and imports. Prior to joining the firm, Bob was Vice President and Counsel for the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), a national trade association representing U.S. companies before Congress and the Executive Branch. He has served on AAEI’s Board of Governors and as a member of the AAEI Industry Leadership Council. He is also active in various other associations, including the Home Fashion Products Association, which the firm serves as Counsel. He regularly speaks at industry conferences, seminars and webinars.
Bob is a cleared advisor to the U.S. government on customs and trade facilitation issues and has served in that capacity for over two decades. He was re-appointed in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation (ITAC 13). Bob is also a select member of the New York District Export Council, which helps promote U.S. exports.
About the Panelist:
Jeff Kaufman started his career over 40 years ago in retail. He worked at Macy’s in home-electronics, upstairs tabletop and home textiles where he became Vice President/DMM. He then spent 6 years at home specialty retailer Linens ‘n Things as VP/DMM of various textiles and housewares businesses. In his last year there he became VP of Supply Chain running warehouses, replenishment, and merchandise planning. Kaufman joined Avanti in 2003 as President and COO and is currently the CEO. Kaufman has been on the HFPA Board for many years and served as President for five years.
PAST Event
Innovating Tomorrow: A CEO Roundtable
Thursday, December 5, 2024
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. ET
Innovating Tomorrow: A CEO Roundtable on Home Textiles
Learn how leading companies are driving sustainability and innovation, balancing eco-friendly initiatives with competitive strategies. Gain insights from recent disruptions and explore strategies to future-proof your operations. Understand the shifts in consumer behavior and how to adapt to evolving preferences in the post-pandemic landscape. Embrace digital transformation with e-commerce, automation, and data-driven decision-making to enhance growth. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from the CEOs shaping the future of home fashion. Join us and stay ahead in today’s dynamic market!
About the Host:
Lexi Schladenhauffen is the Chief Merchandising Officer at 1888 Mills, a global textile manufacturer. She started as a Product Development Associate and has spent over two decades with the company, now overseeing product development, marketing, merchandising, and design. Lexi has been key in shaping 1888 Mills’ brand, securing deals, and driving innovation. She also serves on the board of the Home Fashion Products Association and chairs the Hub Committee.
About the Moderator:
Warren Shoulberg is an award-winning journalist and consultant specializing in the retailing and home furnishings industries. With extensive experience in business media, Warren has established himself as a leading voice in these fields. Over his career, he has provided insightful analysis and expert commentary, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the market. His work has earned him numerous accolades, reflecting his commitment to excellence and his deep understanding of the retail and home furnishings sectors.
About the Panelists:
Charles Gaenslen is the CEO of Loftex Home. He excels in driving differentiation and innovation to boost sales, margins, and profitability. At Loftex Home, he has led his team through global business challenges, focusing on sustainable products and reliable delivery. This strategic approach has resulted in significant market-share growth since 2016, despite facing trade wars, the pandemic, and disrupted supply chains.
Before joining Loftex Home, he worked at a major Indian home textile manufacturer, where he spearheaded branding and product segmentation. His efforts led to a remarkable sales increase from $4M to $120M over six years, achieving higher-than-industry margins and establishing the company as a market leader.
Throughout his career, he has leveraged product innovation across new categories and brands to enhance sales and secure margins at various companies. His leadership and strategic vision have consistently driven success and growth.
Julie Mckenzie is the CEO of Trident Group India. She is a lifelong merchant, having spent over 20 years in retail at Dillard’s and Walmart Stores. Since her retail years, she has worked for apparel and accessory importers and then Viacom, managing consumer products and licensing for Nickelodeon. For the last several years, she has been engaged in the home textiles space. Product, merchandising, and marketing are her passions, and she loves blending the art and science of retail every day. She lives in Bentonville, AR, and spends her free time with her husband, their 4 grown sons, their amazing wives, and their 6 (soon to be seven!) adorable grandkids.
Jeff Kambak is the President of Yunus USA. He joined Yunus USA in July of 2023, entrusted with the task of restructuring the US-based sales and design teams in NYC. His strategic vision and extensive expertise have positioned him to oversee sales, marketing, and growth strategies in North America. With a 40-year career in the home fashions industry, Jeff has held senior sales and management roles in the industry giants such as WestPoint Stevens, Welspun, Li and Fung USA, and an eight-year tenure as CEO overseeing US Operations at the Trident Group.
Hailing from Southern California, Jeff ventured into home fashions in 1983, when WestPoint Pepperell recruited him during his senior year at Loyola Marymount University. His leadership qualities were honed as a 4-year varsity letterman and captain of the University’s Division 1 baseball team. He loves adventure, and his career has led him to travel across the U.S. Jeff, was elected as a member of the Board of Directors for the Home Fashion Products Association in 2016, and currently serves as Vice President.
Outside the realms of his professional endeavors, Jeff finds solace in family life. Residing in Sparta, NJ, with his wife Nathalie and their 20-year-old son Kaden, he is actively involved in Boy Scouts and is currently a member of The Order of the Arrow, regarded as Scouting’s “national honor society.”
Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 – Design Roundtable
Join us for an engaging TexTalk roundtable featuring some of the most creative minds in the home textile industry. Hosted by Lexi Schladenhauffen, Chief Merchandising Officer of 1888 Mills Global, and Chris Mooney, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Welspun, this event promises to be a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights. These two industry veterans will lead the conversation, asking thought-provoking questions that dive deep into the evolving trends, the future of design in home textiles, and strategies for achieving success with creative deliverables. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leading designers with diverse backgrounds and experiences as they explore the exciting landscape of home textile design.
About the Hosts:
Lexi Schladenhauffen is the Chief Merchandising Officer at 1888 Mills, a leading global textile manufacturer. Starting her career at 1888 Mills as a Product Development Associate immediately after college, Lexi has spent over two decades with the company, rising through the ranks to oversee the product development, marketing, merchandising, and design teams.
Throughout her career, Lexi has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of 1888 Mills, establishing a robust brand portfolio and strategy, and leading the company’s innovation initiatives. She has been instrumental in securing numerous brand and licensing deals, driving product design and innovation, and launching multiple private label and nationally branded programs.
In addition to her work at 1888 Mills, Lexi serves on the board of the Home Fashion Products Association and is the Chairperson of the Hub Committee, where she continues to influence the industry through her leadership and expertise.
Christopher (Chris) Mooney is the Global Chief Marketing Officer of Welspun. Chris oversees marketing, design, product development and sourcing. Chris has spent his entire career in the home textiles industry, including Chief Merchandising Officer of Patriarch’s companies Croscill, Excell and Glenoit, and was part of the leadership team charged with reinvigorating those brands. Previously, he held positions at Avanti, Avon/Style Lab and his own branding partnership company. Over the course of his career, he has overseen all areas, including sales, marketing, branding, design, product development, sourcing and procurement.
About the Panelists:
Bryan Keith Parker is a seasoned professional with a rich educational background and extensive career in design and development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from Ole Miss and a Bachelor’s degree in Home Products Development from FIT. Currently, Bryan serves as the Vice President of Design for Indo Count Global, Inc., where he oversees the design and development of both owned and licensed brands, including Wamsutta, Waverly, Fieldcrest, and Gaiam. His previous work at Indo Count includes designing and developing brands such as Harlequin, Sanderson, Scion, and Morris & Co.
Bryan has also created his own brands, Bryan Keith for Macy’s and Parker Loft for Bed Bath and Beyond and Bon Ton. His career includes significant roles as VP of Design at CHF and Victoria Classics. Additionally, he has launched notable collections like Nate Berkus’s Collection for Linen-N-Things, FUBU Home Collection, and Nautica Home Collection, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field.
Christine Hagen is an industry Design Leader, having (so far!) spent 22 years in Home Textiles. Throughout her career, Chrissy has worked with mills all over the world, and traveled extensively for trend and inspiration. Chrissy has collaborated with most every major home textile retailer that we all know and love including high-end, giant retail powerhouses and startups. Her strengths include helping companies set overall vision, strategy and seasonal mood in order to build out design collections with a story and point-of-view…always with an eye towards business…and always 100% focused on the needs and wants of the end consumer. Chrissy has an expert knowledge of fiber, innovation and sustainability.
Christine holds a BFA in Textile/Surface Design from the University of Kansas, and is also a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Most recently, Chrissy has been Vice-President Design for Al-Karam Textiles, a large-scale, vertically-integrated mill based in Karachi. She previously held the position of Design Director at 1888 Mills. She is very happy to be moving onto a new, exciting adventure in the near future.
Joanne Bell is design director at Yunus USA, the New York office and design studio of Yunus Textile Mills, based in Karachi, Pakistan.
Over her decades long career in home furnishings, Joanne has specialized in multiple home categories including wallpaper with Raymond Waites Design, and all categories of bedding at Sunham Home Fashions. Experience designing for national brands, private labels, and well known names such as Lacoste and Anne Klein have informed her design sense, manufacturing knowledge, and strengthened her customer relationships industry wide.
Joanne is a proud graduate of Syracuse University, majoring in Surface Pattern Design with a concentration in Communications Design, and is honored to continue the rich legacy of SU’s talented design community.
PAST EVENT
Government and Regulatory Issues Update
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
1:00 – 2:00 pm EST
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – HFPA TexTalk – Government and Regulatory Issues Update
Robert Leo will provide a timely webinar on trade issues affecting HFPA Members’ businesses. Learn more about these issues that could cost or save your company money. Topics include:
- Forced Labor
- Protecting Against Whistleblower Actions (for high-level management only)
- Duty Savings Mechanisms
- States Regulatory Actions
- Trade Round-up – including Sec. 301, transshipment and origin marking
About the Speaker: Robert (Bob) Leo is a partner in the New York office of Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP. Bob Leo has served as Counsel for HFPA, its Board of Directors and its members for over 25 years. The firm’s practice focuses on U.S. and international law and regulations affecting exports and imports. Prior to joining the firm, Bob was Vice President and Counsel for the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), a national trade association representing U.S. companies before Congress and the Executive Branch. He has served on AAEI’s Board of Governors and as a member of the AAEI Industry Leadership Council. Bob is a cleared advisor to the U.S. government on customs and trade facilitation issues and has served in that capacity for over 20 years. He was re-appointed in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation (ITAC 13). Robert is also a select member of the New York District Export Council, which helps promote U.S. exports.
He served as Chair of the New York State Bar Associations International and was Program Co-Chair for the Seasonal Meetings in Madrid and Shanghai. He is currently Co-Chair of the Trade Committee.
He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany and received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. While in law school Robert was Managing Editor of the Brooklyn Journal of International Law and served as an intern for then Chief Judge Edward D. Re of the U.S. Court of International Trade.
PAST EVENT
Textiles Today and Tomorrow
Thursday, February 8, 2024
12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, February 8, 2024 – HFPA TexTalk – Textiles Today and Tomorrow.
2023 is in our rear view mirror but it is also a year removed from the pandemic and there are lessons to be learned of where the textile industry, retail, and consumers are heading. In this webinar, Joe Derochowski with Circana reviews Home Industry and Textiles trends and insights from 2023 and provides a perspective and outlook for 2024 and 2025.
Joe Derochowski, Vice President, Home Industry Advisor with Circana, works closely with home and home improvement manufacturers and retailers, sharing his knowledge of behavioral trends across many categories and his unique perspective on what consumers do and why they do it. Driven by this insight and his passion for the home and home improvement industries, for more than 30 years Derochowski has helped manufacturers and retailers identify growth opportunities, both strategic and tactical, related to planning, product innovation, marketing, and merchandising. He connects the dots between the consumer and the marketplace to help companies understand today’s trends and anticipate future demands.
Derochowski is a recognized thought leader who frequently speaks at industry conferences and is regularly quoted as an industry expert by media such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, CNBC, and HomePage News. Prior to Circana, his wide-ranging career included roles at General Motors Parts, AT&T, Procter & Gamble, and Nielsen. He has also served on the board of directors for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Derochowski holds a bachelor’s degree from Kettering University and an MBA from Michigan State University.
PAST EVENT
Mapping Consumer Loyalty in Home Fashion Products
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023
12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Speaker: Paul Bragan
Wakefield Research
Wednesday, August 23 – Mapping Consumer Loyalty in Home Fashion Products.
Paul Bragan, Senior Partner at Wakefield Research, presents results from their recent survey to understand consumer sentiment right now – and how it is impacting brand and product loyalty towards the furnishings and accessories consumers purchase for their homes. The research will explore themes such as:
- What are the key purchase drivers or barriers that motivate consumers right now?
- What do producers in this space need to know as they head into Q4?
Paul will takes participants through Wakefield’s survey results to understand what is most important to buyers in the current market when they shop for bedding, bath and table linens, accessories, and other items for their homes.
One of the country’s leading research experts in the field of understanding respondent priorities and unmet needs, Paul Bragan is Wakefield’s Senior Partner and brings more than a decade of research experience with some of the country’s most recognizable brands – from Microsoft to MasterCard and from Procter & Gamble to Pfizer. His research is regularly featured in top-tier national and global media – both online and print.
Paul has developed unique methodologies for understanding key decision-drivers and for testing new product concepts among Gen-X, Millennials, and Boomers to discover what’s resonating at both the functional and emotional levels.
Paul Bragan has led over 100 qualitative research sessions worldwide – from focus groups to in-home interviews. He has moderated focus groups and in-depth interviews for over 15 years. He has designed and executed quantitative studies in over 80 countries.
Before Wakefield, Paul was Director of Research at Ntercept, Vice President at Penn Schoen, and EVP at Kelton. Paul received much of his training at DC polling firms like PSB and Luntz Research – where he developed expertise in a wide range of survey tactics including segmentation, enhanced qualitative techniques, loyalty research, concept testing, tracking, message architecture, and customer expansion research. Paul is a graduate of Georgetown University.
PAST EVENT
Unraveling Opportunities: Home Textiles Industry Update on NYC's Commercial Real Estate Market
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Panelists Charles Gaenslen, CEO at Loftex Home-USA and Jeff Kambak, CEO, US Operations at Trident Group, host a discussion with Evan Margolin, Vice Chairman, JLL and Michael Rudder, Principal of Rudder Property Group. Join as they explore the trends and nuances of the NYC real estate market for the home textiles industry. The panelists will discuss current market conditions and dynamics including lease vs. own, residential conversion of office properties, and the showroom marketplace; 295 Fifth Avenue and the transformation of the former Textile Building; and the impact of work-from-home on the home textiles industry. Don’t miss the important insights from these industry experts!
Evan Margolin is a vice chairman in the New York office of JLL, a global commercial real estate services firm. Evan has spent his entire 20+ year career as a tenant representative negotiating on behalf of users of space, not landlords. In 2019, Evan was selected by the HFPA as the recommended broker to the showrooms at 295 Fifth Avenue that were being forced to move due to the sale and redevelopment of the Textile Building. He and his team negotiated leasing transactions on behalf of dozens of showrooms in neighboring buildings. The vast majority were able to reduce their occupancy expense and are now enjoying brand-new showrooms where the build-out was funded by their new landlord. Evan is an active member of YMWREA (Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association), REBNY (The Real Estate Board of New York) and The State University of New York at Albany’s Alumni Association.
Michael Rudder is the Principal of Rudder Property Group, a commercial real estate services firm specializing in the sale of office condominiums in the New York metropolitan area. Michael has been involved in acquiring, converting, marketing, and selling over two million square feet of office condominiums. Prior to establishing Rudder Property Group in 2010, he served as the director of office leasing and sales at Time Equities for more than eight years. Michael is the Chairman of the REBNY Sales Brokers Committee and is a founding member of the St. Jude’s Real Estate Committee.
Speaker: Evan Margolin
JLL
Speaker: Michael Rudder
Rudder Property Group
PAST EVENT
The new Consumer Demand for a “Healthier Home”; and the opportunity for the Home Textiles Industry
Weds., May 31, 2023
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
This webinar features Dr. John McKeon, founder and CEO of Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) and principal at the iAIR Institute (Indoor Air Innovation and Research). McKeon is a medical doctor and an expert speaker on indoor air quality and health-conscious indoor environment optimization. ASL is an international Standards and Certification company and was founded by Dr. McKeon.
The conversation also includes input from Adam Short, VP sales at Renegade Brands, who will discuss the importance of effective washing and laundering of products, clothing and textiles.
Speakers: Dr. John McKeon, Allergy Standards and Adam Short, Renegade Brands
PAST EVENT
The Changing Reality of the Licensing Business
Thursday, June 23, 2022
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
The recent Licensing Expo in Las Vegas — the first IRL Expo in three years — offered a window on a host of trends within the entertainment, consumer brands, art/design, sports and other sectors, including the implications of Web 3.0. We’ll also discuss how the ongoing disruption to the supply chain, and how that particularly affects the licensing sector.
Speaker: Marty Brochstein
PAST EVENT
International Shipping Climate: 2021 and beyond
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
HFPA hosted a discussion examining the widespread effects of the global container shortage, skyrocketing costs, and ongoing freight and transportation issues. Experts from TEU Global, a 3PL company, the National Retail Federation, and HFPA member company Avanti Linens analyzed the ongoing issue and what remedies are in the pipelines.
Speaker: Jonathan Gold
Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the National Retail Federation
Speaker: Paul DeLuca
Vice President Business Development
Speaker: Azeem Subhani
President and CEO, TEU Global, Piscataway, NJ
Speaker: Jeff Kaufman
Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA) Past President and President/COO of Avanti Linens
PAST EVENT
Can (or Should) an Employer Create a Mandatory Vaccination Policy
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
With COVID-19 vaccines already being administered, many businesses feel a heightened sense of urgency in determining whether to (and how to) adopt a vaccination policy, including a mandatory one. Recently, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released guidance that addresses this question and other common employer COVID-19 vaccine related questions. In this town hall, Joel Greenwald and Zev Singer will guide you through the following questions and then take questions from the audience:
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Is a mandatory vaccination policy permissible?
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What are the risks and challenges with vaccination policies?
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Can businesses keep non-vaccinated employees out of the workplace?
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Can employees uncomfortable with an un-vaccinated workplace stay home?
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Can we require proof of vaccination from employees?
Speaker: Joel Greenwald and Zev Singer
Greenwald Doherty, LLC
Speaker: Zev Singer
Greenwald Doherty, LLC
PAST EVENT
Sustainability in the Textile Industry
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
2:00 PM- 3:00 PM ET
This webinar will examine the materials and processes used in the manufacture of textiles. We look at drivers of sustainability and sustainability considerations as they pertain to different materials used and the different component steps of the manufacturing process. There will be a particular focus on synthetics and sustainability trends in the industry as a whole.
Speaker: Michael Taylor
Vice President, Public Affairs
Kellen
Interested in learning more about virtual showrooms and how to leverage digital to drive your wholesale business?
Join us for this exciting opportunity to learn best practices in virtual selling from JOOR, the world’s leading digital wholesale platform. JOOR Vice President of Sales, Loree Lash-Valencia will share insights on how virtual showrooms have evolved and how brands are harnessing the power of JOOR’s platform to grow their business; followed by a Q&A session with HFPA President, Jeff Kaufman, Avanti Linens.
Panelists:
Loree Lash-Valencia, Vice President of Sales, JOOR
Jeff Kaufman, Avanti Linens, HFPA President
PAST EVENT
Retail 2021 - What to Expect
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
10:00 AM ET
As we enter 2021, there will be significant challenges and opportunities for the retail sector. A continuing coronavirus pandemic will continue to change retail operations, including the supply chain. A new administration and Congress will need to address the ongoing coronavirus fight and economic recovery. Hear from Jonathan Gold, National Retail Federation’s Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, about the latest retail trends and retail priorities for the new Congress and administration.
Speaker:
Jon Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain & Customs Policy, National Retail Federation
PAST EVENT
Step on the G.A.S. (Gratification, Agency, and Stability): Consumer Behavior in the New Normal featuring Michael Solomon
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
11:00 am ET
The Pandemic will change our world for years after the virus disappears. We’ll have to rethink and modify our purchase decisions, large and small. Some disruptions in consumer/marketer relationships that already were looming will come faster and more decisively. How do we define brand value? How should companies talk to customers? How do people function in an emerging gig economy where every encounter might be fatal? How do we redefine what it means to go to work or to socialize?
The virus poked the bear, and now marketers need to respond to life in The New Normal.
The changes that started well before the Pandemic reflect the transition in our society from a modernist to a postmodern culture. Postmodern consumers don’t always follow the rules that marketers decree. That’s because we don’t buy products because of what they do… we buy them because of what they mean. Today’s consumers define themselves by the brands they choose. Their idiosyncratic choices create a pastiche of meaning that gets updated 24/7. Marketers no longer drive the train, even though they can still ride it.
This means that the firm categories we love to use to understand our world – and our customers – are no longer valid. In particular, the traditional labels we use to segment consumers have stopped working. Today’s consumers are like chameleons, who change color constantly. They no longer sit passively in the tidy cages we put them in. The convenient dichotomies we rely upon, such as Male vs. Female, Young vs. Old, I vs. We, Consumer vs. Producer, Offline vs. Online, and many others, no longer mean very much.
In the New Normal, we’ll see these cages open even faster as people are exposed both to new possibilities and to new constraints on their daily lives. Many of us for example will rediscover the value of community, and others will rethink the value of commuting to work everyday. In this presentation, we’ll explore some of these comfortable cages, and show why marketers need to ignore them in order to prosper.
Speaker:
Michael R. Solomon, Ph.D.
Consumer Behavior Expert and Speaker
Our expert for this topic is Andrew A. Kimler, Esq., partner at Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP. Andrew heads the Employment Law, Commercial Litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practices and is a key member of the LGBTQ Representation Practice. He regularly writes and lectures on employment law matters.
Andrew will lead a conversation around the following topics:
- What organizations should consider when reopening.
- How to make employees feel comfortable, and what special accommodations employees may be entitled to.
- What can employees do if they feel they aren’t properly protected.
- Can employees be required to wear face masks or other PPE?
- Can employees who refuse to return to work be terminated?
- Can employers send employees home or demand they stay home?
- How to navigate going back to work with childcare challenges.
- Can business owners who reopened but aren’t profitable still file for unemployment? Can they re-close and file for unemployment?
- Is there business rent relief for closed businesses? Can landlords demand past rent for the time closed?Returning to Work During a Pandemic: What You Need to Know
Speaker:
Andrew A. Kimler, Esq.,
Partner at Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP
PAST EVENT
HFPA Virtual Market Week Discussion with Home Textiles Today
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
2-3 p.m. (EST)
Friday, July 24, 2020
10-11 a.m (EST)
HFPA and HTT are hosting two virtual meetings this week to educate the manufacturing community about the new platform, and provide information about the various product presentation and marketing options. Please note you do not have to attend both. The sessions are open to everyone.
To view the slide deck from the presentation, click here.
Thank you to all that joined us on for our virtual event!
Speaker:
Niel Sauders
Managing Director and Retail Analyst at GlobalData Retail
Thank you to all who joined HFPA’s first virtual program (we had 60 attendees!). We welcome you to join us for our next #PowerChat about COVID-19’s impact on the industry via Zoom on Tuesday, May 5th at 10AM (ET). Please think about the positive solution(s) or innovation(s) that your company has instilled during the pandemic, and be ready to share with others on the call! HFPA is here to continue to support the conversation in our community and industry, especially during these times.
PAST EVENT
NEW COVID-19 Interactive Zoominar: Industry Landscape | Challenges and Innovative Ideas
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
10AM (ET)
HFPA is here to support conversation in our community and industry, and we welcome you to join us for this valuable meeting for one hour on Tuesday, April 14th at 10AM (ET). Please think about one positive solution or innovation that you are willing to share that may help others on the call through this pandemic that has impacted us all. HFPA’s legal counsel, Robert Leo, will join us for any questions you may have. The access password is b7+93&N?
On Thursday, January 23rd, HFPA legal counsel Robert Leo will discuss the status of the trade war with China, including updates on the List 4A provisions and List 4B, and how members can mitigate the effects of the additional tariffs. To sign up for this webinar click the button below! please note that instructions on how to access the webinar will be sent a few days prior to the event.
PAST EVENT
International Trade in 2019: Are You Prepared?
January 2019
In January, HFPA conducted a webinar entitled, “International Trade, Are You Prepared?” HFPA and ADFC Counsel, Robert Leo, discussed the important trade issues facing HFPA members. Bob also provided the latest news on, and answered questions about, the Administration’s negotiations and continued retaliation v. China, Congress and the USMCA (the new NAFTA) and related issues. For more info and a copy of the presentation, contact Robert Leo.
PAST EVENT
5 Best Practices for Succeeding on Amazon
January 2019
Orca Pacific is a full-service Amazon agency located in Seattle specializing in maximizing clients’ sales on Amazon by developing and implementing a holistic marketing and advertising strategy and also offers full account management services. John L. Ghiorso, CEO of Orca Pacific, will focus on 5 best practices for succeeding on Amazon: Using the Amazon “Flywheel” to your advantage, Optimize Content for Search and Conversion, A Full-Funnel Approach to Amazon Marketing, Vendor Central vs. Seller Central vs. Hybrid Approach and Digging into Analytics-Always be Testing and Learning. Whether you’re an Amazon expert or in the early stages of selling on this platform, you are sure to pick up valuable information that will make you smarter about how to best approach the business. The webinar is open to all members of your organization.
PAST EVENT
Government and Regulatory Issues Update
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
1:00 – 2:00 pm EST
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – HFPA TexTalk – Government and Regulatory Issues Update
Robert Leo will provide a timely webinar on trade issues affecting HFPA Members’ businesses. Learn more about these issues that could cost or save your company money. Topics include:
- Forced Labor
- Protecting Against Whistleblower Actions (for high-level management only)
- Duty Savings Mechanisms
- States Regulatory Actions
- Trade Round-up – including Sec. 301, transshipment and origin marking
About the Speaker: Robert (Bob) Leo is a partner in the New York office of Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP. Bob Leo has served as Counsel for HFPA, its Board of Directors and its members for over 25 years. The firm’s practice focuses on U.S. and international law and regulations affecting exports and imports. Prior to joining the firm, Bob was Vice President and Counsel for the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), a national trade association representing U.S. companies before Congress and the Executive Branch. He has served on AAEI’s Board of Governors and as a member of the AAEI Industry Leadership Council. Bob is a cleared advisor to the U.S. government on customs and trade facilitation issues and has served in that capacity for over 20 years. He was re-appointed in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation (ITAC 13). Robert is also a select member of the New York District Export Council, which helps promote U.S. exports.
He served as Chair of the New York State Bar Associations International and was Program Co-Chair for the Seasonal Meetings in Madrid and Shanghai. He is currently Co-Chair of the Trade Committee.
He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany and received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. While in law school Robert was Managing Editor of the Brooklyn Journal of International Law and served as an intern for then Chief Judge Edward D. Re of the U.S. Court of International Trade.
