A collaboration of associations representing the global sewn products, textile, apparel and nonwovens textiles industries — known collectively as the Alphabet Soup Collective in a nod to their various and plentiful acronyms — officially launched in Raleigh, N.C. last month. The group includes 11 industry associations:
- AATCC | American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
- AAPN | Americas Apparel Producers’ Network
- ATA | Advanced Textiles Association
- ATMA | American Textile Machinery Association
- INDA | Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry
- NALA | North American Linen Association
- NWI | The Nonwovens Institute
- SEAMS | The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry
- SPESA | Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas
- STA | Southern Textile Association
- SYFA | The Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association
The Alphabet Soup Collective inaugural meeting, which was held during the 2024 Techtextil North America trade show, was a result of the associations’ desire to work more collaboratively on industry initiatives and events that are beneficial to all of their respective memberships. Moving forward the group will work to:
- Bridge gaps in the various sectors of these soft goods industries’ supply chains.
- Leverage the massive brain trust and expertise that exists among the association partners, sharing knowledge, ideas, and resources as needed to better the industry.
- Identify ways to better support members through education and networking.
- Coordinate industry calendars to avoid overlap on events and ensure industry stakeholders receive the best possible value from their invested time and resources.
“ATA is delighted to join other textile associations in working together to benefit our collective membership,” says Steve Schiffman, president and CEO of ATA. “The initial feedback from ATA members has been very positive as they navigate the many industry events and activities that are available to them. Over 275 people registered for the first ever ‘Alphabet Soup’ shindig held during Techtextil North America 2024 and hosted by 11 of the industry associations from throughout the textile supply chain.”
“Bringing associations together in an allied industry — often with disparate goals but all aiming for the highest level of success — is something that has been an idea of many of these associations for years, and we’re happy to turn this much-needed initiative into reality,” says Harrie Schoots, leading industry expert and collective spearhead. “With each association working hard to provide the most benefit to their members, and with so many events each year, this collective makes perfect sense. Representing thousands of members, our associations must find ways to work together and strengthen our collective presence as we face global challenges. We speak similar languages in our industry, and we are excited to involve our members in this effort to broaden our perspectives, understand each other’s issues and ensure the greatest value for everyone. I’m looking forward to the new heights we will reach together.”
In honor of these group efforts — and in true textile industry fashion — the association meeting was followed by a networking reception at Whiskey Kitchen in downtown Raleigh. The event brought together more than 280 industry professionals — representing brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, consultants and academics — from around the globe, most notably the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“[The Alphabet Soup shindig] was hands down, the best industry networking event I have ever attended,” says Graham Page, co-founder of iAtelier Corporation and Principal at AlchemyX, LLC. “Where else can you connect with the entire industry from start to finish, from fiber to retail? The energy was palpable. This sort of thinking is exactly what is needed in these difficult times in our broader industry. Innovation happens when you mix people and ideas to address big challenges.”
The Alphabet Soup Collective networking reception was sponsored by: