New conference from SGIA takes a high-level view of e-commerce, consumer trends, branding and more with speakers including Johnny Cupcakes and Tim Williams.

Fairfax, Virginia - The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) introduces THREADX, a conference designed for garment decorators by SGIA’s Garment Decoration Committee. The conference will be held February 25–28, 2018, in Palm Springs, California.

“The committee wanted to create an experience that would motivate business leaders to see the zeitgeist of their marketplace and to understand how to capitalize on consumer trends driving it,” said Sarah Perkins, Community Development Manager, SGIA. “THREADX is a unique conference that’s sure to shake up traditional business strategies for garment decorators.”

As important as the latest tech trends
THREADX will look at all aspects of owning and running a business today, focusing on advancements in consumer culture, marketplaces and e-commerce, Perkins added.

“This is just as important as discussing the latest print technology to hit the market. We need to arm our members — and the apparel industry — with tools to innovate and thrive in today’s ever-changing economic landscape,” she said.

Setting a business apart
The THREADX lineup is as exceptional as its focus. Keynote speakers include apparel market revolutionaries Johnny Earle (Johnny Cupcakes) and Tim Williams (YR Store), design and branding pioneer riCardo Crespo (th13teen), entrepreneur and social media guru Steve Weiss (MuteSix), and early online print-adopter CustomInk.

“This conference is focused on future-proofing your business. We’ll take time to review ideas and offer options for gaining new direct-to-consumer business. We are going to dive deep into the topic of e-commerce-based sales and how to successfully bring a brand to market,” said Chris Bernat, Vapor Apparel, who sits on SGIA’s Garment Decoration Committee.

“Our hope is to connect, empower and inspire the leaders of the garment decoration industry,” added Brett Bowden, Printed Threads, another committee member. “E-commerce is something our customers are expecting out of us, and a lot of us have a lot to learn about it. The conference will speak to how to sell products and how to get noticed.”

THREADX takes place February 25–28, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Springs, California, with an option for an extended registration ticket that gives attendees access to the show floor and educational sessions at eTail West on Wednesday, February 28. For more information — and to register — visit THREADX18.com.