What does strong leadership look like in a volatile landscape? Explore how C-suite alignment, stakeholder engagement, and internal culture-building can turn sustainability from a moral value-add into a long-term core business strategy.
About
This conference brings together apparel and textiles leaders who recognise that sustainability provides a competitive edge in an uncertain and volatile landscape.
From the why to the how, we’ll focus on the practical steps to build a resilient value chain, from worker empowerment to decarbonisation. Expect honest discussions grounded in real-world case studies and tangible takeaways that cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves the industry forward.
This year's themes
Leadership and governance
Decarbonisation as innovation
Where can supply chains unlock the biggest gains toward net zero? Discover how collaboration, low-impact materials, shared investments, and collective infrastructure can transform decarbonisation into a source of innovation and growth.
A just transition
Whose perspectives are missing from climate strategy? From farmers to factory workers and waste pickers, discuss how partnerships across the value chain can ensure equity, support business continuity and stakeholder trust in the transition.
Transparency and accountability
Regulation may spark data disclosure, but leadership lies in going further. Examine how traceability, credible reporting, and open communication can build trust, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate genuine progress.
Circularity, market redesign and impact
What does a truly circular textiles industry look like in practice? Assess how new business models, evolving consumer behaviour, and scaled use of textile-to-textile recycling can move the sector from pilot projects to real systemic change.
What sets this event apart
Off the record
Held under the Chatham House rule to promote candid conversation that drives real progress. The hard questions, uncomfortable truths and reality of mistakes. This isn’t a PR platform. It is a space for genuine dialogue.
No PowerPoint or scripts
No presentations, no jargon, no scripted panels. All sessions are structured for dynamic discussion and audience participation.
Networking that works
We cap attendance to ensure an intimate forum that brings together the right stakeholders. Every conversation is relevant. Every meeting is valuable. And every connection matters.
Practical, hands-on format
You won’t be sat in a large room listening for two-days. There’s a major focus on audience participation, interaction and problem solving. Come prepared with questions, ideas, solutions and be ready to get involved.
Event format
Q&As
Hear from leading industry experts and get your questions answered in these quick-fire Q&A sessions.
Roundtable discussions
These small-group discussions focus on specific issues, allowing for a deep dive into focused topics and case studies. Led by a facilitator, all participants share ideas, experiences, and strategies.
Breakout sessions
These focused, problem-solving sessions tackle critical business challenges and provide clear and practical outputs.
This house believes
These dynamic, high-energy debates are designed to spark meaningful discussion and challenge views. Styled as motion debates, spirited discussions are guaranteed!
Speed networking
Join our quick-fire speed networking sessions to meet new people, exchange ideas, and foster connections.
Mainstage plenaries
Hear from expert speakers on these mainstage panel discussions as we address the critical sustainability challenges and opportunities in the apparel industry.
Day 0 field trip
Ahead of the forum, we'll explore the operational sites where the change is really happening. These provide a first-hand look into the realities of systems change and include roundtables to reflect and map out next steps
Case studies
In these in-depth case study sessions speakers share what’s working, what’s not, and key lessons learned, enabling you to take back best practices to your own organisation.
Advisory group
Jason Berns
Ralph Lauren
Head of Sustainability, Product and Manufacturing Innovation
Begüm Kürkçü
ON
Global Senior Director of Sustainability
Christine Goulay
Sustainabelle
Founder
Mobeen Chughtai
Soorty Enterprises
Group Head - ESG, CSR and Corporate Communications
Hakan Karaosman
Politecnico di Milano
Associate Professor
Carmen Gama
EILEEN FISHER
Director of Circular Design
Andrés Fernández
MANGO
Head of Sustainability and Sourcing
Logan Duran
Tapestry
Global Head of ESG and Sustainability
Laura Coppen
H&M Group
Sustainable Investment Lead
Our partners
Knowledge collaborator
Marketing partners
Download our event brochure
Learn more about who attends and why you need to join the conversation.
"The event provided a dynamic platform to explore forward thinking strategies, emerging technologies, and sustainability driven innovations that are shaping the future of our industry. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, and peers who are equally as passionate about driving impactful change across the apparel and sourcing landscape."
Senior Vice President, Sourcing and Production
Komar
"The conference created a rare space for candid dialogue and meaningful collaboration...... I left inspired by both the solutions being developed and the energy in the room. "
Director - Materials Innovation
REI
"The Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference was one of the most valuable industry events I’ve attended. It brought together an exceptional community of people committed to driving meaningful change, and we made some truly exciting connections"
Founder & Executive Director
Mercado Global
"The conversations at Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference New York had real depth, showcasing examples that helped materialize the subject matter....I went back to work with a boost of inspiration that was much needed."
Head of Sustainability
Another Tomorrow
"The perfect balance of size and focus, gathering the entire ecosystem for meaningful discussions. I left inspired with valuable insights, fresh ideas, and new opportunities "
Chief Operating Officer
Avalo Inc
"As a sustainability leader navigating fast-moving regulation and shifting consumer expectations, this conference was invaluable....I left with actionable insights, new industry connections, and a clearer sense of where to focus next. "
Head of Sustainability
Rothy's
Who attends
The conference brings together cross-functional leaders and decision makers within the apparel and textiles industry. We bring together key stakeholders from across the value chain including suppliers, investors, policy makers and more.
Register
June 3rd-4th
New York City, United States
Contact
For any questions on this event, please contact:
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