Attendees will gain access to cutting-edge technical content and forward-looking discussions shaping the future of the textile industry. Whether you work in product development, testing, manufacturing, research, or innovation strategy, the Summit offers unmatched opportunities to connect technical expertise with real-world industry challenges.
Session Topics Include:
- Color science and testing
- Wet processing and chemical compliance
- Haptics and comfort
- AI-driven applications, thermal evaluation technologies
- Fiber and material innovations
- Sustainability initiatives
- Emerging performance solutions
Nicole Bivens Collinson
Monday October 5, 2026 | 3:30 pm
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Bio: Nicole Bivens Collinson is a Managing Principal, Operating Committee, and International Trade and Government Relations Practice Leader with Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. She is located in the Washington, D.C., office. Ms. Collinson is a commentator on trade matters and has appeared on MSNBC, NPR, and BBC Worldwide. She is also the producer of the podcast Two Minutes in Trade, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Join internationally recognized trade expert Nicole Bivens Collinson as she shares timely insights on the evolving trade landscape and what textile professionals need to know to navigate uncertainty and capitalize on emerging opportunities. With decades of experience in trade negotiations, government relations, and textile policy, Nicole brings a uniquely informed perspective on the forces shaping the future of global commerce.
Program Schedule
Jim Manelski
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Jim Manelski is the Director of Sales for FASTSEWN America, where he leads the introduction of a groundbreaking automated sewing and cutting system. With over 40 years of experience, Jim has specialized in bringing innovative technical solutions to on-demand manufacturing environments. His work has helped organizations increase productivity, improve reliability, and reduce dependence on manual labor processes.
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Steve Paolini is President of Telelumen LLC. He earned a BSEE from Penn State University in 1981 and joined Hewlett Packard, Optoelectronics Division, where he held a variety of engineering and management positions in California, Japan, and Malaysia. In 2000 he joined Lumileds as a founding member and in 2007 he founded Telelumen, where he is currently the President. He speaks frequently on a variety of topics related to solid state lighting and he holds 26 issued patents.
Gang Sun
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Gang Sun is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis. Has been working in textile chemistry nd fiber science areas for over 30 years. Current Editor-in-Chief of AATCC Journal of Research.
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Kimberley Zhang serves as an Application Engineer for Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, specializing in Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) technology. With a Master’s degree in Chemistry, her background spans Near-Infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and nanoscience. At Konica Minolta, she provides vital technical consultation and has led multiple webinars aimed at educating industries on the applications and benefits of advanced optical and spectral measurement.
Deb Zell
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Deb Zell is an expert working group member of the European Commission-funded CIRPASS consortium, helping shape international standards for DPPs. Domestically, she is an advocate for California’s landmark SB 707 (Responsible Textile Recovery Act) by serving on the Landbell USA board to drive extended producer responsibility and zero-waste infrastructure for the textile industry.
Deb is the Co-Founder and CEO of PlsReturnIt, a San Francisco-based white-label SaaS platform transforming product development, traceability and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) to eliminate textile and electronic waste. An electronics and outdoor industry veteran, she leverages nearly two decades of experience across consumer product repair and design operations, huma centered design, and digital product management.
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As Laboratory Manager at Organic Dyes and Pigments’ Lincoln facility, Frank Keohan has led the development of high-performance fabric effects including repellents for the past two years. He holds a BA-Chemistry from Holy Cross College, an MS-Chemistry from Virginia Tech, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before his position at Organic Dyes and Pigments, he served as a Senior Technology Manager at Bolger & O’Hearn and a Materials Program Manager at 3D Systems developing novel polymers for 3D printing. Mr. Keohan has over 30 years of experience in polymer synthesis, applied chemistry, materials science, and textile finishing.
Sumit Mandal
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Dr. Sumit Mandal is an Associate Professor of Textile Science at Oklahoma State University with expertise in advanced textile materials, protective clothing, and functional apparel. His research focuses on thermal protective textiles, firefighter and oil-and-gas worker protective equipment, flame-resistant fabrics, textile performance testing, and textile quality evaluation. He integrates materials science, textile engineering, and human safety to develop innovative solutions that enhance occupational protection and comfort. Dr. Mandal also specializes in sportswear performance and advanced testing methodologies, while mentoring graduate researchers and collaborating with industry and multidisciplinary partners to advance textile science and safety technologies.
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Andreas Roth is President & CEO of natific AG, a Swiss-based company specializing in digital color management, supplier certification, and supply-chain transparency for the textile and apparel industry. Working closely with the natific team, he has helped transform textile color from a visual, sample-based process into a digital, measurable, and more sustainable workflow. This work includes color feasibility, virtual color standards, production color control, and the development of new tools such as nVISMO to better understand individual color vision and observer variability in professional color communication.
Karen Leonas
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Karen K. Leonas, PhD, is a Professor of Textile Sciences at NC State University Wilson College of Textiles. Her research focuses on sustainability thorugh the global textile complex incluing moving
towards a more circular economy, fiber to fiber recycleing, textile waste collection and sorting, the
interrelationships between technology and sustainability, and fiber fragmentation that results microplastic
pollution. She is currently part of the NSF North Carolina Textile Innovation Engine.
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Nathaniel Williams is an Administrative Technical Associate with AATCC. He has experience with managing processes, educational leadership, and project management. Through the time he is given at this year’s summit, he hopes to use his experience to assist in communicating the AATCC Research Committee Meeting experience to all in attendance.
Nicole Bivens Collinson
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Nicole Bivens Collinson is a Managing Principal, Operating Committee, and International Trade and Government Relations Practice Leader with Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. She is located in the Washington, D.C., office. Ms. Collinson is a commentator on trade matters and has appeared on MSNBC, NPR, and BBC Worldwide. She is also the producer of the podcast Two Minutes in Trade, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Morgan Cooper is an R&D Material Developer at Vancouver-based Mustang Survival, focused on developing innovative material solutions for life-saving float and dry products. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology from the University of British Columbia, Morgan’s interests include novel material development, textile performance evaluation, and failure analysis with a practical focus on performance in demanding marine environments.
Nancy Rhodes
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Beth Forsberg is a nationally recognized leader advancing circular economy solutions within the thrift and nonprofit sectors. With nearly 20 years in the Goodwill network and more than 30 years of experience in donated goods and retail operations, she focuses on scaling systems for textile and plastic recovery that drive both environmental and workforce impact.
As SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer for Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona (GCNA), Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley (GIMV) and Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay (GSFB), Beth leads cross sector partnerships across the value chain – working with municipalities, universities, recyclers, brands, and policymakers to expand reuse and resource recovery. She has led initiatives including large-scale textile sorting & grading and a hyper-local plastics recovery facility.
Beth also contributes to policy development, particularly extended producer responsibility (EPR), ensuring alignment between regulation and operational realities. She is a frequent national speaker on circularity, operations, and policy.
Nina Cohen
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Nina Cohen is an Application Engineer at Microban, where she partners with leading brands to implement and optimize performance antibacterial and odor control finishing treatments on textile products. Her work focuses on scaling innovative solutions from concept to mill trial size, ensuring technical excellence and commercial viability.
Nina holds a Master of Science in Textile Technology from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Textile Development and Marketing with a minor in Ethics and Sustainability from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her academic and professional background reflect a strong specialization in dyeing and finishing, with a dedicated focus on textile sustainability.
An active member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Nina stays engaged in the scientific textile community. She was most recently published in Springer Nature Publications’ book, Sustainable Coloration of Textiles, contributing to the global discourse on sustainable practices in textile coloration and finishing.
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John Crocker has spent 30 years in the textile quality control industry, with experience in manufacturing, testing, technical sales, and standards development. As SDL Atlas Business Development and Americas Sales Director, John is responsible for working Internationally with customer relationships, standards development, promotion of testing requirements, as well as installation and training of new customers. Prior to his promotion to this role, John was responsible for managing the agents and business in the US and Canada, as well as aiding with promotions around the world, a position he held since joining SDL Atlas in 2004.
John is an active member of several standards development organizations including AATCC; where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2014 and as President for 2023-2024, ASTM; where he chaired D13 Textiles from 2018-2022, and ISO; where he acts as Head of the United States delegation and Technical Expert for the US TAG to TC 38. Prior to joining SDL Atlas, John worked as the Lab Manager/Quality Assurance Manager / ISO Management representative for the Glen Raven Knit Fabrics Group. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Ben Mead
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Ben Mead has spent his career on what materials are made of and how they perform. He helped build Nike’s restricted substances program and partnered with groups like Textile Exchange and AFIRM before taking over Hohenstein Americas, where he leads our testing, research and OEKO-TEX® work.
Ben’s background is in green chemistry, including sustainable materials and water programs earlier in his career. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry from NC State and a green chemistry certificate from the University of Washington.
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As Managing Director of Situ Biosciences LLC, Dr. Don Satchell brings more than 30 years of biochemical research experience to product development and testing for industrial and consumer applications. His expertise supports global programs through testing strategies, regulatory guidance, and product registration support.
Situ Biosciences provides ISO 17025 accredited testing and formulation support for customers worldwide, advancing environmental testing, regulatory compliance, and market readiness. Dr. Satchell is an active member of multiple ASTM committees, contributing to standards for oil-based and organic product formulations.
Committed to scientific rigor and independence, Situ Biosciences helps manufacturers develop durable, high-performance products that meet sustainability and biodegradability goals. Through testing programs, educational resources, and direct development support, the company enables customers to understand industry standards, apply advanced highthroughput testing, and navigate evolving global regulations.
Rebecca Geppert
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Rebecca Geppert is the Director of Partnerships at Refiberd, a US-based startup developing AI-powered technologies to enable circularity in the textiles industry.
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Gary Peck founded The S Group with a vision to provide comprehensive apparel design, innovation, development, sourcing, and supply chain solutions to the athletic and athleisure industries. His goal was to create a turnkey outsourcing model that would help brands accelerate product development, improve speed to market, and achieve greater cost efficiencies.
Koteswara Rao Maddi
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Koteswara Rao Maddi is a global materials innovation leader with over 20 years of experience in textile chemistry, advanced materials, and sustainable manufacturing. As Director of Raw Materials Innovation, Textile Chemistry at lululemon, he leads the commercialization of better chemistry, sustainable coloration technologies, and high-performance finishes that enhance guest experience while accelerating decarbonisation, water stewardship, and supply chain resilience.
Driven by the belief that innovation starts at the material source, he partners across industry and manufacturing ecosystems to scout and scale breakthrough technologies that deliver better products for guests and a better future for the planet.
Throughout his career, Koteswara has built and led high-performing technical teams across Asia and North America, partnering with global brands, mills, chemical companies, and manufacturers to accelerate innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Prior to lululemon, he spent 18 years with Huntsman Textile Effects and Ciba Specialty Chemicals in leadership roles spanning technical services, product management, business development, and innovation. Koteswara holds a Master of Technology (M. Tech.) in Textile Technology from the University Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly known as UDCT), Mumbai India.
Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
AATCC offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities, many of which include tabletop exhibit space in the Summit Exhibit Showroom. These packages are designed to maximize your exposure and help you build valuable industry relationships throughout the event.
Sponsorships and exhibit spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many opportunities sell out quickly, so we encourage you to reserve your sponsorship and tabletop space as soon as possible.
Cancellation requests may be e-mailed to the Education Department ([email protected])
Premier Sponsorship Levels
| Benefit | Platinum | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment | US$5,000 | US$4,000 | US$2,500 | US$1,250 |
| Recognition as Summit Sponsor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Logo on Summit Website | Prominent | Large | Medium | Small |
| Logo on Onsite Signage | Prominent | Large | — | — |
| Logo in Program Materials | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Verbal Recognition (Opening & Closing) | ✔ | ✔ | — | — |
| Complimentary Registrations | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Exhibit/Tabletop Space | Premium Location | Standard | Standard | — |
| Sponsored Social Media Mentions | 3 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Opportunity to Provide Branded Item | ✔ | ✔ | — | — |
Stand Alone Options
| Opportunity | Investment | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Friend of the Future | US$1,500 | Logo on competition signage, recognition during awards |
| Poster Reception Sponsor | US$3,000 | Logo on reception signage, verbal recognition, branded napkins or signage |
| Awards Luncheon Sponsor | US$5,000 | Logo at luncheon, recognition during awards, table signage |
| Opening Reception Sponsor | US$4,000 | Logo on transportation signage, verbal recognition before departure |
| Lanyard Sponsor (1 available) | US$2,500 | Logo on attendees lanyards (exclusive) |
| Coffee Break Sponsor (4 available) | US$1,500 | Logo signage at break stations |
Registration Fees
Pre-registrants will be sent confirmations. After August 15, increased fees will apply. Badges and additional materials may be picked up on-site at the AATCC Registration desk located at the Hotel Ballast. A conference badge is required to enter all the sessions, exhibits, and event functions. Lost badges will be replaced at a cost of US$35 each.
| Registration Type | AATCC Member*** | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
| Earlybird Full Registration – includes access to educational sessions & all event functions | US$695 | US$895 |
| Full Registration (after Aug. 15) | US$795 | US$995 |
| Retired Member* | US$345 | Unavailable |
| Full-time Student – includes access to educational sessions & all event functions | US$150 | US$200 |
| Emeritus AATCC Member** (Complimentary Limited Registration) | US$0 | Unavailable |
| Spouse/Guest Registration (includes access to evening receptions and Awards Luncheon); intended for spouse/partners/family guests only and should not be used for co-workers or colleagues. | Unavailable | US$345 |
* 60+ and retired from full-time employment; includes access to educational sessions & all event functions
** Must be retired with 30 consecutive years of AATCC membership; complimentary Emeritus registration includes admission to the educational sessions only. It does not include admittance to the food and beverage functions
***AATCC Corporate members must contact the Education Department ([email protected]) to register at the discounted member’s rate
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Registration cancellations received in writing by September 7, 2026, at the AATCC Technical Center will be honored minus a US$75 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after September 7. Cancellation requests may be e-mailed to the Education Department ([email protected]).
Hotel Group Rate
Cutoff deadline: September 11, 2026
As you plan your trip, we kindly encourage you to secure your accommodations within AATCC designated room block. By doing so, not only will you guarantee your stay at the heart of the action, but you’ll also assist AATCC in meeting our contractual obligations.
Reservations may be made online to receive the group rate of US$209.00++ (historic view) and US$244.00++ (river view).
The group rate will be available until September 11, 2026, or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. Once the room block is filled the group rate will not be honored. If you need to cancel your reservation, you must provide at least 72 hours’ notice to avoid being charged. A credit card will be necessary to hold your room but will not be charged until you check out or in the event you cancel with less than 72 hours of your planned stay. Any changes to your hotel reservation must be made directly with the hotel.
Parking: Self-parking is available at the rate of $24.00 per day per car. Valet parking is available for $30.00 a night.
Hotel Ballast Wilmington
301 N Water St
Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
telephone +1.910.763.5900
2026 Summit Sponsors
Notice of Consent and Contact Information Sharing
By attending this meeting, you consent to AATCC using any photos, videos, or images of you or your likeness in AATCC media or materials. Additionally, your name, company, and email address will be shared with other event attendees. If you prefer not to consent or share your contact information, please email the Education Department ([email protected]) to opt out.
Force Majeure
AATCC shall not be responsible for cancellation, delay, or modification of the AATCC International Summit due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, government orders, public health emergencies, or other Force Majeure Events. No refunds will be issued due to such circumstances.