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
Details
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
Kim Glas
Details
Monday will kick off with Kim Glas, President & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), delivering a keynote presentation focusing on the latest legislative and trade updates from Washington, D.C. The day continues with insightful sessions covering economics, trade, AI, and an engaging discussion with Margarita Mendoza, Founder of the Made in America Movement.
Details
Tuesday’s educational sessions will begin with a keynote presentation, “The Future Textiles Council: An Alliance for Industry Revitalization,” featuring Karl Aspelund of the University of Rhode Island and Michael Woody of Trans-Tex LLC. Additional sessions will explore Textile Color Development and Performance & Sustainability. Don’t miss these impactful sessions designed to enhance your expertise and keep you ahead of industry trends!
Roger Tutterow
Details
Dr. Roger Tutterow provides a timely overview of global, national and regional economies including recent developments in the effect of COVID-19 on the retail sector and real estate, the causes and effects of the recent changes in energy prices, the structure and effect of recent fiscal stimulus and the linkages between trade policy, currency valuation and the manufacturing sector. The recent shift in Federal Reserve policy and the outcome of the 2024 elections are also considered.
Details
When surveyed, American consumers often say they’ll pay more for American made, but actual purchasing behavior can vary. How much is the label worth, and how do American-made brands sell the value of what they are doing? Join me to discuss a handful of real-live examples from 4 different brands, all making things in America.
Keith Hoover
Details
This session presents how a mill’s existing documentation can be parsed into the alphabet, spelling, and grammar as it were, to serve as the foundation for standardizing knit fabric definitions, thus enabling digital searches based on construction, appearance, performance, end-use, and handfeel. It transforms a library into a storefront.
Details
The textile dyeing process has developed over time and together with new Dyeing equipment it has a positive impact on the environment through reduction in water, energy and chemical consumption. It comes with its challenges, but with the right tools and the right procedures the benefits are tremendous.
Ashok Shrivastava
Details
The textile industry increasingly demands environmentally sustainable manufacturing while maintaining quality standards. Plasma surface treatment emerges as an innovative, eco-friendly alternative to traditional textile finishing methods. This non-thermal technology operates at low temperatures under atmospheric or vacuum conditions, enabling precise surface property modifications without altering bulk material characteristics. Plasma treatment enhances dyeability, printability, color fastness, adhesiveness, and hydrophobic properties through four primary mechanisms: cleaning/etching, activation, assisted grafting, and polymerization. Applications include mechanical and electrical property enhancement, wetting behavior control, improved dyeing/printing, and specialized biological/medical functions.
Details
With decades of industry expertise and visionary leadership, Gregg will offer valuable insights into the vital role of lab testing in today’s evolving textile industry. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the field’s most respected voices.
Karen Leonas
Details
Increased attention is being given to the environmental impact created throughout the textile and apparel supply chain. In efforts to reduce this impact, and meet the needs of industry partners, governments, and consumers, there have been increased efforts from fiber production through textile waste collection to moving the textile and apparel supply chain to a circular economy. This presentation will address what a circular economy means to the industry, and examine the role of innovation, consumers, legislation, brands and retailers are having in driving this shift to circularity.
Details
Navigating chemical restrictions is increasingly complex for brands and mills operating in global markets. Ensuring compliance with restrictions on PFAS, BPA and Prop 65 within the EU, Canada and US requires more than awareness—it calls for a proactive strategy. This includes practical approaches to identifying restricted substances, adapting to new legislation and implementing testing and documentation protocols to support due diligence. The goal is to help supply chains reduce risk and validate product safety claims without compromising performance.
Shane O’Toole
Details
Increased attention is being given to the environmental impact created throughout the textile and apparel supply chain. In efforts to reduce this impact, and meet the needs of industry partners, governments, and consumers, there have been increased efforts from fiber production through textile waste collection to moving the textile and apparel supply chain to a circular economy. This presentation will address what a circular economy means to the industry, and examine the role of innovation, consumers, legislation, brands and retailers are having in driving this shift to circularity.
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 functions only); 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
2025 Exhibitors and 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.