Sourcing Journal to Mark 15th Anniversary at Fall Summit

Sourcing Journal’s annual Fall Summit is returning on Nov. 12, convening the industry to discuss the most pressing issues in sourcing, production, trade and beyond.

This year, the summit will celebrate Sourcing Journal’s 15th anniversary with a look back at how the industry has changed over the last decade and a half. As Sourcing Journal has evolved—including expanding the scope of coverage in areas like logistics and home—so too has the industry. This full-day event in New York will explore the “Past, Present and Future” of the fashion and textile business through conversations with expert speakers.

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“To look back and see how far we’ve come at Souring Journal over the last 15 years is truly awe-inspiring,” said Peter Sadera, editor-in-chief of Sourcing Journal. “The transformation from a newsletter largely focused on cotton prices to the premier industry B2B publication covering everything from trade to sustainability to logistics and so much more has been impressive to say the least. I personally can’t wait to see what the next 15 years bring!”

One thing that has changed drastically over the years is technology. An industry that was once operating with Excel spreadsheets and paper trails is increasingly opting for centralized digital platforms. Design tools are also streamlining the development process, allowing for realistic visualization and reduced sampling.

Another innovation that has taken off is artificial intelligence, which is now integrated into both our personal and professional lives. On the retail side, AI is helping to plan assortments and supporting shoppers with conversational and image-led search. Meanwhile, AI is hard at work behind the scenes, with smart factories, warehouse robotics, route optimization and more.

Since SJ’s start, we’ve also been tracking how government moves are affecting the sourcing and trade landscape. Fresh after the U.S. presidential election, we’ll gather experts to discuss what the incoming administration will mean for fashion. We’ll also be talking trade between the U.S. and China, including the impact of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and what the future holds for the contested de minimis provision.

The agenda will dive into the evolution of the sourcing map, as diversification is now the name of the game amid disruptions.