Interested in Speaking?
AAFA is continually looking for diverse industry experts from apparel and footwear brands to share experiences, case studies, address challenges, and define best practices through our events. Event speakers provide AAFA members and industry attendees with expertise and thought-provoking perspectives to move the industry forward.
If you are a service provider, your company must be a member of AAFA to submit a proposal. Please contact Megan Balkovic before submitting a proposal to discuss membership. For other inquires, please contact Brielle Papalia.
Submission Process and Topics: (including but not limited to)
- Supply chain
- Sourcing
- Logistics
- Customs
*Timeline
Call Opens: Friday, November 1, 2024
Call Closes: Friday, December 20, 2024
- Call for Speakers submission deadline: January 6 – 10, 2025
Proposals reviewed by Subject Matter Experts: January 6 – 10, 2025
- Notifications sent to speakers/submitters by Monday, January 13, 2025
*timeline is subject to change
Event Audience:
Titles of Previous Year's Attendees the Proposal Should Aim to Engage:
•
VP, Director, or Manager of Distribution and Logistics
•
VP, Director, or Manager of Global Trade Compliance
•
VP, Director, or Manager of Global Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainability
•
VP or Director of Supply Chain and Sustainability Consulting
•
VP, Director, Analyst, or Advisor of Global Business Development
•
VP, Director, Analyst, or Advisor of Customs and Trade
AAFA's Call for Speakers Process
AAFA's subject matter experts review speaker proposals, ensuring alignment with target audiences, learning objectives, and event structure. They evaluate proposed speakers for their expertise, experience, and ability to deliver valuable content. Speakers are selected based on their alignment with the below criteria with an emphasis on delivering high-quality, educational, and engaging sessions and ensuring thought leadership perspectives are provided to conference attendees.
AAFA is looking for strictly educational submissions, steering clear of any commercial or sales pitch. Our subject matter experts quickly eliminate and dismiss anything deemed 'sales pitchy' or vendor specific. As we expect to receive more submissions than we can include in our conference program, due to limited open speaking slots, our subject matter experts prioritize proposals with clear and concise learning objectives that align with the program. AAFA will collaborate with selected speakers during the session development process and ensure objectives and guidelines are met.
Proposal Criteria:
• Cutting-edge or innovative content.
• Creativity in presentation.
• Well-defined learning objectives.
• Applicability for attendees in their roles and actionable takeaways.
• Inclusion of real-world case studies, examples, and stories.
• Potential for interactive audience participation.
• Speaker's knowledge, engagement, and experience in the submitted topic.
• Speaker's industry leadership and expertise.
• Emphasis on providing educational value.
Speaker Fees and Expenses
As a not-for-profit trade association, AAFA does not cover speaking fees, travel, or other expenses related to speaking. Speakers receive a complimentary registration to the event. Speakers and their companies recognize the importance of being part of AAFA's educational events by funding travel and lodging. AAFA educational events provide speakers the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise, knowledge, and experience, as well as to network with industry peers.