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 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 Katie Koscher.
Submission Process and Topics:
• Supply chain mapping
• Transparency
• Worker rights and ethical labor practices
• Circularity and lifecycle assessment
• Extended Producer Responsibility
• Water conservation
• Climate change
• Environmental, Social, and Governance Objectives
• Sustainable materials
• Sustainable packaging
• Regulatory compliance
Please note that speaking slots for this event are very limited.
Timeline*:
Call Opens: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Call Closes: Friday, January 24, 2025
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Call for speakers submission deadline:
Friday, January 24, 2025
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Proposals reviewed by subject matter experts:
Monday, January 27 - Monday, February 17, 2025
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Notifications sent to speakers/submitters by
Monday, February 24, 2025
*Dates are subject to change
Event Audience:
Titles of Previous Year's Attendees the Proposal Should Aim to Engage:
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VP, Director, or Manager of Sustainability and Traceability
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VP, Director, or Manager of Social Responsibility
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VP, Director, or Manager of Compliance
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VP or Director of Supply Chain and Sustainability Consulting
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VP, Director, Analyst, or Advisor of ESG
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General Counsel for Human Rights and Sustainability
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.
Click here to submit your proposal.