SEAMS

🎭 New Orleans is calling! ⚜️

Join SEAMS this September for our Fall Networking Conference in the heart of the French Quarter at the iconic Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, located at the corner of Canal and Bourbon Streets.

📅 September 15–17, 2026
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana

This year's conference will bring together sewn products and textile industry leaders for three days of:

• Networking and relationship-building
• Educational sessions and industry insights
• Dynamic speakers and panel discussions
• WOVEN Women's Soiree
• Networking Lunch
• Reception at the historic Antoine's Restaurant
• Special Mardi Gras World event (spouses and guests welcome!)

Whether you're looking to strengthen existing relationships, discover new business opportunities or stay ahead of industry trends, this is a conference you won't want to miss.

Register and book your hotel now. Room blocks and sponsorship opportunities are available, but space is limited.

Book your hotel: https://tinyurl.com/frjc8dpr

Register today: https://tinyurl.com/3we9uwat

Sponsorship opportunities available: https://tinyurl.com/3uup8ct4

View the agenda: https://tinyurl.com/4e87nuze

News from SEAMS member Suburban Manufacturing Group Manufacturing / Python Protective Sleeve + Covers:

MEET BEN
Your New Resource for Custom Cut & Sew Industrial Manufacturing

As Python continues to grow our custom manufacturing capabilities, we're excited to introduce Ben Pardue, our newest Business Development Manager serving the Midwest region.

With six years of experience in the textile industry, Ben works directly with manufacturers, OEMs, and distributors to develop custom sewn solutions for demanding industrial applications. From material selection and prototyping to production, he helps customers navigate the process and find the right solution for their unique requirements.

Whether you're looking for a custom thermal insulation blanket, protective sleeve, equipment cover, welding protection product, or a completely unique sewn assembly, Ben is available to discuss your application and identify the best path forward.

If you're located in the Midwest and searching for a trusted manufacturing partner for your next textile project, Ben would love to connect.

Contact Ben at: [email protected]

If you're ready to bring your sourcing home, Python is your go-to American manufacturing partner.

Featured applications:
• Thermal Insulation Covers & Blankets
• Hose & Cable Protection Sleeves
• Equipment & Machinery Covers
• Welding Protection Products
• DEF Tank Covers
• Custom Sewn Assemblies

Every application is different. That's why our process starts with understanding your environment, performance requirements, and installation needs before recommending materials and manufacturing methods.

Whether you need protection from heat, abrasion, weather, chemicals, or daily wear, Python has the experience and manufacturing expertise to deliver a solution built specifically for your application.

Explore capabilities: https://tinyurl.com/mvcwxxv8

View product solutions: https://tinyurl.com/289jdmuh

We're heading back to Whiskey Kitchen! Join the Alphabet Soup Collective on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for the official 2026 Shindig, co-hosted by Messe Frankfurt North America.

Tickets are on sale now, and a 50% off discount is available to SEAMS members! And you may want to grab yours soon because the previous Raleigh and Atlanta events both sold out!

We're pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2026 Alphabet Soup Collective Shindig, co-hosted by Messe Frankfurt North America. This event will take place Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Whiskey Kitchen in downtown Raleigh. It's just a short walk from the Raleigh Convention Center where the 2026 edition of Techtextil North America will be held.

What’s new about this year’s event? We’ll be featuring a VIP hour, hosted and sponsored by the North Carolina Textile Foundation from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. within the Whiskey Kitchen space. In addition to the extra time you’ll get networking, this VIP hour will also feature special drinks and surprises for those who participate. If you're interested in this ticket, select "VIP Experience" at checkout. Tickets are limited!

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Contact Maggie McDonald at [email protected].

Click here to register today: https://tinyurl.com/4j9ra6yh
Use code "SEAMS" to receive 50% off discount

About the Alphabet Soup Collective

SEAMS is a founding member of the Alphabet Soup Collective — a collaboration of associations representing the global sewn products, textile, apparel and nonwovens textiles industries. The collective was launched in 2024 as a means to enhance collaboration and bridge gaps across the supply chain.

The collective held its first meeting during the August 2024 edition of Techtextil North America in Raleigh. That meeting was followed by the Inaugural Alphabet Soup Collective Shindig, an over-the-top networking reception which many have claimed to be the “best industry event they’ve ever attended.” Though, to be fair, there was a good amount of whiskey involved.

Since then, the collective has hosted a few more shindigs, including at Texprocess Americas 2025 in Atlanta.

AmericanTextiles

Every part of the textile and sewn products industry is being impacted by change.

New technologies are entering the market. Supply chains continue to shift. Customer expectations are evolving. And businesses across the industry are looking for ways to remain competitive while preparing for what's next.

That's why industry education matters.

At Techtextil North America 2026, attendees can gain valuable insights through expert-led Symposiums, Tech Talks, and conversations focused on the challenges and opportunities influencing textiles, sourcing, manufacturing, materials, and product development.

The future of the industry won't be shaped by one company or one segment alone. It will be shaped by the professionals willing to learn, connect, and engage with the ideas driving it forward.

Join the conversation in Raleigh this August.

Register today: https://tinyurl.com/3ea5a9wy

Built in America. Ready to Build for You.

SEAMS member EMTECH (Engineered Materials Technology Inc.) has spent more than 25 years helping strengthen the U.S. manufacturing supply chain with vertically integrated solutions for military, commercial, industrial, automotive, appliance and consumer markets.

A Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 1996, EMTECH offers a single point of contact from product design and development through cutting, sewing, fabrication, finishing and packaging — helping customers move from concept to production with confidence.

From automated cutting and contract sewing to lamination, protective coatings, custom fabrications and kit assembly, EMTECH is built to support new products, production overflow and custom manufacturing projects.

📍 Sterling Heights, Michigan
📧 [email protected]
📞 586-323-6000

Made in America. Built for partnership. Let's build something together.

SEAMS member Pathfinder exhibited at the Furniture Manufacturing Expo (FME) last week in Charlotte, N.C. The company demonstrated its advanced fabric spreading and cutting technology.

General Manager Monte Kimball said the company found the quality of visitors quite good and that they were able to meet several potential customers. After conversations with booth visitors, he said that “automation to address labor challenges remains, and reducing waste seems to be important.”

FME is the only trade show in North America dedicated exclusively to furniture manufacturing suppliers, bringing together manufacturers, equipment providers, technology companies and service partners from across the industry.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Textile Apparel Group (TAG) Conference, taking place July 21-23 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Hosted by SEAMS members National Industries for the Blind and SourceAmerica, the annual conference brings together nonprofit manufacturers, government customers and industry partners from across the textile and apparel supply chain to collaborate, share insights and strengthen support for the AbilityOne Program.

Attendees will explore ways to enhance production capabilities, address supply chain challenges and create new opportunities for mission-driven manufacturing through educational sessions, panel discussions and networking events.

NEW for 2026: A mini-expo will be held Wednesday afternoon, providing exhibitors with an additional opportunity to connect with industry stakeholders. Reserve your table today.

📍 The Westin Philadelphia
📅 July 21-23, 2026

Be sure to book your hotel early. The room block closes June 21.

Book room here: https://tinyurl.com/3dyd24ns

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4tpwwm6d

Agenda here: https://tinyurl.com/5n734uwj

Sponsor here: https://tinyurl.com/3khd2pv7

Contact Donielle Lorelli, [email protected] or 703-209-5512.

Mid-Atlantic Sewing Factory space available for lease

Soon to be available: 3,000 – 14,000 square feet of factory space in Essex, Baltimore County, Maryland, previously used for woven and knit apparel sewing production. Amenities include spreading tables, 240 volt 3-phase feed rail, two air compressors, LED lighting, loading dock, dry sprinkler and security systems and abundant natural light. In storage are countless old sewing machine parts and accessories, including needles, K-legs, tabletops, thread stands, folders, bobbin winders, etc.

The location is close to Interstate 95, Baltimore beltway 695, Dundalk Marine Terminal, Tradepoint Atlantic, Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Martin State Airport. The landlord is responsive and conscientious, and the address is 620-626 Franklin Avenue, Baltimore (Essex), Maryland 21221.

For full description and images, please visit www.moxil.com, or contact Dan at [email protected], or via voice / text at 410 375-4766.

SEAMS is well represented this week at the Furniture Manufacturing Expo (FME) at the Charlotte Convention Center. Four members — Dunlap Industries Inc, Lectra, Sewn Products Equipment Company (SPEC) and Zund — are showcasing the technologies, equipment and services that help power furniture and textile manufacturing across the United States.

FME, which runs today and Thursday, is the only trade show in North America dedicated exclusively to furniture manufacturing suppliers, bringing together manufacturers, equipment providers, technology companies and service partners from across the industry. This year's event marks the show's move to Charlotte, expanding its reach and accessibility for furniture manufacturers nationwide. The expo also features educational sessions and the latest innovations in manufacturing, automation, materials and supply chain solutions.

🎭 Join SEAMS in New Orleans this September!

Registration is open for the 2026 SEAMS Fall Networking Conference, Sept. 15-17, at the Astor Crowne Plaza in the heart of New Orleans. Located at the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets, this year's event combines industry insight, business connections and the unforgettable culture of the Crescent City.

Under the theme Innovation – Education – Transformation, attendees will enjoy:

• Informative industry sessions
• Dynamic speakers and panelists
• Networking Reception at Antoine's
• Networking Lunch
• WOVEN Women's Soiree
• Special Mardi Gras World event (spouses and significant others welcome!)

Whether you're looking to build new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships or stay ahead of industry trends, this is an event you won't want to miss.

📍 Book your hotel: https://tinyurl.com/frjc8dpr
📝 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/3we9uwat
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities available: https://tinyurl.com/3uup8ct4
📅 View the agenda: https://tinyurl.com/4e87nuze