Sourcing Journal Summit Set for Sept. 29

Global sourcing across the fashion, apparel, and textile sectors is undergoing profound changes. Persistent geopolitical tension, stricter trade regulations and volatility in the transport market are driving fashion brands and retailers to adopt a host of strategies to combat risk in their supply chains. Some to continue to diversify their sourcing portfolios, while others are deepening relationships with their existing supplier bases. Some are bringing production closer to home, while others are probing new markets for manufacturing.

At the same time, newly introduced strict rules on supply chain visibility—in the form of digital product passports, carbon border adjustments and forced-labor compliance—are putting a premium on brands' ability to ensure full transparency of all suppliers and to provide end-to-end traceability.

This change in global sourcing is now no longer just about low labor costs but about securing supply, complying with trade regulations and maximizing operational efficiency.

These issues and challenges will be the focus of Sourcing Journal's 2026 summit, titled "The Global Sourcing Reboot," which is being held in New York City on Sept. 29.

The speakers include the industry's top thought leaders, executives and business influencers. Taking the stage will be Stephen Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Lindy O'Brien, vice president of recommerce and returns, at Target Corp., Kevin McCoy, vice president, Made U.S./U.K. at New Balance Athletics, Elizabeth Richman, general counsel at Eileen Fisher Inc., Drew Taranto, vice president of strategy and product development, e-commerce and returns at DHL Supply Chain, Malvina Hoxha, U.S. director of textiles marketing at Hyosung TNC and Maristella Iacobello, vice president of global customs and trade governance at PVH Corp., among many more.

The topics include "Navigating Trump, Trade, Tension & Turbulence: The Midterm Effect" and "The State of Western Hemisphere Sourcing: Has Nearshoring Become a Reality?" as well as "Regulatory Reset: What Does Human Rights Due Diligence Look Like in 2026?" among others.

"Can Sustainability Survive Capitalism?" panelists include Dana Davis, founder of Dana Davis Consulting, Leah Hollinder, senior director of merchandising and planning at Fjällräven North America, and Eileen Fisher's Richman. The experts will discuss how sustainable brands are caught between two conflicting objectives: encouraging consumers to buy less and better while needing to generate growth.