American Apparel & Footwear Association:update

 

February 3-4, 2026 | Long Beach, CA AAFA’s 2026 Product Safety & Compliance Seminar in Long Beach, CA brings the industry together around what’s next in compliance.   The early bird rate ends December 23, so don’t miss your chance to register at the best rate! REGISTER WITH EARLY BIRD RATE Sessions in Focus: The Price You Don’t See: What’s Really Inside Counterfeits Counterfeit goods aren’t just a threat to profits. They are a growing product safety and reputational risk. A recent AAFA study tested counterfeit products, uncovering alarming chemical safety violations that brands and retailers would never allow. As regulators and consumers increasingly struggle to tell real from fake, the findings underscore why every brand, and the U.S. government, must play a role in fighting counterfeits, not only to protect intellectual property but to maintain consumer trust and uphold the integrity of the industry’s compliance standards.   Speakers include: Jennifer Hanks Senior Director, Brand Protection AAFA Conor O’Brien Sustainability Policy Coordinator AAFA  The Clock Is Ticking on CPSC eFiling With the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) eFiling final rule set for full enforcement in July 2026, brands and retailers face mounting pressure to comply with new digital filing requirements. Don’t get caught unprepared for the data, system, and operational demands of eFiling. Unpack the technical, operational, and strategic dimensions of this rule, offering practical insights to streamline compliance processes and ensure organizations are ready to meet the deadline with confidence.   Speakers include: Rajath Kumar Vice President – Global Softlines Intertek AGENDA Seminar Location: The Westin Long Beach 333 East Ocean Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90802 Co-located with this seminar, AAFA’s Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee (on February 3 and 5, respectively) meetings provide attending members with expanded resources and alignment. (Separate registration required) Hotel Room Block Information: Plan Ahead – Book Your Travel Early! Long Beach will be especially busy the first week of February due to a major event at the convention center. We strongly encourage you to book your travel and accommodations as soon as possible. AAFA’s room block at the Westin Long Beach (host hotel) has already sold out for the nights of February 2 & 3. However, there is still availability on the nights of February 4 & 5. There are still rooms available in AAFA’s room block at the Hilton Long Beach (just down the street).   Please use the links below to make your hotel reservation.  The Hilton Long Beach 701 West Ocean Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90831 The Westin Long Beach 333 East Ocean Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90802  The deadline to reserve a room in AAFA's block at our negotiated rates is Monday, January 12, 2026. Rooms may sell out before this date. Questions? Contact Brielle Papalia.  Follow along with us on social media with #AAFASafe Thank you to our sponsors! Event Ambassador Sponsors: Sponsors: BECOME A SPONSOR Sponsorships for the 2026 Product Safety & Compliance Seminar are sold out. If you'd like information about sponsoring the 2027 program or another AAFA event please contact Megan Balkovic for details. About the American Apparel & Footwear Association The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,100 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology. PRIORITIES | SOLUTIONS | ACCESS | ABOUT | EVENTS

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