American Apparel & Footwear Association,update

October 20 | Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam  For manufacturers in Vietnam, staying competitive today means keeping pace with more than operational performance alone. Trade developments, tariff uncertainty, supply chain scrutiny, rising energy costs, and evolving buyer expectations are all influencing how brands evaluate sourcing partners and make long-term business decisions. At AAFA's Vietnam Apparel & Footwear Compliance Conference, Tuesday October 20 in Ho Chi Minh City, attendees will hear what these changes mean for factories today and how companies are positioning themselves for the future   Format note: This program is presented in English with full Vietnamese translation. Closed to press. REGISTER VIEW AGENDA Upcoming Sessions: Trade Shifts Ahead: Tariffs, Scrutiny, and Sourcing Decisions Section 301 scrutiny in Vietnam is intensifying, with a focus on intellectual property, forced labor, and excess capacity. At the same time, emerging tariff measures and potential trade agreements are increasing pressure across supply chains. Together, these dynamics are reshaping sourcing strategies, influencing where orders are placed and how supply chains are managed. With shifting policy and enforcement across key sourcing markets, the discussion will highlight the risks to watch, how sourcing decisions are evolving, and what these changes could mean for future orders, compliance priorities, and supply chain planning. Virginia Foote President and CEO Bay Global Strategies LLC Moderated by Beth Hughes Vice President, Trade and Customs Policy AAFA Powering Competitiveness: Renewable Energy Strategies for Manufacturers Global market volatility and rising energy costs are driving increased interest in alternative energy sources. In Vietnam, renewable energy procurement is becoming an increasingly important part of how manufacturers meet buyer expectations and stay competitive in export markets. Manufacturers are exploring new options, including the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) mechanism under Decree 57/2025, as a pathway to access renewable electricity. As brands place greater emphasis on emissions reduction and supply chain transparency, energy choices are becoming a key factor in sourcing decisions. On the ground, adopting renewable energy can help factories meet evolving buyer expectations, strengthen partnerships, and remain competitive in export markets. Peter Ford Clean Heat Technical Lead Apparel Impact Institute Thomas Jakobsen Managing Director Indochina Energy Partners Pte. Ltd. Moderated by Chelsea Murtha Senior Director, Sustainability AAFA Conference Location: The Reverie Saigon 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard  Ben Nghe Ward, District 1  Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam   Social Responsibility Workshops in Phnom Penh on October 22  & in Hanoi on October 26 Join AAFA and our Corporate Social Responsibility Partner, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), to discuss the current social compliance landscape in Vietnam and Cambodia while our team is in Asia.   See below for more details. Thank you to all of our Vietnam: Apparel & Footwear Compliance Conference Sponsors: SPONSOR | ADVERTISE International Apparel & Footwear Compliance Conference sponsorships are sold out. If you'd like information about sponsoring the 2027 Conference or another event, contact Megan Balkovic for details. On Thursday, October 22 in Cambodia, we will take a focused look at social compliance and regulatory requirements impacting factories and exporters, with an emphasis on what factories need to understand and prepare for today. This workshop is hosted by the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association (TAFTAC).     We will then head to Hanoi on Monday, October 26, where the conversation will shift to how evolving social compliance and regulatory expectations are shaping factory operations and export requirements in Vietnam. This workshop is hosted by the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).   AAFA and WRAP have collaborated to create several tools, resources, and digital programs for AAFA members.   Learn more about collaborative events and resources between AAFA and WRAP! 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 3.24 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $561 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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