Raw Materials: Managing your business amid a challenging economy is difficult enough. Factor in volatile inputs costs, and labor issues and planning becomes near impossible. Find out where these costs are headed and the best ways to mitigate risk and exposure to the unexpected.
Asia Trade Issues: It’s never been more difficult to plan ahead with geopolitical factors in play. The U.S.-China trade war is simmering hotter, concerns about actions in Taiwan are growing by the day, and tangential issues stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict have pervaded virtually all aspects of business. This panel unpacks it all, from what to keep an eye on to in the near term to potential unfolding scenarios you may not have considered.
Sourcing Outlook: Get your information straight from the Source. Here from manufacturers working on the ground across the globe to find out what the current state of affairs really in. From labor issues, to payment concerns and run rates and order quantities, these speakers tell it like it is.
Fiscal Foundations: From recessionary woes, to bank failures and a stymied consumer. The outlook looks grim on many fronts. This panel features experts across the financial spectrum to fill you on what they are seeing, how they are counseling their clients and will share best practices that can be applied to your own business.
Logistics Update: They say the supply chain can be a source of differentiation rather than just an added cost. What does that look like in practice? Logistics has become a catch-all for everything that encompasses getting your goods from ideation to consumer. Find out the latest trends in the space from new technology to new systems that add visibility, efficient and (ideally) cut your costs.
A Hub in Hong Kong: While new locations continue to make a name for themselves in the international business landscape, Hong Kong has been able to retain its status as the gateway to the globe. As a premier hub of textile research, with a supportive startup community for the sourcing industry, easy access to capital and trade finance, as well as abundant ESG resources, there are myriad reasons to set up shop there. This panel will examine the benefits of doing business in Hong Kong, and offer insight into how you can better monitor your supply chain and operations from an HK HQ.
Trade Agreements, Laws & Loopholes: While legal issues surrounding trade are a part of all commerce, the nuances and intricacies of doing business between the US and Asia are perhaps the toughest to parse. This panel will examine the status of trade agreements, laws (and loopholes) in effect, while also taking a look forward about where we might be heading.
Eyes on the Consumer: Brands and retailers spend countless hours (and dollars) they can’t afford attempting to understand their customer. From the basic questions of “What do they want?” to deeper issues and data analysis, how can you be sure that your strategies align with your shoppers? This discussion will dive into how the consumer is behaving and the best ways to navigate your business going forward.
AI, ChatGPT and the Power of Progress: Much of the debate surrounding technological advancement has been about if or when, but is the right answer how? In this panel, Sourcing Journal founder Edward Hertzman sits down with Paul Magel of CGS to discuss integrating new tech into your current systems, why collaboration is as important as ever and how to use today’s tools to be both efficient and effective.
