The Alphabet Soup Collective’s first meeting coincided with the 2024 Techtextil North America trade show. The group's goal is to pool expertise and provide better support through shared knowledge, resources, and events.
The collective also plans to streamline industry event scheduling and improve networking and educational opportunities for members.
The Alphabet Soup Collective has launched with 11 industry associations:
- American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC),
- Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN),
- Advanced Textiles Association (ATA),
- American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA),
- Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA),
- North American Linen Association (NALA),
- The Nonwovens Institute (NWI),
- The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry (SEAMS),
- Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA),
- Southern Textile Association (STA),
- The Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association (SYFA).
Harrie Schoots, an industry expert and one of the key leaders of the Alphabet Soup Collective said: “Representing thousands of members, our associations must find ways to work together and strengthen our collective presence as we face global challenges. We speak similar languages in our industry, and we are excited to involve our members in this effort to broaden our perspectives, understand each other’s issues and ensure the greatest value for everyone. I’m looking forward to the new heights we will reach together.”
The inaugural event concluded with a networking reception which drew over 280 industry professionals from around the world.
Graham Page co-founder at iAtelier Corporation and principal at AlchemyX LLC attended the Alphabet Soup Collective event and commented: “Where else can you connect with the entire industry from start to finish, from fibre to retail? The energy was palpable. This sort of thinking is exactly what is needed in these difficult times in our broader industry. Innovation happens when you mix people and ideas to address big challenges.”
