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Schedule

This schedule is subject to change and will be updated as speakers and events are finalized.

Sunday, September 28th
Noon – 4:00pm SMART Board of Directors Meeting
3:00pm – 5:00pm Registration Open
5:00pm – 5:30pm New Member & First Time Attendee Reception
5:30pm – 7:30pm Welcome and Opening Reception

Monday, September 29th
7:30am – 12:00pm Registration Open
7:30am – 8:30am Networking Breakfast & SMARTWomen Breakfast
8:30am – 9:00am Welcome and Introductions: Brian London, SMART President
9:00am – 9:45am General Session: State of Trade with Natalie Hanson
9:45am – 10:00am Networking Break
10:00am – 10:45am General Session: State of Trade Interactive Group Discussion
10:45am – 11:00am Networking Break
11:00am – 12:00pm General Session: Textile Hierarchy
12:00pm – 1:30pm Networking Lunch
1:30pm – 4:30pm Group Activities or Free Time
6:00pm – 8:30pm Networking Reception & Dinner

Tuesday, September 30th
7:30am – 12:00pm Registration Open
7:30am – 9:00am Networking Breakfast
9:00am – 9:15am General Session: Brian London, SMART President
9:15am – 10:00am

SMART Legislative Update: Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs

Jessica Franken will provide an update on SMART’s government affairs efforts and the key policy and regulatory issues currently affecting the textile reuse and recycling industry. From extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation and local collection bin restrictions to international trade barriers and evolving definitions of textile waste, attendees will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. The presentation will highlight SMART’s advocacy priorities, recent engagement with lawmakers and regulators, and ways members can get involved to help protect and advance the industry’s interests.
10:00am – 10:15am Networking Break
10:15am – 12:00pm

General Session: Bin, Used Clothing, and Wiper Industry Updates

Wiper Panel
Join us in Phoenix for an up-to-the-minute discussion on the state of reclaimed wipers in the market. Our panel will cover the most important topics including quality, availability, worldwide tariffs, grader production issues, supply and demand, and recent trends in domestic hospital linen out-throw. We’ll leave time for questions and group interaction. A side meeting to continue discussions and share ideas is encouraged afterward. 

Panelists

  • Shoaib Sikander, Silver Rags Pvt Ltd.
  • Steve Rees, Wipeco Industries
  • Brian Rubin, Erie Cotton Products Inc.
  • Todd Wilson, Star Wipers, Inc.
  • Rick Wolf, Mednik-Riverbend

Bin Panel
Join us in Phoenix for a look at the future of used clothing collections. Our expert panel will discuss key topics in the industry including new extended producer responsibilities, new difficulties in bin placement, and how to navigate the issues with product flow. We’ll leave time for questions and group interaction. A side meeting to continue discussions and share ideas is encouraged afterward.

Stay tuned for our lineup of panelists.

Used Clothing Panel
Join us in Phoenix for a dynamic session diving into the ever-evolving world of used clothing. Our panel will explore pressing industry topics including shifting global demand, import/export restrictions, challenges around transparency and labeling, and the ongoing debate on quality and wearability in destination markets. From policy shifts to public perception, we’ll examine what’s shaping the future of this trade. We’ll leave time for questions and group interaction. A side meeting to continue discussions and share ideas is encouraged afterward. 

Stay tuned for our lineup of panelists.
12:00pm – 12:30pm Closing Session
12:30pm – 1:30pm Networking Lunch