New Events Highlight Imprinted Sportswear Show's Return to New England

ISS offers one-stop destination for decorated apparel business knowledge.
May 12, 2008

The Imprinted Sportswear Shows (ISS) have long recognized the importance of regional events, last year re-introducing a full-scale exhibition and conference to apparel decorators and promotional products distributors in New England. With transportation costs soaring, the convenience of a regional trade show and educational conference is more important than ever.

Established textile screen printers, commercial embroiderers, promotional products distributors, digital decorators and retailers, as well as those interested in starting a decorated apparel business or adding apparel decoration to an existing business, now can save time and money via a trade show held right in their backyard. The New England Imprinted Sportswear Show returns again this year to the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, R.I., with workshop day on Thursday, July 17 and the exhibition and conference taking place from Friday to Sunday, July 18-20.
 
"ISS New England provides a unique opportunity for regional apparel decorators and promotional consultants to experience first-hand the latest decorated apparel products and processes, network with peers and learn new skills," says Richard Lebovitz, editorial director for Impressions, the magazine sponsor of the Imprinted Sportswear Shows. "This year marks the Imprinted Sportswear Show's 30th anniversary, and in keeping with our tradition of innovation, we've introduced a number of new show attractions and educational events, including the Green Pavilion and Eco Trail, which serve as an introduction to this year's hottest trend."

Here's a taste of what attendees will have the opportunity to experience.

ISS Exhibition
This three-day event provides the opportunity to visit with more than 100 exhibitors showing the newest products and processes, including "green" apparel and supplies, performancewear, inkjet-to-garment printers, CADPrinting, specialty inks…and more.

NEW! Green Pavilion and Eco Trail
The Green Pavilion showcases the hottest decorated apparel industry trend for 2008. An accompanying guide leads to the exhibitors displaying the latest eco-friendly garments and products on the show floor.

NEW! Impressions Forum: Dealing with a Downturn
Impressions magazine has assembled a panel of experts for a discussion designed to help show attendees discover the silver lining in today's economic cloud.

NEW! Management Workshop: Getting to the Next Level
In this all-day business strategy session, industry marketing guru Mark Venit will share his secret formula for achieving sustained long-term growth and profitability.

Business Builder Seminars
The conference program features 19 sessions, educating decorators on how they can capitalize on such new technology as inkjet-to-garment printers and specialty inks to attract new customers and build business with current customers.

Machine Maintenance Clinics
Can any decorated apparel business afford the cost of work stoppage due to machine breakdown? In these special hands-on classes, attendees will learn how to improve production efficiency and keep their equipment up and running.

NEW! Promotional Products Education
The Promotional Products Association Intl.'s offers a free co-located workshop program that teaches attendees what it takes to become a promotional consultant or to add promotional products to an existing business model.

Learn and Earn
ISS conference courses are eligible for Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) and Certified Advertising Special (CAS) credits through the Promotional Products Association Intl. For details, contact certification@ppai.org.

Impressions Awards
The award-winning entries from the 2007 Impressions Awards are sure to get attendees' creative juices flowing. See and (yes!) touch them in the Impressions booth.

Travel Buddy Journeys to ISS Schaumburg
Whether it's making sure you packed everything in your suitcase, or making sure everything fits in your suitcase, sometimes traveling can be stressful. But the Travel Buddy from Michigan-based Twin Bay Treasures is one way to simplify traveling.
August 04, 2008

A Working Solution
Imagine seeing nearly every apparel decorating process in a hands-on environment, with educated staff walking you through how each machine can help you improve or diversify your shop's services. Hirsch Intl. Corp., Hauppauge, N.Y., recently hosted an open house for the grand opening of its Hirsch Solutions Studio in Solon, Ohio, where more than 200 guests saw the industry's latest technologies up close.
August 01, 2008

Like a Good Neighbor
Mark Hopper, president of Hopper's Silk Screen, Fond du Lac, Wis., knows his company barely escaped a major heartache, as recent floodwaters — which still plague the Midwest — came within 50 yards of his shop and could have destroyed his facility.
August 01, 2008

Garments Doing Good for Ghana
While most teenagers worry about passing their driver's license tests or securing dates for the homecoming dance, eight 14- and 15-year-old girls from Long Island, N.Y., are focusing on saving children from forced labor in Ghana's fishing villages.
August 01, 2008

Self-Taught and Self-Made
After about a decade as an award-winning embroidery machine operator, Darla Hall wanted a new challenge. Working at a company called Canyon Gear, she approached her boss about learning to digitize. He agreed, with the stipulation that she had to teach herself. "His wife turned on the computer and said, 'See you tomorrow,'" Hall recalls.
August 01, 2008