Call For Speakers

Let your voice be heard at our events and beyond.

Speak at AAFA Events

Would you or a member of your team be interested in speaking at an AAFA program on the apparel and footwear industry’s hottest topics – sustainability, traceability, sourcing, and more? Have you spent your career focusing on supply chain, sourcing, transportation, brand protection, or product safety? Collaboration is important to our industry and your success.

AAFA is continually looking for diverse industry experts from apparel and footwear brands to share experiences, case studies, address challenges, and define best practices through our events. Event speakers provide AAFA members and industry attendees with expertise and thought-provoking perspectives to move the industry forward. 

If you are a service provider or supplier, your company must be a member of AAFA to submit a proposal. To learn more about AAFA membership, please contact Megan Balkovic. 

Speakers receive benefits through supporting AAFA events such as marking their position as industry influencers, elevating their company as leaders, and joining a community of industry professionals.

Submit a proposal to speak at an AAFA Event!

Visit each individual event page (linked above) to submit a proposal. Each speaker submission is carefully reviewed to assess the fit with themes and topics each event will cover. Each event has limited speaking slots. Commercial and promotional content will not be considered.

At AAFA, we believe in fostering dynamic learning environments that prioritize active dialogue and practicality. Our speakers bring real-world insights, interactive sessions, and valuable resources to empower attendees with actionable knowledge. We aim for sessions that inspire innovation and deliver clear, measurable learning objectives. 

AAFA's Call for Speakers Process

AAFA's subject matter experts review speaker proposals, ensuring alignment with target audiences, learning objectives, and event structure. They evaluate proposed speakers for their expertise, experience, and ability to deliver valuable content. Speakers are selected based on their alignment with the below criteria with an emphasis on delivering high-quality, educational, and engaging sessions and ensuring thought leadership perspectives are provided to conference attendees. AAFA will collaborate with selected speakers during the session development process and ensuring objectives and guidelines are met. 

Proposal Criteria:
  • Cutting-edge or innovative content.
  • Creativity in presentation.
  • Well-defined and complementary learning objectives and learning levels.
  • Applicability for attendees in their roles.
  • Inclusion of real-world case studies, examples, and stories.
  • Potential for interactive audience participation.
  • Speaker's knowledge, engagement, and experience in the submitted topic.
  • Speaker's industry leadership and expertise.
  • Emphasis on providing educational value.
  • Commercial and promotional content will not be considered.
 

Speaker Fees and Expenses

As a not-for-profit trade association, AAFA does not cover speaking fees, travel or, other expenses related to speaking. Speakers receive a complimentary registration to the event. Speakers and their companies recognize the importance of being part of AAFA's educational events by funding travel and lodging. AAFA educational events provide speakers the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise, knowledge, and experience, as well as to network with industry peers.