Audience:
Open industry. All apparel and footwear industry professionals, regardless of AAFA membership, are encouraged to participate.
Description:
Regulatory pressure has pushed traceability and supply chain due diligence to the top of the agenda for apparel and footwear companies. While technology plays a critical role in scaling these efforts, organizations are increasingly recognizing that technology is only as effective as the foundation behind it.
A successful traceability program depends on strong data governance, supplier engagement, risk mapping, and clear internal accountability, all of which are essential to the success of any technology solution.
This session will focus on those fundamentals, including what a scalable traceability and human rights due diligence program requires and how organizations can build or strengthen that foundation so that current and future technology investments can deliver the intended value. Drawing on practical lessons from the field, we'll discuss common program challenges, approaches for sequencing foundational work, and considerations for setting programs up to scale.
We'll also look at how mature traceability capabilities can strengthen broader enterprise and supply chain risk management efforts, creating value across compliance, sourcing, sustainability, and risk functions. We'll connect those benefits to the broader business case for investment in traceability and due diligence programs, helping organizations demonstrate value beyond compliance.
Attendees of this webinar will learn:
- The key components of a scalable traceability and due diligence program.
- How to establish the right program foundations to support successful technology adoption and long-term growth.
- To recognize how traceability capabilities support broader risk management goals and business value.
Speakers:
Ryan Lynch
Global Practice Director for Sustainability
BSI Consulting
Ryan partners with clients and their stakeholders to develop, implement, and manage sustainability strategies that advance positive social and environmental outcomes across operations and value chains.
Kimberly Rodriguez
Consultant, Sustainable Supply Chain
BSI Consulting
Kimberly works with organizations to develop and execute sustainable supply chain programs that strengthen supplier engagement, risk mapping, and due diligence practices across operations and value chains.
AAFA Host:
Andrew Pappas
Director, State and Local Government Affairs
AAFA
Andrew Pappas joined AAFA in January 2025 as Director of State and Local Government Affairs. In this role, he leads the association’s advocacy efforts at the state and local levels, engaging with legislators and regulators across the country to represent the industry’s interests and priorities. Before joining AAFA, Andrew worked in Community Relations and Public Affairs at Vail Resorts where he built partnerships and advanced strategic initiatives. Prior to Vail Resorts, Andrew worked at Outdoor Industry Association where he managed the organization’s sustainability and regulatory policy programs, driving environmental stewardship and navigating complex regulatory challenges.
Unable to join on October 14?
Register for the webinar to receive an email containing the direct link to access the recording of the webinar and the PDF version of the presentation. The email will be sent 1-3 business days after the webinar.
CONTACT | QUESTIONS
Stephanie Paendong