Did you know that every piece of clothing you own was hand sewn? What is the state of the garment industry in the US? In the world? How do you reinvigorate an executive conference and tradeshow? In this episode of Associations Thrive, Michael McDonald, President of the Sewn Product Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), introduces SPESA, talks about his journey to becoming President, and discusses: His philosophy of trying to be at the right place at the right time by being everywhere and volunteering, walking around, getting to know people.How the garment industry is one of the last industries to be automated because they work with soft fabrics. Every piece of clothing is still hand sewn!How SPESA reinvented its executive conferences.Why Michael will never hold a conference without a partner organization ever again.How SPESA is bringing back training to its tradeshow floor and reimagining its pavilions and programs.References:SPESA websiteTexprocess Americas 2023Behind the Seams Magazine