Inspiring, engaging, empowering, collaborative, synergy and fun are just some of the words participants are using to describe this year’s Women in Textiles Summit. This ATA event for established and emerging leaders took place March 4–5, 2021, on a virtual platform with the enthusiastic participation of more than 100 attendees. 

Event emcees, Apurba Banerjee of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation and Rachal McCarthy of NTI Global, guided the event to encourage audience interaction throughout a variety of education and networking sessions. 

The education sessions included “Leading the Change” presented by Kim Glas, president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) who spoke about how to advocate for yourself and career, along with a panel on navigating barriers within global business and communications. University of Minnesota professor, Lucy Dunne, discussed the exciting changes in textiles and sewn products and Paige Mullis, brand director at Glen Raven Inc., spoke about building a culture of innovation within businesses. 

Round table discussions, wellness breaks and even a game of trivia accomplished what can be difficult in a virtual setting—bringing people together. Attendee Andrea Lynn of Sonoma Sails says, “Right away when I sat in the room, the energy was different. Women are less fearful and just jumped in.” Lynn also notes the significance of the wellness breaks with a live yoga instructor, “There would never be another conference with calming moments, a great addition.”

Women in Textiles Summit event manager Jill Newman acknowledges the challenges of transitioning an event to a virtual setting. “This event is close to my heart, and I think those who have attended feel the same way, so we put a lot of thought and creativity into making this event as meaningful as possible on a virtual platform. That said, we can’t wait to be together again in-person in 2022.” 

The next ATA Women in Textiles Summit will take place Feb. 16–18, 2022, at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Georgia.