✈️ Maggie and I traveled to Phoenix last week for the S&S Activewear What Happens Next conference—two days of connecting with the S&S team, fellow distributors, and immersing ourselves in the future of our industry.
With S&S Activewear’s acquisition of AlphaBroder, it was powerful to gain insight into where they’re headed next, while also getting hands-on with emerging apparel products and trends. From prickly pear drinks to The Phunky Monkeys (a New Orleans band that had us all dancing), the energy was unmatched. 🎶🌵
Some of my biggest takeaways:
✨ Apparel trends: Casual, retail-inspired mix-and-match pieces are set to be huge. Think short sets with matching sweatshirts, color-matched joggers with coordinating boxy tees—ready-to-lounge is here and happening.
✨ Supply chain strength matters more than ever—partnerships that can weather volatility will separate good distributors from great ones.
✨ Culture and people drive everything—hearing from peers, I was reminded that while our companies look different, the highs and lows we experience are so similar.
✨ AI is changing the game—I don’t believe it will replace the need for what humans bring to the table; however, what’s being proven again and again is the electric charge that AI brings to how we operate. ⚡
For me personally, this was more than just a business trip. It was a reminder of the value in getting out of my office, onto a plane, and into conversations with people who understand this business deeply.
So—what happens next?
For me, it’s staying curious, keeping a pulse on the industry, and making sure to show up in the rooms where the future is being shaped.
Thank you, S&S Activewear, for a great event!