The Fashion Industry Conference is a premier two-day gathering designed to bring together industry professionals from across the region and beyond. This dynamic event serves as a hub for knowledge sharing, education, and networking, fostering meaningful connections among designers, fashion executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives shaping the future of fashion.
Through expert-led panels, keynote presentations, and the newly added FASHION MATTERS (TEDx-style talks), attendees gain valuable insights into emerging trends, business strategies, and innovations driving the industry forward. The conference also provides a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, discover new opportunities, and collaborate on groundbreaking ideas.
Whether you're a fashion industry veteran, an emerging designer, or a creative entrepreneur, the Fashion Industry Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders, expand your expertise, and elevate your career.
Join us for two inspiring days of learning, networking, and innovation, where fashion’s future takes shape.
Day One: The State of Fashion In Ohio
Leaders from cities across the state will share how fashion is driving economic growth, cultural identity, and innovation in their communities.
The State of Fashion In Ohio Schedule:
3:30PM - Welcoming Reception
4:15PM - Keynote presented by celebrity designer duo BruceGlen
4:30PM - The State of Fashion in Ohio
Featured Day One Speakers:
Bruce & Glen Proctor (Designer Brand BruceGlen)
Damika Withers (Franklin County Board of Commissioners)
State Representative Dontavius Jarrells (State of Ohio)
Lubna Najjar (Common Thread Shops On Third)
Melanie Corn (Columbus College of Art & Design)
Steve Morris (CBus Retail)
Aditi Bhatiya (Passport 2 Fashion)
Eddie Parker (Columbus Fashion Alliance)
Laura VonHolle (Heyman Talent Agency)
Laurie Wilson (College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning)
Aimon Ali (Fashion Talks)
Jo Miller (Hocking College)
Victor Leon (Macy's)
Betsy Pandora (Short North Alliance)
Sasha Saberi (Columbus Fashion Council)
Thomas McClure (Columbus Fashion Council)
Additional Speakers TBA.
Complimentary Wine & Hors d'oeuvres (3:30PM)
Day Two: The Fashion Panels
Expect bold conversations and TEDx-style talks on tariffs and global trade, rethinking DEI, upcycling, brand building through retail, and more.
Hosted by Max Dixon (International Model & CFC Board President)
The Fashion Panels Schedule:
12:00PM - Lunch Reception
1:00PM - The Cost of Style: How Tariffs Are Reshaping Fashion moderated by Michael Farrell
Panelists Include: Josh Pollack, Valerie Mayen
2:00PM - Designing with Rescued Materials & Reclaimed Style moderated by Jo Miller
Panelists Include: Xantha Ward, Laurie Wilson
3:00PM - Brand Building Through Retail Opportunities moderated by Lubna Najjar
Panelists Include: Angie Black, Kimberly Lee Minor, CM Nick Bankston
4:00PM - Diversity Done Right: From Trend to Transformation moderated by Aditi Bhatiya
Panelists Include: Alicia Lee, Perla Martinez, Aimon Ali
5:00PM - Fashion Matters (TEDx-Style Talks)
Complimentary Snack Lunch & Refreshments (12:00PM)
Day Two: FASHION MATTERS
This year’s event introduces FASHION MATTERS, a series of TEDx-style talks covering today’s most pressing topics in fashion, business, and creative innovation.
Hosted by Max Dixon (International Model & CFC Board President)
Fashion Matters Schedule:
5:00PM - The Intuition Advantage: Your Secret Weapon in the Fashion Revolution presented by Lubna Najjar
5:15PM - Wearing The Message: Art, Advocacy, and the Legacy of Red presented by Sawaun Blakely
5:35PM - Brand Blueprint: Building Your Brand Identity Through Storytelling presented by Nicole DiTommaso
Complimentary Snack Lunch & Refreshments (12:00PM)