Class Listings
All Panel & Class Sessions are located on the 12th floor of the World Trade Center
Opening Session (Attended by all Registrants) - Keynote Speaker: Abi Ferrin

Choose first, second, & third in order of importance and then 2 alternative choices from the session list below.
General Career Enhancement Sessions 
101 Portfolio Concepts & Presentation Guidance from industry leaders on creating and presenting a portfolio of college projects in a professional manner.
102 Interview Skills & Resumes Tips for the successful transition from college student to new hire, and beyond.
  • Speaker - Kathy Pain of Dillards
103 Your Professional Image Image coaches share their knowledge to help you effectively present yourself to employers and clients.
104 Networking Learn the importance of creating and maintaining personal and professional contacts to enhance your career.
Merchandising Sessions
105 Retail Buying, Merchandising & Management Buyers share their "real world" experiences and knowledge; learn what really happens at a buying office and what skills are necessary to apply your knowledge.
106 Digital Merchandising Learn how web based PDM software is being used to optimize store assortment.
107 Consumer & Business Trends Industry professionals share new trends in consumer buying patterns that affect their decisions.
108 Visual Merchandising Effective use of special events, PR, advertising, and visual display to increase sell through.
109 Manufacturing/
Product Development for Merchandisers		 Taught by manufacturing merchandisers; learn about the product development lifecycle and how your decisions as a product buyer or private label.
110 Wholesale Merchandising Hear from professional wholesale manufacturing representatives about the exciting world of selling for a manufacturer and merchandising a designer line to retailers.
211 PANEL: Entry-Level Retail Positions and Management Training Programs: How to find success in the 1st Five Years Learn the importance of "ground floor" training programs, learning time, personnel and financial management skills for large retailers; learn the skills to move up the retail ladder.
Design Sessions
112 Creative Fashion Design Designers share their "real world" experiences and knowledge; learn what really happens at a design office and what skills are necessary to apply your creative knowledge to apparel, home decor or accessories.
113 Technical Apparel Design Learn the importance of a balance between technical and creative skills.
114 The Business of Apparel Design Design is more than just a sketch. Learn the everyday details from trims sourcing to costing for which you will be responsible.
115 Computer Aided Design Discover the newest developments in technology for design and illustration.
  • Speaker - Hari Kenkare of Lectra
116 Global Sourcing Learn the intricacies of designing for import from country/factory capabilities to language barriers; product development and off-shore sourcing from around the globe.
  • Speaker - Pam Hunter of JC Penney
117 Retail Merchandising for Designers Taught by retail merchandisers; learn about product line optimization and how your decisions as a designer determine success on the selling floor.
218 PANEL: Going Green - Designing for the health of our world and our future Learn about current and future facets of sustainable fashion and design, including the status of the industry and its relationship with safe environmental practices as it stands today.  Find out that design, fashion, and sustainability can all live together.
  • Moderator: Susanne Taylor, Owner and Designer of Taylor'd for the Soul; owner of a green showroom, Susanne Taylor & Associates and District Director of FGI.
  • Panelist - Kristen Bruder, Director and Leading Expert in Research Head for Eco and Innovative Fabrics for JC Penney.
  • Panelist - Christine White-Staton, Owner of Organic Candle and Body Products, Scandle Candle.
  • Panelist - Lee Tracy, Chicago Artist and Social Responsibility Activist and designer of organic and social awareness products, Certaintees.
Miscellaneous Sessions Appropriate for Both Disciplines
119 Fashion Journalism, Photography & Styling Hear from industry professionals about the necessary skills needed to make a career in Fashion Journalism.
120 Fashion Trends Learn the latest trends in color, home, apparel, and accessories.
121 Study Abroad With the current "global economy," learn the importance and excitement of studying outside the United States.
  • Speaker - Jane Kucko of
122 Managing Your Money Learn the importance of financial planning, of having clear financial goals and developing skills to meet them.
  • Speaker - Jean Schmisseur of My Financial Firm
223 PANEL: How to Start and Manage Your Own Business in the First Five Years Hear important "start-up" information regarding factors/bankers, operational issues, target markets, customers, sales/promotion, financial and time management and "making it all work."