QFIN Conference Recap
If you were unable to attend our annual conference last Thursday, do not worry. Today we are going to break down the conference outline as well as feedback from some of the delegates on how they feel the conference improved their knowledge of the industry.
The day started off with a small business panel featuring the shops Krippit (3D printing company for heels protection), Recalled (secondhand streetwear company), and Shop Emie (online jewelry shop), and Viens Avec Moi (boutique). While some of the businesses have been operating for a few years as a side business during school, others have taken off during the pandemic as a new business. Each of the guests provided valuable information on starting a business as well as providing insightful detail on how to sustainably and successfully run operations from home. I recommend that everyone check out their social media accounts as well as their websites for more information.
Following was a group activity that put teams through the task of creating presentations on which company Zara should partner with in the future. There were fantastic powerpoints created and the results were eye-opening for all participants. Team 9 (Jake Koszczewski, Alessandra Schlums, Megan Thacker, and Erin Seo) impressed everyone with their Puma X Zara presentation!
After the group activity, keynote speaker Keanan Duffty was introduced and provided an illuminating insight into the industry. As an award winning designer, musician, educator, and author, his advice and experiences were extremely valuable for anyone interested in pursuing a career in fashion. He has had a stellar career as a stylist for the Sex Pistols, designer for David Bowie’s target line, and is currently the Founding Director of the Masters in Fashion Management program at the Parsons School of Design in New York.
@catheriinewu
The day ended with an international panel featuring Olivia Pereira, a stylist for Andrews Co., and Priti Kappor, the Vice President of Finance and Operations for Jenny Bird. The two women provided unique points of view as recent graduate students on how to jumpstart a career as well as participated in a Q&A period that benefitted all those in attendance.
The 4th annual Queen’s Fashion Industry Network conference highlighted the importance of business in fashion and assisted many students in learning more about such a global and interconnected industry. Delegate and fashion enthusiast Nolan White says “As a student looking to apply their business acumen to a fashion career, the QFIN conference was the perfect first step towards getting my bearings on the fashion industry. The conference allowed me to hear from a diverse set of industry professionals; which included small business owners, executives, and seasoned fashion designers. Hearing advice and insights from people who have achieved what I one day hope to achieve have given me the confidence to further pursue my dream career. In partaking in the QFIN conference, I have also met like-minded individuals here at Queen’s who share common aspirations and interests.”
If you are interested in learning more about the conference or joining our team be sure to check out the Toronto Conference tab on our website and also apply to be part of the winter membership program (applications closing February 1, 2021).
Also, here is a quick shout out to everyone who used our hashtag #qfinconference2021, and tagged us in their photos.
@laurajlambert
@aimee_kennedy_
@nolandanielwhite
@koszczewskii