Preliminary Program
The 2025 FITS Program revolves around six interconnected nodes: Innovation ⇄ Access ⇄ Equity ⇄ Incentives ⇄ Circularity ⇄ and ⇄ Entrepreneurship by exploring how these nodes interact with other domains of impact to illuminate best practices and new pathways for reviving the garment and textile-dependent sectors in our region.
Thursday, October 15, 2025
Before 5:00 PM
Arrivals, marketplace setup, and registrations
Welcome reception
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Opening of the marketplace (ribbon cutting) + tour of exhibits stalls
Sneak preview of WRHS brand new exhibit: Fashion in the 1920s
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Official FITS GALA
Friday, October 16, 2025
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome Coffee Break at the marketplace
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Symposium Keynote Address: State of the Industry
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Panel Discussion 1
Access to Capital for artists at work in communities
Panel Discussion 2
Unlocking the Creative Economy +
Workforce to Drive Economic Strength
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM
Luncheon (Barriers + Opportunities in NEOH)
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Panel Discussion 3
Supply Chain Durability +
Transparency
Panel Discussion 4
Innovative Approaches to Advancing
Circularity + Sustainability
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Panel Discussion 5
Merchandising Stratagies
Panel Discussion 6
Policy & Regulation
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Plenary Session: Collective Action + Horizon Matters
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Break - Red Carpet Arrivals + Guest Guided Tour of WRHS Collections
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Fashion Show (Runway)
7:30 PM +
FITS After Party