2024 Sustainability Conference banner: Reimagining Our Future

FIT's 18th Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference 

Reimagining Our Future

April 9 and 10, 2024

10 am - 6 pm 

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The 2024 Sustainable Business and Design Conference will focus on concrete methods to reshape our future, highlighting practices and partnerships that disrupt the global supply chain.  The key pillars of sustainability in both design and business will be addressed by this year’s conference theme Reimagining Our Future. Join us to hear from leaders pioneering innovative solutions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and global sustainability benchmarks. Sessions and keynotes will spotlight partnerships and collaborations that marry science with design and manufacturing to implement a circular economy and put cutting-edge advances into the hands of the consumer.

Featured Sessions:

  • The Supply Chain and Businesses of the Future
  • Communication and Global Commitments in Sustainability 
  • Design and Eco-Responsibility
  • Collaborations and Partnerships for Change

Learn More About This Year's Speakers

View Conference Schedule

Featured Speakers

Stacy Flynn

Stacy Flynn

CEO and Founding Partner, Evrnu

April Calahan

April Calahan

Fashion and Art historian, Writer, and Podcaster

Rachel Slade

Rachel Slade

Author

Amber Valletta

Amber Valletta

Fashion Model, Actress, Entrepreneur, Activist, FIT’s Sustainability Ambassador

Frederico Brugnoli

Frederico Brugnoli

Founding Director and CEO, Spin360; Scientific Director, Fashion Sustainability and Industry Evolution, Accademia Costume and Moda

Melody Serafino

Melody Serafino

Co-founder of No. 29 Communications

Erin Allweiss

Erin Allweiss

Co-founder of No. 29 Communications

Dr. Tuwanda Green

Dr. Tuwanda Green

Architect and Educator

Kimberly Jenkins

Kimberly Jenkins

Founder, The Fashion and Race Database and Artis Solomon

Julie Mastrarrigo

Julie Mastrarrigo

Director of Leadership Development, Remake

Schedule of Events

Events will be held in person, along with pre-recorded and livestreamed sessions. Please check back for updated speakers and schedule information. 

Conference Check-In and Coffee Networking 

Opening Remarks 
Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President, FIT
Dr. Karen R. Pearson, Chair, Sustainability Council, FIT

The Supply Chain and Businesses of the Future

  • April Calahan and Rachel Slade, Making it in America 

  • Hillary Taymour, Designer, Collina Strada

  • Sustainable Production and Traceability: The Albini Group

Lunch

Opening Keynote

  • Stacy Flynn, CEO and Co-Founder of Evrnu; FIT alumna, Textile Development and Marketing

  • Christopher Bevans, Creative Director, FIT alum

Communication and Global Commitments in Sustainability

  • Amber Valletta, Fashion Model, Actress, Entrepreneur, Activist, FIT’s Sustainability Ambassador

  • Rajiv Joshi, economist, community organizer and entrepreneurial leader

  • Vic Barrett, American climate activist

  • Federico Brugnoli, founder, Spin 360

  • Jesper Gudbergsen, Editor-in-Chief, Submission Beauty

Day 1 Closing Remarks

Conference Check-In and Coffee Networking 

Day 2 Welcome Remarks
Dr. Colleen Hill, Curator of Costume and Accessories, The Museum at FIT
Andrea Diodati, Assistant Professor, Fashion Design, FIT

Design and Eco-Responsibility

  • Melody Serafino, Co-Founder of No. 29 Communications
  • Erin Allweiss, Co-Founder of No. 29 Communications

  • The Albini Group

  • Keel Labs 

  • Chui-lian Lee, Werewool 

  • Dr. Tuwanda Green, Adjunct Professor, Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design

Lunch

Collaborations and Partnerships for Change

  • Dr. Theanne N. Schiros, Associate Professor, Dept. of Math and Science, FIT 

  • Andrea Diodati, Assistant Professor, Fashion Design, FIT

  • Kimberly Jenkins, Founder, CEO and Principal Researcher, The Fashion and Race Database 

  • Julie Mastrarrigo, Director of Leadership Development,ReMake

Closing Remarks and the FIT Changemaker Award

Closing Conference Reception

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For general information or questions, email [email protected].

Conference Overview

Each year, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) organizes and hosts a sustainable business and design conference. The event is recognized as a platform for collaboration and discussion across the creative industries, highlighting advances in sustainable design and cutting-edge thought leadership. By sharing innovative student projects, cross-institutional research, and industry partnerships, the conference explores solutions to the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. In recent years, session topics have included the farm-to-fashion movement, biomaterials innovation, a sustainable supply chain, mindfulness in design, and recyclable packaging materials. The wide-ranging program features keynote speakers, panels, and projects that delve into pressing issues and exciting developments in the industry.