CitySource

Hosted by FIT’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) and the Garment District Alliance (GDA), the symposium will take place in the John E. Reeves Great Hall on Tuesday, April 29, 1–6 pm. The program will include four panel discussions and conclude with a networking session, allowing attendees to engage in one-on-one discussions with local manufacturing business owners.

Register for CitySource Symposium

Detailed schedule will be added shortly.

The City Source Symposium, an extension of the City Source Local Supplier Showcase, offers an educational forum for manufacturers, designers, brands, and students to explore the latest technological innovations transforming apparel manufacturing today. This year’s symposium will feature the release of 15 City Source Virtual Factory Tours, filmed during our Virtual City Source shows from 2021 through 2023. Each video provides an overview of a factory’s capabilities and equipment, categorized by specialization (e.g., sewing, patternmaking, pleating) to facilitate easy provider searches.

Designed to support attendees ranging from emerging designers to established brands, the symposium will cover topics such as these:

• Tools for efficiency, cost reduction, and added value in local manufacturing.
• The role of local manufacturing during supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty.

Additionally, a panel discussion will highlight resource organizations that support designers in finding local manufacturing solutions, featuring the following representatives:

• NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
• NYC Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (NYC ITAC)
• Workforce Development Institute
• NYC Business Solutions
• Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

The event will conclude with a speed-networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with manufacturers, designers, brands, and program providers, and to ask questions specific to their needs.

About CitySource

CitySource was started in 2011 to connect designers and small businesses with local fashion manufacturers in New York City. With the generous support of the Garment District Alliance, FIT's Center for Continuing and Professional Studies has produced an in-person trade show highlighting these factories and businesses within the Garment District.