FIT's 19th Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference
Charting a Course Toward Circularity
April 8 and 9, 2025
10 am–6 pm
Fashion Institute of Technology
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Entrance: via the Pomerantz Art and Design Center lobby, located on the northwest
corner of
West 27th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001
This year's conference will focus on how the creative industries are leading the transition toward closed-loop systems that reduce and even eliminate resource consumption and waste. Vibrant and inspirational conversations among eco-entrepreneurs, designers, activists, and nonprofit leaders will delve into strategies for navigating change and fostering collaboration in sustainable design, production, distribution, and business. Join us as we explore new ideas, forge a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities the industry faces, and build hope for a better future.
The conference is free for the FIT Community (faculty, staff, and students). Please check back for general public registration information.
Registration for the FIT Community
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For general information or questions, email [email protected].
Schedule of Events
Events will be held in person, along with pre-recorded and livestreamed sessions for the FIT community and registered attendees. Please check back for updated schedule information.
| 9:30 am | Check-in |
|---|---|
| 10:00 – 11:30 am | Preconference Workshops |
| 11:45 – 12:45 pm |
Networking and Welcome Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Welcoming Remarks |
| 1:15 pm | Keynote Speaker |
| 2:15 – 3:30 pm | Conference Session: Designing with Circularity in Mind |
| 3:30 – 3 pm | Break |
| 4 – 5:30 pm | Conference Session: Innovation in Textile Circularity |
| 5:30 – 7:00 pm | Sustainability Changemaker Awards and Networking Reception |
| 8 am | Check-in |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:45 am | Special Topics Breakfast |
| 9 – 9:45 am | Welcome Coffee and Networking |
| 10 am – Noon | Conference Session: Communication, Circularity and the Consumer |
| 12:15 – 1:45 pm | Round Table Lunch |
| 2 – 4 pm |
Conference Session: Technology and Design for the Future |
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.
