Attend and experience the Fashion Retail & Manufacturer’s largest industry trade show event in Las Vegas, Nevada
Next offering: August 17-20, 2025
Various Trade Shows we will attend:
Learn more about each trade show:
5 reasons to attend
1) BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST FASHION MARKETPLACE
See what is upcoming in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing before it hits retail stores at this preeminent trade event. You will attend alongside global buyers and sellers. Student participants will experience the behind-the-scenes business of buyers and vendors in the fashion marketing industry.
2) BE AHEAD OF THE TRENDS
As an incubator of fashion, this is where new trends surface and develop into what will be seen at retail in the future. Trend Tracking is at its best while seeing the new products that vendors and brands are offering for the next few seasons and beyond. Student participants will have the opportunity to attend industry trend seminars.
3) THESE TRADE SHOWS ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
See first hand in Las Vegas some of the most influential business events in the fashion industry. This event is typically reserved only for industry professionals. Students will have special access to this event and will experience the behind the scenes negotiations between buyers and brands.
4) CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS IN THE FASHION COMMUNITY
Network with industry professionals at some of your favorite brands at various exhibit spaces. Through special arrangements, participating students will shadow industry professionals and meet with trend merchandising and marketing experts.
5.) STAND OUT AMONGST YOUR PEERS
After attending the various Las Vegas Trade Shows you will have an experience that will be an amazing talking point in interviews, whether it is for an internship or your industry job. Impress recruiters with all of the applicable skills and knowledge you will gain plus feel more confident talking with professionals. But most of all, have an unique experience that will give you a better overall understanding of the behind the scenes activities of brands, vendors, marketers and retailers.
Here is what a student said after attending:
"Each interviewer I spoke with was super impressed that I was able to attend the shows, how much knowledge I gained from them, and the information I was able to pass along to them in regards to the new trends for the upcoming year. It definitely stood out on my resume."
- Taylor
1 minute video of the student experience at the las vegas trade shows:
Created by former participant, Julia W.
"I truly believe this experience jump started a successful career in retail for myself and I hope that a lot of students consider this opportunity".
Parker H., former participant
Program details
While each year is slightly different than others as we are dependent on what is being offered as seminars as well as what industry professionals are available, the intent is for students to witness trend presentations, view new collections, interact with professionals to gain insight about the industry, and more.
The detailed schedule typically comes together just days before the show as most industry professionals are juggling various appointments and try to squeeze us in around their other commitments. The schedule typically will have some updates as well as new opportunities arise throughout the time we are there.
Overview video of 2023 created by former participants, Camille and Reya.
Applications are now available for for the August 2025 trip and are due by 5/1/25
Up to 20 students will be invited to join this experiential learning opportunity, August 17-20, 2025 (3 nights). Students will be selected based upon meeting the minimum requirements (CBMS major and completion of the Intro to Retail course), then ranked based upon number of college credits completed, GPA and statement provided in the application.
Students will be notified by 5/9/25 if they were selected to participate in this experiential learning trip.
If selected, what's included:
The Consumer Science Department will fund:
- 3 nights of hotel students (8/17, 8/18 & 8/19)
- Two group meals
- Multiple trade show admittance & arranged learning opportunities
Students will share a room with other UW students. Participating students are expected to stay with the group for the duration of the experiential learning.
Other expenses estimated at $550
Students are responsible for
- Arranging and paying for their own flight or other transportation to/from and in Las Vegas
- Food and other incidentals
Students will be required to agree to a code of conduct while participating in this opportunity. This agreement is part of the application.
The detailed daily schedule, preparatory assignments and other pertinent information will be available for participating students through Canvas prior to departure.
Scholarships Available
Questions?
Contact Kohl's Center for Retailing & CBMS Academic Director:
Dr. Nancy Murray: njmurray@wisc.edu
Credits:
Created with an image by Pexels - "architecture las vegas eiffel tower"