Attend and experience the Fashion Retail & Manufacturer’s largest industry trade show event in Las Vegas, Nevada
Each August
Next offering: TBD
Because of the UW-Madison travel ban, the August 2021 trip is on hold for planning until further notice. "Due to public health concerns related to COVID-19, all university-sponsored travel by air and/or which includes an overnight stay is cancelled until further notice."
Trade Shows you attend
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 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 Spring 2021 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 one of the most influential business events in the fashion industry. This event is typically reserved only for industry professionals. Students will have 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 Amaan
optional: Zappos Experience
Tour Zappo’s headquarters based in Las Vegas and participate in a one on one buyer shadow at their office.
Experience firsthand Zappos' unique culture and innovative workspace.
Students will be able to partake in this unique learning opportunity through a special arrangement on Thursday morning following the trade show experience.
"At Zappos, we really view culture as our No. 1 priority. We decided that if we get the culture right, most of the stuff, like building a brand around delivering the very best customer service, will just take care of itself."
-Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh
1 minute video of the student experience at the las vegas trade shows:
Created by Julia Whitcomb
"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 Hutjens, 2019 participant
Program details
Program Fee: $475
- This includes a shared hotel room with one other other UW student
- Trade show admittance
- Group theater show event
- A group dinner
- Supervisory expenses
Other expenses estimated at $550
{Not Included in Program Fee}
- Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own flight and other transportation to/from and in Las Vegas. Estimated out of pocket expenses: Airfare $350 + Las Vegas cab to/from airport, meals, monorail, & incidentals $200 = $550
Application
- Applications for are typically available in April, however, due to the indefinite UW travel ban, the 2021 trip planning is on hold.
- Students will be notified if they are invited to join the trip based upon application review.
- For those invited to participate, an online group meeting will be held through BB Collaborate. If the trade shows are cancelled, students will receive their money back.
- 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 during the summer prior to departure.
Scholarships Available
Questions?
Contact Kohl's Center for Retailing, Academic Director:
Dr. Nancy Murray: njmurray@wisc.edu
Or two students who previously participated:
Michael Puetz mpuetz@wisc.edu
Parker Hutjens phutjens@wisc.edu
Credits:
Created with an image by Pexels - "architecture las vegas eiffel tower"