Sunday, March 25 - 12:00 noon–1:30 pm

1A. Starting an Apparel Business: From Design Concept to Apparel Manufacturing — Frances Harder
This informative seminar answers all the critical questions you should ask when planning to turn your creative ideas into a profitable business: how to get those creative ideas into the stores, turn a profit, and stay in business longer than one season. How do you identify a market niche? Which market is right for your line? What licenses are required, and how do you get them? What type of funding is needed to start and support your venture? Should you have a Business and Financial Plan? How do you price to make a profit? Where do you find a sales representative who will really work for you? How do you get publicity and when? Can selling through the Internet work for your business?

1B. Marketing Magic — Debby Luttrell
This comprehensive course will encourage and inspire you. Debby will not simply give you a list of great ideas, but she will teach you the marketing method behind the madness. You will come away from this session understanding why ideas are good ones, who your market is, and how to attract and maintain customers. Debby will share some of her “Treasure Chest Gems” as well as provide a solid foundation for adapting them to your own situation.

Sunday, March 25 - 2:00 pm–3:30 pm

2A. Building Your Company’s Infrastructure for a Profitable Future — Frances Harder
This seminar will discuss the many functions and processes within a growing apparel company which, if followed and adhered to, will allow for healthy and steady growth and profitability. Come find out what to do (and not to do!) to enable your company to grow and make money…as opposed to growth without profitability and the eventual decline of the company.

2B. See You at the Top: E-Commerce to Win — Debby Luttrell
In this age of Internet sales, you must have an understanding of the methods and tools available to make your Web site a top-ranking proposition! If you have a Web site and it is not generating the sales you would like it to, this course is for you. You will learn about search engine optimization as well as defining key-words to make your cash register sing. Debby will give you many ideas on ways to attract and maintain customers through the Internet.

Sunday, March 25 - 4:00 pm–5:30 pm

3A. Branding a Label — Frances Harder
In today’s brand-conscious world, U.S. companies such as Nike, Polo, Juicy Couture, and Quicksilver have become icons of American apparel whose labels have influenced global popular culture. The name and/or logo of a company will ultimately be how they will be recognized and identified. Distinguishing a product to consumers by a trademark can be the most valuable asset a business owns…an asset that could lead to profitable licensing deals.

3B. Fabric Sourcing Solutions — Susan Power & Sheryl Sapriel
Do you have trouble finding the fabrics you need? Are you looking for companies that offer low minimums at competitive prices? In this seminar, you will discover new ways to source the fabrics you need. Learn about the differences between mills, converters, jobbers, and brokers. Learn how to find the latest fabric, color, and fashion trends. Educate yourself about the pros and cons and process of purchasing fabric globally. Materials will include a calendar of industry trade shows, lists of trade associations, industry information providers, fabric buying terms, and more. Q & A session: Ask your questions and get good answers!