The Michigan Fashion Media Summit is expecting upwards of 600 attendees at their annual conference this Friday, March 28. Co-presidents of the organization Izzy Saunders and Lila Grayson are excited for conference attendees to have the opportunity to interact with leaders in the fashion industry.
The panel discussions are the main opportunities for asking questions and learning from individuals from different industries. This year’s panels include features on makeup, hair styling, sports and entertainment and building personal brands.
“We really wanted to broaden the panel discussions as well,” Saunders said. “So not just fashion, but bringing in different intersections with entertainment, sports, just so we can show students that there are so many ways to get involved in the fashion industry from different perspectives.”
Every year the summit is held in the Ross School of Business, located walking distance from downtown Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan’s campus. Although the summit is created for and by students at U-M, individuals of all ages with an interest in fashion and media are encouraged to attend.
“Being able to talk first hand with these people is so incredible and such an amazing opportunity,” Grayson said. “Also, just being inspired by these leaders, I feel like we did a really good job of creating a schedule that has people that are new to the industry and are a lot younger, some that are even just like a few years older than the student body at [the University of] Michigan, to people that have been in the industry forever. So it’s so inspirational to hear from both sides of that.”
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Brands including Dior and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy will be in attendance in addition to representatives from various companies on panel discussions, many of whom are alumni of the University of Michigan.
“[Michigan alumni] are also something that we were looking for speakers and moderators when they were going to come talk, just because I feel like you have then an extra layer of connection with the audience members,” Grayson said.
This year marked an opportunity for the MFMS team to rebrand the organization and conference overall. The team stuck true to the goal of encouraging networking and learning opportunities for those that attend by incorporating a Global Trends Lunch and Learn season from Wolverine Worldwide and speakers including former U-M football player and current Commanders Cornerback Mike Sainristil and HBO’s Euphoria makeup department head Donni Davy.
“Being someone who’s sat in as an audience member on these conversations, you don’t get that many opportunities as a student to do this and it really does inspire you,” Saunders said. “Especially within, like the fashion industry, in that world, it’s hard to figure out what jobs exist. I learned so many new jobs I didn’t even [know] existed and career paths. So I think educationally, it’s amazing for students. And the speakers are also very excited to get to talk to students as well.”
Individuals interested in attending can still purchase in-person and virtual tickets here. Learn more about the summit and planning team at MFMS here.
