The idea
Following last year, De Montfort University's fashion management with marketing graduates independently aim to celebrate and rebuild Leicester’s fashion legacy by hosting a vibrant symposium-style event that champions ethical practices, conscious consumption, and sustainability objectives.
Partnering with a local fashion business sharing these values, the 2.5-hour event will bring together fashion industry professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, and consumers through expert-led talks, interactive sessions, and immersive experiences designed to foster critical discussion, introspection, and inspire meaningful changes in consumption habits, all while being an unmissable night filled with smiles and bubbly.
The event will not only showcase the city's progressive mindset following its past challenges, but for this year's theme, it will also seek innovative solutions for making sustainable fashion economically viable, capturing valuable data in the process for industry attendees.
What we'll deliver
- Completed, purpose-designed event space supporting exhibitions, 2 talks, and immersive networking for max. 80 guests
- Well-structured event programme featuring 6 expert guest speakers.
- Discussion prompts presented on 6 professional podium stands to support focused conversations.
- Audience seating arrangement (maximum 80 chairs) to support engagement and interaction.
- Post-event audience insights report to inform industry and research stakeholders.
- Themed decorative setup for immersive experience.
- 8 mannequins for designer showcases.
- On-site catering and drink offerings for all guests.
- Registration and check-in system with name badges.
- Event photography and content creation.
Why it's a great idea
1. Repositions Leicester as a forward-thinking city capable of leading the UK's sustainable fashion industry because it understands the benefits of responsible business practices, having been exposed to modern slavery practices previously.
2. Celebrates fashion as a much-valued art form in Leicester by bridging theory and experience, reinforcing Leicester's strong '5th place position' in popularity with creatives who often stay as entrepreneurs or students (De Montfort University, 2024).
3. Attendees will leave with an understanding of responsible fashion consumption and fashion's relationship with people and planet. Industry personnel will gain insight into consumer pain points contributing to the value-action gap, and academics will engage industry perspectives that can inspire realistic research.
4. Supports a local business authentically and tangibly align with sustainable values, as research shows that next generation consumers are invested in brands aligning with their values.
Steps to get it done
- Event hire and booking
- Scout value-aligned talent
- Scout guest speakers and distribute quality attendee invites
- Hire venue equipment and catering
- Begin distributing event marketing on social media
