Over 50 Top Fashion Industry Executives Share Unique Perspectives at MAGIC's February 2011 Seminar Series

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the largest fashion trade event featuring the biggest and best assortment of brands, MAGIC remains the most influential event in fashion.  In addition to presenting more than 3000 exhibitors this year, MAGIC will once again host its semi-annual MAGIC Seminar Series, featuring complimentary educational events and presentations from some of the most respected names in the industry.  This year's all-star seminar lineup kicks off Sunday, February 13 with a keynote panel discussion featuring Li & Fung USA President Richard Darling on how to survive, prosper and profit even in the face of the current business environment.  

Keynote speakers Peter McGrath, President, McGrath International and Senior VP of Cotton Inc.'s Global Supply Chain Mark Messura are addressing one of the most timely issues in the fashion industry –  the U.S. cotton supply shortage and volatile pricing.  The pair will take an in-depth look at changes in successful sourcing and provide insights about how to deal with the concern over cotton prices and availability.

Tackling other such critical issues as design piracy and counterfeiting and their collective impacts on fashion are EVP of American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Deborah Graves, Secretary and General Counsel of True Religion Apparel Inc.  The industry leaders will discuss the U.S. Senate's consideration of the bill and will address both the pros and cons of the bill affecting fashion designs and protection regarding apparel and ornamentation.  

Another keynote seminar that is not to be missed features Kevin Ryan, CEO of North American-based designer online fashion site Gilt Groupe, who will discuss the profound transformation of fashion retailing credited to the growing power of e-commerce retail and the incredible growth of social media.  As the Seminar Series E-Commerce keynote speaker, he'll also share his experiences at the designer fashion site, his thoughts on the impact of social media and views on the future of the internet's role in fashion.

All seminars featured in the four-day MAGIC Seminar Series – Sunday, February 13 through Wednesday, February 16 – are complimentary for registered attendees.  For up-to-date event and seminar descriptions, locations and times, please visit www.magiconline.com/attendee/seminar-series.

Must-see Seminar Series highlights include:

Making Monday in a Brave New World

Margin pressure is greater than ever.  Material, transportation, labor, energy and other costs continue to rise, though, retail prices remain the same. Federal, state and country specific regulations are adding complexity and cost to doing business. Hear from a distinguished panel of experts on how to survive, prosper and profit even in the face of the current business environment.

• Keynote Speakers – Richard Darling, President, Li & Fung USA; Rick Helfenbein, President, Luen Thai USA; Rick Paterno, Group President Global Footwear Wholesale, The Jones Group; Thomas Travis, Managing Partner, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg  
• February 13 at 3:30 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Concourse, 2nd Floor, S230

Sourcing's New Decade

Sourcing today is more challenging than ever. This is an in-depth look at the global changes in successful sourcing and insights about how to deal with the concern about cotton prices and availability.

• Keynote Speakers - Peter McGrath, President, McGrath International; Mark Messura, Sr. VP Global Supply Chain Marketing, Cotton Inc.
• February 14 at 10:15 a.m., Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Concourse 2nd Floor, S230

E-Commerce Keynote: Mr. Kevin Ryan, Founder & CEO of Gilt Groupe

Fashion retailing has been transformed by the growing power of e-commerce retail and the incredible growth of social media. Keynote speaker will share the experiences of a designer e-commerce fashion site, his thoughts on the impact of social media and his views on the future of the internet's role in fashion.

• Keynote Speaker – Kevin Ryan, Founder & CEO, Gilt Groupe
• February 14 at 1:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Concourse 2nd Floor, S231

Design Piracy, Counterfeiting and the Impact on Fashion: That's the Problem, But What is the Solution?

As the U.S. Senate considers the passage of a bill that would affect fashion designs and protection regarding apparel, ornamentation, etc. for a term of three years, this seminar discusses the pros and cons of the bill by leaders from the industry. This is a must attend conference as this subject will affect every aspect of fashion in the U.S. today.

• Keynote Speakers - Steve Lamar, Executive VP, AAFA, American Apparel & Footwear Association; Deborah Greaves, Secretary and General Counsel, True Religion Apparel Inc., Guru Denim Inc.
• February 14 at 2:30 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Concourse 2nd Floor, S230

WGSN Trend Edit:  Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 and Beyond

WGSN will present the must-have items for Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 and beyond.  Additionally, WGSN will preview its signature macro-trends for the Spring/Summer 2012 season and analysis of key consumer attitudes that will impact business.

• Keynote Speaker – Sally Lohan, Content Director USA, WGSN
• February 15 at 8:15 a.m., Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Concourse 2nd Floor, S231

The New Fashion Retailer:  Mr. Gary Schoenfeld, CEO of Pacific Sunwear (PacSun)

Retailers across the fashion industry have been faced with many challenges including the recession, new consumer attitudes, the impact of internet retailing and social media as well as new store concepts. Mr. Gary Schoenfeld has been responsible for implementing major changes in his company's structure, marketing and product, bringing this national retailer back to a lead position in the industry. He will share his experiences and views for the future of fashion retailing.

• Keynote Speaker – Gary Schoenfeld, CEO, PacSun
• February 15 at 11:30 a.m., Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Concourse 2nd Floor, S230

About MAGIC

Every August and February, the fashion industry converges in Las Vegas for the most influential event in the business – MAGIC. The February 2011 MAGIC will run from February 14 – 16, Sourcing at MAGIC starts at noon on February 13. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information, please visit www.magiconline.com.

SOURCE MAGIC International