Retail execs highlight Big Idea Seminar

13 Mar 2014    

Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design is participating in UNL’s Big Idea Seminar Mar. 18-19. Designed to build big ideas and collaborations among UNL faculty, the Big Idea Seminar series covers a broad area of research topics that emphasize team building opportunities.

The Mar. Big Idea Seminar highlights “Concept to Commercialization” and features three successful retail and manufacturing entrepreneurs: Walter T. Wilhelm, Joan Mudget, and Paul Taylor.

Wilhelm has held senior positions in retailing, manufacturing and technology sales and development. He has extensive experience domestically, as well as internationally, having opened six offices in Europe and four in Asia.

Mudget, current vice president of global product quality at lululemon, is leading a fast-paced retail organization through a major reorganization of their quality assurance functions. She also had had stints at JCPenney, The Walt Disney Company, the Nordstrom Product Group, and Lands’ End.

Taylor’s latest venture is Long Splice Design, an apparel development and sourcing company. Long Splice Design took root in the experience Taylor gained after founding Arborwear, an outdoor work wear company, which he headed for 12 years.

The three distinguished speakers will discuss their experiences and answer questions in the following TMFD classes. Anyone interested may sit in on these discussions.

March 18
TMFD 206 Textiles
9 a.m., 11 HSB
Discussion of the global picture of textile sourcing, selection and brand enhancement.

TMFD 403 Draping
10 a.m., 225 HSB
Discussion of market niches, quality control, branding and functionality.

TMFD 413 Merchandising III
11 a.m., 11 HSB
Discussion of initiating the job search and essential industry skills.

March 19
TMFD 314 Visual Merchandising
10 a.m., 142 HSB
Discussion of how companies create compelling brands.

TMFD 212 Product Development
12: p.m., 229 HSB
Discussion of the importance of technology in product design and development.

http://bigideaseminars.unl.edu/upcoming-sem