FIT Launched Public Future/Forward Speaker Series

The Fashion Institute of Technology has introduced a free public series featuring business and creative industry leaders.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars

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The Fashion Institute of Technology has launched the Future/Forward Conversations series, featuring industry leaders to explore creative career innovation in New York. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Fashion Institute of Technology launched the FIT Future/Forward Conversations, a new public speaker series. These events will be hosted in the Bob Fisch Presentation Hall in New York City.

Why it matters

The program aims to establish the college as a laboratory for creative careers. It focuses on examining the innovations that are currently defining industry change.

The initiative is part of the FIT Future/Forward strategic plan, which supports the college as a creative laboratory. All events are free, open to the public, and will be livestreamed.

The players

Fashion Institute of Technology

This is a public college in New York City that focuses on art, business, design, and technology.

Felita Harris

She is an industry professional scheduled to appear as part of the new speaker series.

Ronnen Harary

He is a business leader slated to participate in the college's inaugural Presidential Speaker Series.

Chloe Malle

She is a journalist and editor who will join the series to discuss industry innovations.

Sally Singer

She is an influential journalist and creative director participating in the Innovation Speaker Series.

The details

The series includes the Presidential Speaker Series, where business leaders speak with the college president, and the Innovation Speaker Series, which pairs journalists and creators with designers. All sessions take place in the Bob Fisch Presentation Hall.

Timeline

  1. Felita Harris speaks on Oct. 5, 2026.

  2. Ronnen Harary speaks on Oct. 12, 2026.

  3. Chloe Malle and Sally Singer speak on Oct. 19, 2026.

  4. Ewa Abrams speaks on Oct. 20, 2026.

  5. Matthieu Befve speaks on Dec. 2, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This initiative follows the FIT Future/Forward strategic plan, which aims to integrate professional industry leaders directly into the academic environment. It reflects a growing trend of higher education institutions acting as hubs for cross-industry collaboration and professional development.

Members of the public can attend these sessions for free at the Bob Fisch Presentation Hall. Those unable to attend in person can access the discussions through scheduled livestreams.

The takeaway

The series provides direct access for students and the public to hear from high-level industry innovators. Participants should monitor the college's calendar for updates on additional speakers and potential changes to the session schedule.

Further reading

Find more events at the Lecture and Seminars section of our site.

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Do you believe public speaker series hosted by universities improve the quality of professional training?

FIT Launched Public Future/Forward Speaker Series | Wisevoter