2026 Conference Workshops
WORKSHOPS
1. Data Driven Decision Making - $1500 (early bird $1350) [$500 - $450 single].
Presenters: Lynn Boorady, Oklahoma State University and Jung Ha-Brookshire, University of Missouri
Minimum of 5 – Maximum of 15; 4 hours
Wednesday, November 18th, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tentative dates: 9/1/26; 10/6/2026; 2/2/2027; 4/6/2027, 2:00 – 3:30 EST. Tentative dates and times will be adjusted as necessary that work for all paid participants
This workshop will be an in-person activity part of a 5 session leadership series we are proposing through the VP of Professional Development. This session would be number 3 out of 5 sessions. In higher education, data-driven decision making is essential for informed planning and effective resource allocation. By leveraging data, institutions can identify trends, evaluate outcomes, and optimize budgeting strategies to align with strategic goals. Participants will gain an understanding of how to analyze and interpret data, explore its critical role in higher education decision making, and learn to use it effectively to address challenges and seize opportunities. This approach empowers leaders to make evidence-based decisions that improve institutional efficiency and enhance student success. Breakfast Included.
Objectives:
• To learn about various data that college, campus leadership, state and higher education commissions are tracking and monitoring.
• To learn where to obtain and how to interpret data
• To learn how use data to advocate (or assess) departments and programs
• To share best practices of utilizing data to advocate or improve the department’s/program’s goals
• To share best practices of utilizing data to hire, promote, and provide financial raises/incentives to faculty members.
2. Applied Sustainable Grading Practice: The Carrico Zero-Waste Banded Grading Technique - $60
Presenters: Sheri Dragoo, Baylor University; Melanie Carrico, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Colleen Moretz, West Virginia University; Ashley Rougeaux-Burnes, Texas Tech; Ellen McKinney, University of Alabama; & Casey Stannard, Louisiana State University
Minimum 6 – Maximum 12; 3.5 hours
Wednesday, November 18th, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
An overview of ZW design and grading through the CZWBG technique will be presented and demonstrated to participants. Participants will be instructed on the technique and walked through the application of the technique on a prototype garment design. The prototype garment will be made using a ZW pattern developed by the workshop presenters based on their five years of research. Using a developed ZW pattern suitable for the CZWBG technique will allow attendees to learn the technique without having to spend the ample time necessary to test a ZW pattern suitable for this approach. Attendees will be able to practice the technique on provided deadstock fabric and exit the workshop with a completed prototype of CZWBG design graded to any size that they wish. Workshop presenters will offer a pre-conference informative Zoom session to prepare attendees and expedite the starting process, while the workshop will provide hands-on exploration and product completion.
Provided for Workshop Attendees:
· Zoom introductory session – date to be coordinated to match participant’s schedules
· Use of sewing machines, cutting equipment, supplies
· Base fabric shipped ahead of time (shipping costs included in the workshop fee).
· Digital ZW pattern. The goal is for participants to come with the main fabric cut.
· In person, we will configure bands – decide size, cut, etc. Then construct prototypes.
· Participants will receive structured instruction, guided prototyping, and all necessary materials,
ensuring a productive workshop experience. The preparatory Zoom session and fully supported
in-person environment further demonstrates the workshop’s strong design and feasibility.
3. Plus Size Patternmaking Techniques - $29
Presenters: Leila Kelleher, Toronto Metropolitan University; Gabby Brown, Independent Scholar
Minimum 5 – Maximum of 12; 3 hours
Wednesday, November 18, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
In this 3-hour workshop, we will explore a plus size fitted bodice block draft. We will first introduce appropriate language to discuss diverse bodies and our anatomically-based system of body measurement that does not rely on soft-tissue based landmarks. This ensures repeatability and accuracy between and within groups and is particularly important for individuals whose proportions do not conform to an hourglass figure type (i.e. waist being the smallest point of measure). Participants will then draft a plus size fitted bodice block to the dimensions of the provided plus dress forms (speakers will provide the dress forms) and cut a muslin toile to fit on the dress forms. Using the drafts as a basis, we will discuss the typical features of plus size bodies and how these should manifest themselves in accurate and well-fitting plus size drafts. This will include differences in approaches to darts, waist pitch, draft balance, etc. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a stronger understanding and confidence in working with plus size models and patterns, and better serving the needs of our current fashion students to prepare them for the fashion industry.
4. Preparing Fashion Students’ Entrepreneurial Capabilities for AI, Disruptive Technologies and Business Models through Interdisciplinary Modules and Service Learning - $15
Presenters: Elizabeth Newcomb Hopfer, B. Ellie Jin, Mark Blevins, Daniela Jones, and Katherine McKee, North Carolina State University
Minimum 20 – Maximum of 30; 2 hours
Wednesday, November 18th, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
This workshop addresses the challenges of preparing students for technology-driven roles across a complex global supply chain through a modular supply chain approach that helps students understand and apply AI and emerging technologies, integrate them into innovative and entrepreneurial business models, and
translate these concepts into real-world practice. The workshop demonstrates how this approach can be implemented through service learning that connects fashion education to industry and community contexts. The workshop will introduce participants to the full lifecycle of module development and
institutional implementation via shared course delivery, while also emphasizing approaches that are transferable to fashion curricula. Content will include: Team development strategies, Module design strategies, Case study creation; OER development and dissemination; implementation and course delivery; and service-learning integration.