New York – September 25, 2026 -- The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has opened registration for a new public speaker program, "FIT Future//Forward Conversations," pairing sitting executives from Kering, Givaudan and Spin Master with President Jason Schupbach and industry journalists in a bid to position the SUNY-affiliated college as a hub for creative-industry dialogue.
The initiative splits into two tracks: a Presidential Speaker Series featuring CEOs and presidents in one-on-one conversation with Schupbach, and an Innovation Speaker Series pairing journalists with designers and creators. Both are free, open to the public, and will be livestreamed with recordings archived for remote audiences.
Kering Americas president headlines October lineup alongside Spin Master co-founder
Confirmed Presidential Speaker Series dates include Felita Harris of RAISEfashion on Oct. 5, Spin Master co-founder Ronnen Harary on Oct. 12, Kering Americas president Ewa Abrams on Oct. 20, and Givaudan fine fragrance head Matthieu Befve on Dec. 2.
Vogue editorial chief joins Innovation Series debut on Oct. 19
The Innovation Speaker Series opens Oct. 19 with Vogue head of editorial content Chloe Malle in conversation with Sally Singer, president of Art + Commerce, followed Nov. 3 by Tanner Fletcher co-founders Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell, interviewed by New York Fashion Week co-creator Fern Mallis. Additional sessions are pending scheduling with New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman, interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins, and Theophilio founder Edvin Thompson, among others.
Schupbach frames series as response to AI and sustainability pressures
Schupbach said the discussions are intended to address structural shifts in the creative economy. "From AI and sustainability to evolving consumer markets, we are bringing together the visionaries on the front lines because creative thinkers hold the key to shaping what's next," he said, tying the series to his broader FIT Future//Forward strategic initiative.
All sessions will be held in the Bob Fisch Presentation Hall inside FIT's Joyce F. Brown Academic Building in New York.