In 1934, Chicago was one of the first regions added to the FGI organization. Our first Regional Director was Mrs. Ford Carter. Our region has a history of hosting our own Rising Stars Awards, Night of Stars and Retail Symposiums. Today, our members enjoy programming in all fashion / beauty / interiors segments, including networking events, trend events, symposiums, workshops, panels, dinners, and virtual events.

Some of our recent events include:

• FGI Triple Member Meetup, a virtual networking event in conjunction with FGI Atlanta and FGI St. Louis, in July of 2022.
• Fashion Law Panel at AIBI Chicago in June of 2014.
• Beyond a Checked Box: Authentically Leaning into Diversity & Inclusion, at Select Monel Management in April of 2022.

Some of our past event highlights include:

• Converge: Elevating Fashion & Retail with Technology at WeWork River North in June of 2018. This was an award-winning event featuring a panel discussion about the impact of technology on today’s product development and retail fashion industries.
• The Age of Collaboration: A Retail Symposium at Columbia College Chicago in February of 2018. Speakers shared how the industry is interacting in unique, unexpected, and surprising ways to master the modern retail experience.
• The 9^th Rising Stars Awards at The James Hotel in September of 2014 which honored nominees for their innovation, creativity & accomplishments in Accessories, Beauty, Interiors/Home, Men’s, Retail & Women’s Apparel.