The Rationale for Conference Dr. Kerry Meakin

Kerry opened the conference and touched upon: World vision of display, VM is at risk of not being taught. VM is often linked to fashion, but VM can do much more – other products etc. AI & Metaverse are needed in both physical & digital VM skills. VM is being closed down in education. We need to encourage students they can have a career in VM. Other fields VM students can go into need to be known, e.g. Wedding Designer, Interior Designer, Buyers, Display Companies, metaverse shopping and so much more. There is a disconnect between skills and needs and also what VM needs vs what is being invested in it. VM is a more dynamic & worthwhile career.

Keynote Speaker: Eric Feigenbaum

Eric Feigenbaum is the New York Editor, VMSD Magazine; President, Embrace Design; former chair of visual merchandising, LIM College and former adjunct professor, Fashion Institute of Technology.

Cobblestones to Cyberspace is Eric’s dynamic presentation documenting the history of visual merchandising and store design as seen through the pages of VMSD Magazine. Founded in 1897, VMSD has continuously reported on the evolution of the industry as it adapted to the conditions of the day, new technologies and innovative presentation techniques.

It was founded by L. Frank Baum, the creator of The Wizard of Oz. He is credited for creating the presentation of merchandise using ‘sensory merchandising’, performance art and retail display.

Window display and mannequins reflect what is going on in the world. VM’ers are resourceful and problem-solving. We create the personality traits of a store so a customer feels at home. There is ‘fashion’ in everything.