NRFSA-Shop.org Conference

The National retail federation holds a scholarship competition for college students; if you are lucky enough to win you get an expense paid a trip to the Shop.org Conference in Chicago. One of Lasell’s seniors was the fortunate winner of this renowned scholarship. I was able to meet up with Chelsea Plum and get an interview about her experience. 

Chelsea spoke about the purpose of the Shop.org conference in depth.   It’s purpose is “to educate retailers and professionals about the digital side of fashion and how it’s not about the clothes and stores anymore but about Omni channel.” 

I asked her intently ………”So Chelsea, how did you feel when you found out that you won the scholarship?”

 “ I was very excited and delighted that the department chose me to represent the school” she said.

I commented “ I would imagine that would be an extreme honor; did you ever feel that winning the scholarship and the trip to the Shop.org conference put any kind of pressure on you?”

She replied, “No I found that it was more exciting because I’ve been working with technologies like this for so long, it’s just becoming growth for me professionally”

Now tell me a little about what the atmosphere of the event was? Chelsea stated “It was a very large space with a lot of companies from around the world traveling in groups, everyone was very attentive and excited to be there. The guest speakers included tory Burch executives and other companies giving presentations about ecommerce and potential innovations. “

I commented was there any way that you had to prepare for the conference?  

Chelsea listed “Yes I had to prepare my resume as well as business cards, and make a schedule for the weekend there were 4 days of events, as well as packing for the climate and finding a hotel. “ 

I wondered about if she about felt unprepared for the conference; “More nervous than anything, the shop.org dinner was kind of awkward because it was all the winners and no one really wanted to talk. “ 

Explain what was your favorite and least favorite part of the experience?  “id have to say it was networking with large companies and making professional contacts. The least favorite part was some of the information in the presentations were a bit redundant and vague more elaboration, it was supposed to be a seminar but sometimes they came off as a sales pitch.”

Chelsea explained to me what she learned from this experience?

“Just being able to have conversations can expand your thought process, and you learn that our industry is so big yet everyone knows each other."

Why do you think that is important to fashion students to become members of the NRFSA? “Its important because you gain access to lots of great information there all very innovative they all post numerous opportunities and new technologies.”

 I totally agree with Chelsea that being able to have access to these resources from the fashion would is an extreme upper hand on the fashion industry.  Being a fashion student at Lasell takes a lot of work and dedication to the fashion would, the teachers expect us to be a part of the fashion world. Having these recourses at our fingertips is such an amazing opportunity.

By: Sarah Dougherty