Outdoor Retailer

VDC campus

Virtual Design Center - Content is still available online!

The VDC is open, and all content is available until May 7th, 2011. This revolutionary virtual trade show brings suppliers, marketers, product managers, retailers, designers and developers together to discuss Sustainability through Design.

Visit exhibitor booths in a virtual world and listen to educational seminars on sustainability.

Please click here NOW to register!

What is the Virtual Design Center LIVE Event?
The VDC LIVE will be a series of virtual trade shows produced by Outdoor Retailer. The theme of the first edition is "Sustainabilty through Design". Participants will have the opportunity to hear supply chain experts speak on how Sustainability through Design can positively affect product lines for 2012 and beyond (seminar topics below). Live, interactive panel discussions and keynote addresses anchor the content, while the interactive supplier displays further educate and inform design pros on what elements need to be included in 2011 products and beyond.

The VDC features a virtual exhibit hall, virtual auditorium and virtual lounge. Participating exhibitors, sponsors and seminar content providers include Bluesign Technologies, Polartec, Hyperbola Textiles, Ecologic Design Group, prAna, nau, greenREACH, Cocona, Buhler Yarns, Radici, Malakye.com, American Cotton Growers, Promostyl, The Textile Exchange, OIA (Outdoor Industry Association) Eco-Index, AAPN (American Apparel Producers Network) and Tompkins Inc.

Seminar Topics - Download the Seminar Bios on Presenters

DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY
This seminar focuses on how the design of a product impacts its sustainability. Rita Nakouzi of Promostyl moderates presentations from Paul Diegel of greenREACH, and Davidson Lewis of Ecologic Designs that explore the many ways we can improve product sustainability through better design. A Q&A session with Rita, Paul and Davidson follows the presentation.

OIA ECO INDEX
An overview of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Eco Index and how to apply it to an apparel product. Presented by Jamie Bainbridge, Nau. A Q&A session with Jamie follows the presentation.

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH SUPPLY CHAIN
Little changes equal big results when it comes to sourcing. Mike Todaro moderates a panel of supply chain experts to target ways to improve sustainability through innovations in supply chain management. Panelists include Gene Tyndall of Tompkins Inc. and Peter Waeber from Bluesign Technologies. A Q&A session with Mike, Peter and Gene follows the presentation.

TRENDS IN NATURAL FIBERS
The latest innovations in cotton, wool, hemp and other natural fibers are covered in this seminar. Heidi McCloskey from Textile Exchange moderates panelists David Sasso of Buhler Yarns and Nicole Basset of prAna as they discuss trends in the world of natural fibers. A Q&A session with Heidi, David and Nicole follows the presentation.

"The decision by Nielsen to introduce the Virtual Design Center concept is truly visionary," said Mike Todaro, managing director of the American Apparel Producers' Network. "In one fell swoop, the VDC will bring together two critical masses -- designers with ideas and suppliers with experience. If anything, this increases the power of the actual Outdoor Retailer show, where face-to-face meetings will now be prequalified and the value of each pre-established."

"A major component of the OR shows is what innovation happens upstream from the finished products story. The Virtual Design Center will focus on that innovation and offer cutting-edge education and information in an unprecedented model of efficiency for designer, developer and supplier," said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer show director. "It is exactly what the market needs and Nielsen has the reach and technology to bring this to life in Outdoor Retailer and beyond."

VIRTUAL DESIGN CENTER SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:

bluesign logo

textile exhange

buhler

Want to exhibit, sponsor or provide content to a future Virtual Design Center event?

click for VDC Sales Sheet

    * Join top supply brands
    * Educate the audience with enriching seminars on sustainability trends
    * Interactive designer-focused messaging board
    * Cutting edge of sustainability trends!
    * Access 20,000+ product designers & developers
    * Reach beyond the OR universe -into action sports, furnishings, military, cycling and more!
    * Influence the product design cycle for 2011
    * Ease of use for the supplier and the audience!
    * Cost effective way to reach a targeted audience
    * Secure - you control who sees what
    * Post event reporting
    * Quality leads
    * Build a prospect database
    * 1-day event from your laptop
    * 90 day archive of a rich environment showcasing your product line