Pool Trade Show August 2007: Swim Lessons

Known as the place for emerging brands, and with its vast network of industry movers & shakers, POOL has taken service to another level by introducing $wimLessons, a new seminar series created to help designers of all levels of experience, from seasoned veterans, to those just getting their feet wet. Hosted at the POOL offices in Silverlake, the first $wimLesson topic was how to bring designs to market lead by Melanie Woods. Melanie has over 15 years of experience in expositions and sales management, and is a published author in Tradeshow Week, Selling Power, and EXPO Magazines

Kathleen Fasanella was also there for Q & A, and to lead the seminar into production topics. She is the author of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing and a sought-out guru for growing companies in the apparel biz. She is also the creator of the fashion-incubator.com and designer-entrepreneurs.com highly regarded as practical tools, information, resources and advice “straight from the factory floor.” Over 70 designers of all levels attended $wim Lessons eager to learn new things, affirm what they’ve already set in motion, and share their perspectives on an ever-changing market.

“It was great! I thought it was amazing that POOL cared enough to put together such articulate people to expand the minds of young designers in regards to what’s going on with their companies.”
-Richard Sandomeno, Spragwerks

“$wim lessons reaffirmed things I know, and it felt good to know I was on the right path…definitely beneficial to those starting up a new company”
- Johnny Rodriguez, Grandma’s Glock

"I thought it was very informative for first time exhibitors; a nice open forum to discuss production dilemmas and pursue potential leads. I wish we had something like that when we first started."
- Matt Duerr, Vintage Vantage

“A must for aspiring hustlers”
- Marco Rached, SPRFKR