The WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit, under the theme “The Great Reset,” convenes at a pivotal moment for the industry as fashion and retail undergo rapid reinvention.
From the arrival of new creative directors reshaping brand identities to the accelerating impact of AI across design, merchandising, and the customer experience, companies are being challenged to rethink how they operate, create, and grow.
This year’s summit will explore how leaders are navigating this era of transformation and upheaval - embracing new creative leadership, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer expectations to redefine relevance, drive innovation, and build the next chapter of fashion and retail.
New for 2026
The Summit will feature dedicated sessions from Footwear News and Sourcing Journal, bringing together perspectives from across fashion, retail, footwear, sourcing, and supply chain. Integrated throughout the program, these conversations will provide a more comprehensive view of the forces reshaping the industry and the strategies leaders are deploying to drive growth and innovation.
Topics
RE/IMAGINE
- The New Creative Order What happens when a new generation of creative leaders takes the reins? Designers at pivotal moments in their careers discuss reimagining iconic brands, evolving creative codes and creating work that feels relevant to a new generation.
RE/THINK
- The New CEO Playbook The old rules of growth are being rewritten. Industry CEOs discuss how they are rethinking strategy, navigating a more selective consumer and making the decisions that will define their businesses’ next chapters.
RE/INVENT
- From Legacy to Next Chapter What does it mean to start again when you've already built something significant? Industry icons reflect on creativity, entrepreneurship and the lessons that can inform whatever comes next.
Subject to change
| Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Registration |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Block I |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Networking Break |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Block II |
| 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Block III |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Networking Break |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Block IV |
| 5:00 PM | Cocktail Reception |
| 6:30 PM | WWD Honors |
| Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | |
| 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Breakfast & Registration |
| 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Block I |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Networking Break |
| 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Block II |
| 12:30 PM | Takeaway Lunch |
Speakers
More Speakers to be Announced
Venue
Cipriani South Street
Presenting Partner
Partners
At the summit, you’ll gain unparalleled opportunities to:
- Hear Solution-oriented panels featuring influential executives across fashion, retail, technology and finance
- Connect one-on-one with C-suite leaders and senior decision-makers across the apparel and retail ecosystem
- Enjoy curated networking opportunities, including breakfast, lunch, and a cocktail reception
- Attend the star-studded WWD Honors ceremony and dinner
Early bird pricing ends September 4.
Brands & Retailers
Early Bird Rate: $3,500
Standard Rate: $4,500
Service Providers
Contact Us for Pricing
Editorial Coverage
Patrice Louvet on Leading Ralph Lauren
Tory Burch and Pierre-Yves Roussel on Their Work and Life Partnership
Vera Wang and WHP Global’s Yehuda Shmidman Talk Growth Opportunities
Catfights, Rivalry and Royal Splendor: What Really Happened at the Battle of Versailles
Contact Us
Partnership Inquiries
Melissa Rocco
mrocco@fairchildfashion.com
Attendee Inquiries
Trish Reidy
preidy@fairchildfashion.com