In the worlds of marketing and fashion, trends dictate success. Join speakers Dustin May, Director of Marketing from Bootlegger, Sally Parrott, Senior Director of Marketing from Aritzia, and Gabriel Cote, International Sales Director for Westcomb as they discuss the important role of trends in fashion marketing; and how marketers must continually adapt and respond to rapidly shifting consumer demands. Emceed by Vancouver’s premier fashion blogger, Craig Long, this event promises to be full of glamour, insight and some very well dressed guests. Join us!

Like every Canadian guy, Dustin dreamed of being a pro hockey player, but his love for ideas and results (not to mention the fact that he can't skate) led to his pursuit of a career in this exciting game of retail. Dustin is currently, Director of Marketing, with Bootlegger the best place for jeans.

At Bootlegger he leads a group responsible for all aspects of Marketing and Visual Presentation. During his time at Bootlegger he has been instrumental in driving a brand repositioning, launching a CRM program, eCommerce (coming April 09), and much more. He studied marketing and history at the University of the Fraser Valley and is a board member with RAMA the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, producers of the annual RAC conference. The quote that Dustin lives and works by: "Do or do not there is no try" Yoda (yes a quote from a latex puppet).

Sally graduated from UBC in 1997 with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Major).  Immediately following university she moved to Toronto to work at Procter & Gamble in Brand Management.  While at P&G, Sally's focus was in Beauty Care working on such brands as Olay, Max Factor, Cover Girl and Physique. 

In 2001 Sally took an 18 month sabbatical to travel solo throughout SE Asia and complete a three month long Mountaineering Outdoor Leadership Course in Canmore Alberta.  She returned to Vancouver in 2002 and became the International Marketing Manager for Westbeach Apparel. 

In 2004 Sally was hired by Aritzia as Director of Marketing. Over the last four years Sally has built Aritzia’s Marketing team from 2 employees (herself included) to 35 employees (and growing) within both Marketing and Creative Services.  Sally is now a Senior Director and chair of Aritzia's Executive Committee.

Founded in 1984, Aritzia has 38 stores in select markets in Canada and the US and is one of the most successful retailers in the industry. 

Gabriel Cote has been with Westcomb for over four years. Since the company’s inception, Gabriel oversees Westcomb’s global brand image at the marketing level. He also works to support sales representatives in Westcomb’s various territories.
 
Gabriel brings more than a decade of outdoor industry experience to his role as Westcomb’s International Sales Director. After garnering six years of “real-world experience” as a climbing bum before getting into the outdoor business, Cote counts among his experience four years in dealer service at Arc’Teryx, and he also worked in outdoor specialty retail in Vancouver as both a buyer and on the sales floor.

Based in Vancouver, B.C., Westcomb uses its ‘True Form’ design philosophy to create functional, uncomplicated gear of the highest quality workmanship.

There is perhaps no other individual as passionate about Vancouver as Craig David Long. Craig first shared this passion with the world, by way of his highly acclaimed street style blog, The Commodified. Having been shortlisted by FASHION Magazine as one of their ten favourite Canadian fashion bloggers, Craig now writes a bi-weekly online column for them, reporting the latest on Vancouver’s fashion and shopping scene. After retiring The Commodified last year, Craig took on a new project: the launch of MONTECRISTO Magazine, a regional lifestyle quarterly for the cosmopolitan Vancouverite. In his role as Assistant Editor, Craig enjoys celebrating the inspiring people and fine things our region has to offer.

Early-Bird Registration Prize
Register before Tuesday, March 17th and your name will be entered into our early-bird prize draw. The lucky winner will receive a state of the art Westcomb Pinnacle Hoody, a stylish thermotech hoody perfect for keeping the cold weather away.