Karen Bennett and COAST Shows Expand Nashville’s Style Scene
Karen Bennett, Founder and CEO of COAST Shows, is helping position Nashville as the nation’s third major fashion hub. After building her career in Chicago and working with major trade show organizations such as STYLEMAX and ENK International, Bennett launched her own trade show in 2007. What began as a boutique event in Miami Beach with 30 designers has grown into a multi-city showcase featuring up to 400 exhibitors across men’s and women’s contemporary apparel, accessories, jewelry, and more.
Recognizing Nashville’s rapid growth, Bennett relocated her Midwest show and company to Music City after research revealed it as one of the fastest growing fashion markets in the country. Fashion currently contributes nearly $6 billion and more than 16,000 jobs to the local economy, with projections estimating $9.5 billion in revenue and over 25,000 jobs by 2025. The city’s central location, strong infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and creative energy have made it an attractive destination for designers, manufacturers, and retailers alike.
Bennett has worked closely with the Nashville Fashion Alliance to support emerging fashion businesses and is strategically expanding COAST’s presence in the region. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Nashville’s unique retail calendar and culture while actively recruiting retailers across neighboring states. With Nashville’s vibrant entertainment scene, modern convention facilities, and growing design community, COAST Shows is contributing to the city’s evolution into a national fashion destination.
Read the full article here:
https://www.mannpublications.com/mannreport/2017/05/16/looking-up-the-value-of-herald-square/