Become a PI Chapter Leader!
PI Chapters are trusted circles of like-minded peers from across fashion and footwear. Each group tackles a shared challenge or technology, creating a space to exchange insights, support one another, and make progress - together.
Become a PI Chapter Leader!
PI Chapters are trusted circles of like-minded peers from across fashion and footwear. Each group tackles a shared challenge or technology, creating a space to exchange insights, support one another, and make progress - together.
Why become a Chapter Leader?
Create a group that becomes a trusted source of support, insight, and connection - something bigger than a single event or conversation.
Build Your Reputation
Position yourself as a thought leader in your domain by shaping the conversation and helping peers navigate real industry challenges.
Grow Your Network
Connect with other forward-thinking professionals across fashion and footwear who share your interests, challenges, and curiosity. Find your tribe!
Get Inspired
Surround yourself with motivated people tackling similar problems - and come away with fresh energy and new ideas.
Give Back and Grow
Turn your hard-earned insights into something valuable. Support peers and rising talent by creating a space where ideas, challenges, and lessons are openly shared.
What does a chapter leader do?
Don’t worry, this isn’t a full-time job. But it is an important one. As a Chapter Lead, you’ll:
Shape the Chapter’s Direction
Define the core focus of your Chapter - whether it's a specific technology, challenge, or functional area - and help set the tone, purpose, and goals of the group.
Run Regular Gatherings
Host a minimum of 4 sessions per year - with at least 2 in-person if your Chapter is location-based. These could be roundtables, workshops, panels, or informal meetups.
Spark Open Dialogue
Create an inclusive space where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences, challenges, and ideas. Great Chapters thrive on real talk, not slide decks.
Collaborate With Our Team
You’re not doing this alone. Work with the PI Apparel team on planning, logistics, guest speakers, and content - we’ve got your back.
Be a Great Host
Welcome new members, encourage participation, and help the group feel connected. You’re the glue that holds the community together.
Keep the Energy Going
Stay in touch between sessions, share useful resources, and help maintain momentum so your Chapter becomes a living, breathing part of people’s professional lives.
FAQs
Common Questions Answered
Any passionate individual from a fashion brand or retailer can become a Chapter Lead. You don’t need to be a public speaker or industry celebrity - just someone who cares about connecting people, asking great questions, and exploring better ways of working. Chapter Leads are facilitators of conversation, champions of collaboration, and believers in the power of peers.
Yes! Co-leading is encouraged, especially if you have complementary experience or want to share the load. Just note that all Leads should meet the eligibility criteria.
No - Chapter Lead roles are voluntary. This is a 'community by the community, for the community' - honest conversations led by peers who care. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish there was a space to talk about this with others like me” - now’s your chance to create it.
No - Chapters are designed to be safe, peer-to-peer spaces for brand and retailer professionals. To protect the integrity and openness of the conversation, vendors and solution providers cannot lead Chapters (though they may be invited to join as guests for specific sessions if appropriate).
Most Leads spend around 2-4 hours a month planning and running sessions. PI Apparel will help streamline logistics and offer templates and support so you can focus on the content and the people.
Most Chapters meet virtually to enable global participation, but local chapters host biannual in-person meetups or gatherings around PI Apparel events. We’ll work with you to figure out what’s best for your group.
Typically, Chapters meet bi-monthly, with sessions ranging from open discussions and roundtables to guest spotlights or themed deep dives. We’ll provide guidance, but every Chapter has its own rhythm and style. Each chapter must run 4 events pa, including 2 in-person for local chapters.
We ask for an initial commitment of 24 months. That gives enough time to build momentum, establish group dynamics, and create real value for your Chapter. At the end of the term, you can choose to continue, hand over the reins, or explore leading a new topic - totally up to you!
Still have a question?
Contact us anytime for additional help or clarification