Over 200 of Maryland’s manufacturers and industry, business, civic and elected leaders attended Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland’s “Maryland Made to Wear” Runway Show & Networking Event on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore city.
The event was designed as a festive and unique way to celebrate Maryland manufacturing and highlight its value in our everyday lives – bringing awareness to Maryland’s incredible industry of manufacturers of products we wear and use in a wide range of applications. More than 25 Maryland manufactured products made for function, fitness, fashion, comfort and safety were showcased in action on the “runway” at this inaugural event.
Neill Christopher, RMI Board member, shared his enthusiasm for the event saying, “RMI has once again demonstrated that Maryland manufacturing is innovative, exciting, environmentally responsible and FUN and FASHIONABLE. Last night’s presentation was enlightening and creative. RMI continues to raise the bar by developing opportunities for manufacturers to showcase their products in an original (and occasionally avant-garde) format. How will you ever top this? Great job!”
Participating product manufacturers hailed from Anne Arundel County, Baltimore city, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Queen Anne’s County and Washington County.
- Check out our “Maryland Made to Wear” event photo gallery, here. And download photos at no cost. (Select a photo and click on the download arrow on the left side. You do not need to purchase photos.)
“This event was one of the most inclusive RMI events we’ve hosted, with a collective of 26 product companies, 23 volunteer runway models and over 30 partner organizations and sponsors from all over the state pitching in in some way to make the event happen,” said Mike Galiazzo, President of RMI.
- Click here to view partners, sponsors and contact information for each participating Maryland manufacturer.
“The innovative high-energy event helped bring the community together in a fun way to discover and celebrate how very cool, innovative and exciting Maryland manufacturing really is,” said Galiazzo.
The vision of this event was to demonstrate that manufacturing matters to Maryland’s economy, and I think we successfully did so via a rather non-traditional and exciting way,” said Galiazzo.
Event Testimonials:
“Crazy stimulating night of good food and drink and great networking with new and old friends. Proud to be one of the sponsors and runway announcers. Kudos, RMI, for putting on such an amazing event!” Lester Miller, Strategic Factory
“What a fun and creative way to showcase Maryland Manufacturers.” Sharon Turner, Alexander & Tom
“I was thrilled to be a part of this first-time event. Michael Galiazzo, you were right. People will be talking about this event until next year!” Vicki Franz, I95 BUSINESS
“What a wonderfully executed event! I learned so much about what is made in Maryland. The runway was rocking! Everyone looked like they were having so much fun. RMI knocked it out of the park, and the food was a delightful bonus.” Brigitte Peters, MD Department of Commerce
“Congratulations to Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland for hosting an amazing event last night. Great crowd of 200+ that learned about some really interesting companies manufacturing wearable products here in Maryland.” John Dinkel, Dinkel Business Development
“Fun and interesting evening. Old and new friends. Great job, RMI!” Betsy Collie, MD Business Innovation Association
“Super fun evening and innovative event!” Cheryl Hickox, I95 BUSINESS
For more information on the 2020 “Maryland Made to Wear” Runway Show & Networking Event or to express interest in being involved in the 2021 event, contact Stacey Smith, Director of Outreach & Events, at stacey@RMIofmaryland.com or 443-844-0047.