In this special recap episode, we unpack the layered impact of UTILITY 2025, a revolutionary trade space (not just a trade show) hosted by Tilit NYC.
Recorded from Chicago — a city that cooks, builds, and refines — this episode explores how UTILITY prioritized culture over consumerism, exchange over exhibition, and people over products.
Utility 2025 wasn’t about hype — it was about healing.
From honoring the emotional weight of labor to centering conversations around sustainability, equity, and mental health, UTILITY felt like a gathering for real industry change-makers.
Chicago as a Co-Creator.
The city didn’t just host the show — it shaped it. Its influence was felt in every conversation, every connection, and every community exchange.
The Pitch Competition: Venture Community over Venture Capital.
More than just business ideas, each pitch was a story of resilience and reimagination. Congratulations to Charles Wong of Umamicue, the grand prize winner — and to all who made the room matter.
Tilit’s Quiet Leadership.
Through inclusive design, sustainability, and community-first values, Tilit continues to redefine what workwear means — as both armor and advocacy.
Echoes of Terms of Service.
Themes from UTILITY paralleled our ethos: equity, identity, labor, and legacy in hospitality. This was culture work in action.
Special thanks to Tilit NYC, Jenny Goodman, Alex McCrery, all the collaborators, and Chicago’s vibrant hospitality community.
Your truth, intention, and presence made UTILITY 2025 a space for real work and real change.
See you out there,
- The T o S Crew
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