Is there a particular piece of analysis, research or insight being presented at the Summit that you’re particularly looking forward to hearing more about?
Throughout the day we have five strategic insights and research presentations to provide the essential analysis to support luxury brands navigating the current landscape and how they can find opportunities for growth. I’ve briefly covered the analysis from Bain & Company and Oxford Economics above, but we have two other insight-rich keynote presentations planned.
I’m delighted that The Future Laboratory has chosen to unveil its latest research, Food & Drinks Futures, at this year’s Summit, uncovering the seismic shifts in this category, how they are shaping consumer behaviour and the impact on luxury travel, hospitality and retail.
On the topic of UHNW customers who are responsible for on average 40% of luxury brand revenues, we will welcome back Amrita Banta of Agility Research & Strategy whose network and knowledge of the world’s wealthy provides peerless insights for luxury brands and the VICs strategies.
What makes the Walpole British Luxury Summit unique?
It’s the leading knowledge event for luxury in the UK with peerless, candid insight and analysis. To cut out the noise, we curate the editorial programme with three simple pillars in mind: what matters now, what’s coming next and, importantly, where the opportunities are for growth. This clarity of thought combined with a fast-paced agenda ensures that the day out of the office provides essential knowledge.
As well as being strategically minded, I’m also a relentless optimist and so an important focus is ensuring that we provide inspiration and creative energy. As such, we blend the business of luxury and the latest research and analysis with the creative visionaries and the cultural voices that are key to luxury’s success and relevance.
However, it’s not only about what’s happening on stage, the opportunities for reconnecting with colleagues and the making new connections is why physical events like our Summit are so important. We are all spending so much time virtually and digitally that a day with peers, exchanging experiences, ideas and, importantly, exploring opportunities is as valuable as the conversations we are having on stage. Through Walpole’s community, we bring together the whole ecosystem that supports the luxury sector and that creates an irreplicable atmosphere and energy to support all of our success.
Beyond the speakers, there are workshops at the Summit. What will these be about, and why should a guest attend?
We host a number of breakout sessions at the Walpole Summit, which provide additional insight and a chance to spend time with experts in more of a workshop format. We are working with new strategic partner, Beyondly, on a lunchtime session covering storytelling and ethical marketing this year – it’s a topic that is regularly discussed by both our member communications directors and sustainability leads and this session will provide invaluable advice and brand case studies.
There are also times for networking at the Summit. What advice would you have for someone for making great connections in the room on the day?
We welcome over 300 guests on the day and so there is ample opportunity to build your connections and networks within the luxury sector. We have over 150 luxury brands at The Londoner as well as the most influential editors and agencies, and the audience is 70% C-suite so the Summit presents a unique opportunity to spend time with luxury sector leaders and peers.
We have built in extended time in the breaks for networking and we also have the Summit app which enables you to connect in advance and follow-up your in person meetings post event. But I’m also a big believer in the importance of human connection and if there is anyone that you want to meet please do reach out to the Walpole team or come and talk to any of us on the day.
