Registration Opens

Opening Remarks

Taking a Retail-First Approach to Global Growth

Physical retail is back — but Australia-based Scanlan Theodore has always prioritized stores, even as it’s expanded internationally. According to the company’s leaders, feet on the ground are crucial to establishing a strong brand presence in any market. That includes thoroughly trained store associates, who serve as the face of the company and introduce the brand to influential consumers. Melinda Robertson, CEO of Scanlan Theodore Americas, will break down the strategy. 

The New Path to Brand Building

For the last 10 years, VC money has been plentiful and brands have been able to brute force their way to growth. But the business environment has changed, and profitability, slow-and-steady growth and sustainable business models are more important than ever. Janessa Leone has been profitable for years and has never taken outside investment. In this session, Leone will talk through some of the strategies brands can employ to grow in more sustainable ways.

What Market Consolidation Means for Brands and Consumers

M&A activity in the plus-size market is at a high: In the last year alone, Dia & Co. acquired luxury-focused 11 Honoré, and Universal Standard scooped up workwear label Henning. According to Patrick Herning, founder of 11 Honoré at Dia & Co., these deals speak to the category’s direction and can work to the benefit of the involved businesses and their customers alike. In this session, he’ll discuss these theories and the overall future of inclusive sizing. 

Next-Level Community Building: Leveraging Tradition, Technology and Vast Touchpoints to Earn Loyalists

As the power of a strong community becomes increasingly apparent for brands, Chico’s FAS is cracking the code on scaling the valuable store associate-customer relationship. Along with empowering a growing network of regional social stylists to engage and entertain nationwide shoppers, it’s investing in new technologies and programs offering customers across channels a more personalized experience. CEO and president Molly Langenstein will talk through the company’s robust community-building strategy. 

Networking Break

Challenge Board & Sandbox Presentations

Brands only. Join us for a breakout session where we will create a challenge board and have an open and candid discussion about the industry.

Perfect Corp: 5:30 p.m. – The Perfect Fit: Using AI & AR to Personalize Consumer Fashion Experiences

VIP Welcome Reception

By invitation only.

8-Minute Meetings

By invitation only. The 8-minute business meetings connect VIP brand executives with innovative technology platforms and media companies. They are designed to help your team build valuable new relationships and ultimately, close business deals.

Cocktail Reception

Dinner with Strangers

After-Hours Hangout

Morning Yoga

Breakfast & Registration Re-opens

Working Groups

Choose from one of two breakout groups to join where we will discuss industry challenges and actionable steps to combat said challenges.

• The New Marketing Era
• Modern Distribution: Beyond Wholesale vs. DTC

Glossy Glam Break

Join a variety of our attending brands for light networking over coffee and products. These brands will be on-site to introduce you to their brands and showcase their many product offerings.

Accel Lifestyle
Deco Miami
M Gemi
MarocMaroc
MG Fine Jewelry
Scentbird
Still Standing

Welcome Back

The Multigenerational Retailer: Strategies for Winning Customers Across Demos

Earning enthusiastic shoppers across age demos and income brackets is no easy feat. In this session, president Anu Narayanan will dive deep into Anthropologie’s strategies that have made it a go-to retailer among Gen Z, their moms and beyond. That includes offering a wide range of price points, styling trends for various tastes and comfort levels, and remaining attuned to customers’ social calendars and evolving habits.

Good Design is Relevant

The future of luxury belongs to Gen Z. But brands are struggling to figure out how to belong with the next generation of luxury consumer. The ways of the past don’t work, and brands are trying so hard to be top of mind… Is it really that hard?

Steven Denekas, CCO of BASIC/DEPT® and lifelong designer explores how brands can show up authentically by reimagining Dieter Rams 60 year old Principles of Good Design. In this talk, Steve examines one of his ten principles “Good Design is Relevant” and how this can be applied to engage the next generation of luxury consumer.

Making a Go of DTC, Creatively

According to headlines, the direct-to-consumer era is over — and that’s largely because brands formerly reliant on digital marketing are now leaning on retail partners to stay afloat. But M.Gemi has managed to stick to a DTC model, thanks to fine-tuning its processes for the new retail landscape. For example, its small-batch manufacturing remains effective, while its marketing strategy has evolved to include TikTok, themed pop-ups and artist collaborations. Creative director Rachel Sorkin will break it down.

Lunch

Afternoon Break

8-Minute Meetings

By invitation only. The 8-minute business meetings connect VIP brand executives with innovative technology platforms and media companies. They are designed to help your team build valuable new relationships and ultimately, close business deals.

Cocktail Reception

Dinner with Friends

After-Hours Hangout

Breakfast

Welcome Back

Where Does Resale Go From Here?

Thanks to big independent players as well as a slew of new branded options, resale is now a firmly established part of the fashion ecosystem. But where does it go next? In this session, Sarah Davis, founder, president and CCO of the luxury resale platform Fashionphile, will discuss the resale’s direction, including her expectations for further consolidation in the market and the implications of emerging technologies.

Leveraging a Horizontal Marketing Strategy to Reach Gen Zalpha

By creating phygital experiences, tapping innovative new partners, creating immersive content, maintaining a strong social strategy and setting up a presence in the metaverse, Claire’s is showing up across touchpoints that are popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, whom the company affectionately refers to as the “Zalphas”. At the same time, it’s expanding its distribution far beyond its own channels to meet young consumers where they’re spending their time. EVP and CMO Kristin Patrick will talk through why Claire’s is taking a horizontal approach to company-wide strategies and to what extent it’s paying off.

Connecting with the Digitally Immersed Generation

Gen Z blurs the lines of digital and physical like no generation before them. Pacsun has developed strategies accordingly, supplementing its IRL activations with digital components and expanding its product offerings to include outfits for avatars. At the same time, it’s prioritized embracing what’s new, in an effort to remain at the cutting edge of young consumers’ interests. VP Cristina Ceresoli will talk through Pacsun’s forward, phygital marketing approach. 

Closing Remarks

We’ll wrap up the week by recapping the key takeaway points.