Join us on the 15th-17th January at Olympia London as RetailFest returns for Top Drawer’s S/S23 show! RetailFest is THE destination for expert-led content that will educate, entertain and inspire. Access these sessions for free with your Top Drawer badge and enjoy a fantastic line-up of speakers that are sure to inspire you and offer advice and support for your business as we face a new year and potential economic shifts ahead.

Sunday 15th 

10:45 - 11:15 

Retail Expert Series - Four Trends That Will Shape Retail In 2023 

 

After yet another turbulent year, it's time to turn our attention to 2023 and what lies ahead. 

 

With the promise of more economic uncertainty, much is still unknown. However, key industry trends are set to reshape the way we sell, shop and buy in 2023. 

 

In this talk, Forbes.com contributor and small business retail expert Catherine Erdly runs through her top predictions for the year ahead - Most importantly, she will share what this means for you and your business. 

 

Our masterclass is perfect for retailers and brand owners who are looking to create a cohesive and focussed strategy for 2023. 

 

(Catherine Erdly, Founder - Resilient Retail Club)

 

12:00 - 12:30 

Founder Series

 

Our masterclass is perfect for retailers and brand owners who are looking to be creatively inspired and enjoy hearing founder stories. 

 

(Lindi Reynolds, Founder - Lindi Reynolds Architectural Design | Nadia Oliver, Founder - Nadia Oliver Design | Tamsyn Mason, Founder - Tamsyn Morgan Interior Design & Project Management)

 

13:15 - 13:45 

Retail Expert Series

 

Join Campbell Thompson - Head of Furniture and Lighting for the Conran Shop - to learn more about how they source their edit from across the furniture and lighting sector, working with brands on exclusive collaborations and developing Conran Shop own brand furniture and lighting with prominent UK and international designers. 

 

(Campbell Thompson, Head of Furniture and Lighting for the Conran Shop)

 

14:30 - 15:00

Future Retail Focus - Sustainable E-Commerce - Why You Should Be Thinking About Sustainability

Exploring a hot topic in retail - join us as we discuss what purpose really means for brands that stand for something bigger than what they sell, communicate their purpose and demonstrate a trans-parent commitment to a sustainability journey. Expect tips for taking action beyond the values and mission statements, sharing ways to make change within your own brand in 2023 and beyond. 

Our masterclass is perfect for retailers and brand owners who are looking to learn creative yet practical ideas on how to make more sustainable choices and learn actionable ideas for adopting sustainable practices.

(Toyin Laketu, Export Development and Digital Consultant - Onwards and Up | Charlotte Bingham-Wallis, Founder - Belo Bag)

 

15:45 - 16:15 

Digital Marketing Studio - Content, Commerce & Community - 10 Social Media Trends - Sponsored By Reveal 

 

Monday 16th 

10:30 - 11:00 

Marketing Expert Series - Instagram Reels Masterclass - 10 Expert Tips 

 

Unsure how to use video to market your business on Instagram? There is no faster way to grow your brand and sales than on Instagram in 2023 but it can be hard to know where to start, especially if you don’t have a big marketing budget.  

 

Kirsty Raper and Andie McDowell will help you master Instagram Reels to help you create scroll-stopping content.  They’ll let you into the secrets to help you create reels that are on-brand, filmed beautifully and most importantly, which convert views into sales.  

 

This masterclass is perfect for retailers and brand owners who want to hear expert insight into getting started with Reels. 

  

(Kirsty Raper, Founder - Rebuildagram | Andie Mcdowell, Founder - DAHLIA BEACH)

 

11:30 - 12:00 

Marketing Expert Series - The Key To Retail Success - A Signature Product 

 

Want to know the key to your retail brand’s longevity and success? You need a signature product that keeps people coming back and wanting more. Think Chanel N°5, the Apple Mac, Coca-Cola, and Timberland boots. 

 

In this 30-minute workshop, you will hear from two Top Drawer vendors who have created a signature product that has helped their brands glow and grow. This workshop will also feature an interactive portion with brainstorming questions. 

 

Our workshop is perfect for retailers and brand owners who want to learn how one product can be the start of something truly great for your business. 

  

(Aimée Lopez, Retail Copywriter and Strategist - Copy Unleashed)

 

12:50-13:50 

Google Digital Marketing

 

14:00 - 14:30 

Retail Expert Series - Navigating Through Challenging Economic Times - Sponsored By Reveal 

 

In our expert session, retail business consultant, Ami Rabheru walks us through some of the challenges and trends which she has seen that are driving customer engagement and sales for brands. 

 

During the session Ami will share some of the opportunities to create strong emotional responses in customers by tapping into new areas, including multicultural products, paying closer attention to the ever-evolving retail marketing calendar, and keeping a close eye on consumer lifestyle and behaviours.  

 

Our masterclass is perfect for retailers and brand owners who want to learn all about key trends and where retail is heading for 2023 - whether you are online only, omnichannel or a brand owner selling to retailers and through your own channels. 

 

(Am Rabheru, Founder - Retail Business Hub | Laura Harrison, Founder - LH Retail Development)

 

15:00 - 15:45 

A Life in Design - Creative Collaboration 

 

Join Cath Kidston and Tori Murphy for our exclusive talk, discussing the collaborative retail environment of 2023. With retail changing as quickly as it does in today’s marketplace, one way to stay ahead is by innovation and looking for the next opportunity. Our panel will explore partnering and collaborating, expanding your message, and reaching new audiences. 

 

Our fireside chat is perfect for retailers and brand owners who are looking to be creatively inspired and enjoy hearing founder stories. 

  

(Tori Murphy, Founder - Tori Murphy | Cath Kidston, Founder - Joy Of Print)

 

Tuesday 17th 

12:30 - 13:15 

PR Expert Series - How To Master Your Brand PR In A Difficult Market 

 

When the chips are down, how do you keep visibility high? When the last thing in the world you can do is pour more money into your business, how do you ensure you keep your PR going? 

 

The answers are always the most obvious – and our expert journalist Priscilla will be sharing her insider secrets of the importance of PR plays in your design-led business- no matter how busy you are.  

 

Our Masterclass is perfect for retailers and brand owners who are looking to learn expert PR insight. 

(Priscilla Pollara, Journalist, Founder & PR Coach - Priscilla Comms 

 

13:30 - 13:45 

Retail Expert Series - Visual Merchandising Tips and Ideas To Inspire, Engage and Excite Your Customers In Store And Online 

 

A seamless customer experience through all available channels is more important than ever - It is crucial that there is synergy across any comms or content showcasing brand values, marketing stories and product. Customers need the same warm feeling about your brand however they shop with you. 

 

In this 30-minute workshop, Kat will also be showcasing two Top Drawer vendors and the workshop will also feature an interactive portion with brainstorming questions to take you through visual merchandising and styling tips to link your online and physical store. 

 

This masterclass is perfect for brand owners who are interested in practical ‘how-to’ demonstrations and ideas you can take away and implement in any shopping environment. 

 

(Kat Maclennan, Visual Merchandising Specialist and Founder - Dot to Dot)

 

14:30 - 15:30 

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