Patricia Stevenson, the new chief executive of LAPADA and former publishing director of Tatler magazine, will introduce speaker Helen Brocklebank, the boss of the British luxury brands association Walpole.
Brocklebank will advise the trade on how it can capitalise on the expanding luxury market, giving retailing tips on topics such as display, engagement and marketing and how to promote the key selling points of the trade such as provenance and heritage.
Stevenson said: “Dealers recognise that there are opportunities to embrace from the luxury brands market. It is about the customer experience, putting the customer at the centre of what you do from the online experience, in your shop to packaging and delivery. Understanding the importance of the company your brand keeps: be it at fairs or via advertising is also key.”
Trade networking
Around 100 dealers are expected at the event on February 22 at the House of Lords, the conference’s 10th anniversary.
Other topics to be covered include Brexit, with British Art Market Federation chairman Anthony Browne highlighting its opportunities.
A panel will discuss how dealers can work with museums on acquisitions.
Stevenson added: “This will be my first conference, and the first for chairman Lord de Mauley and we are looking forward to meeting the members.
“The conference is very much about networking – a chance to meet colleagues, speakers and panellists.”
