Despite an erosion of consumer confidence and an overall pulling back in spending, which has triggered numerous bankruptcy filings in the retail sector, the global luxury segment has been somewhat resilient. Driven by strength in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East, luxury goods suppliers and retailers have experienced 6 to 8 percent organic growth and analysts expect this trend to continue—at least in the short term. However, stagnation in the U.S. housing market and a reshaping of the financial markets evaporated much of the aspirational spending in the segment. Meanwhile, luxury spending in Japan remains somwhat soft. As a reult, high-end retailers and suppliers are changing tactics to better navigate these headwinds.

It is against this backdrop that Argyle Executive Forum presents its 2009 Leadership in Luxury and Brand Protection Forum. The conference, to take place in Manhattan, will bring together 80 - 90 CEOs and board members of public and private large cap and mid cap retail and consumer product corporations, complementary areas of executive leadership, select advisory firms, and select founders / senior managing partners of investment firms. The event will focus on the luxury sector, to include thought leadership on current market trends and the state of business in this important segment of the retail market.

Please note that the limited seating for members of the advisory community is offered first to those that are supporting the event as sponsors. Participation by partnership organizations (advisory firms, vendors, etc) is limited to clients of Argyle Executive Forum. Argyle meetings are by invitation only. If you did not receive an invitation but would like to inquire about attendance, please click here.

*Press policies for member meetings are set at the individual session level. Some sessions may be on the record, while others are off. Please consult the meeting agenda, which will indicate which sessions are off the record. To inquire about media presence, please click here.

Perspectives By:

Michael Calman
President
Calman Consulting

Roxanne Elings
Co-Chair Trademarks/Brand Management Group
Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Craig Hoffman
Managing Director
NexCen Brands, Inc.

Charles Kriete
President
Geneva Watch Group

Geri Lynn Mankoff-Elias
VP & General Counsel-IP/Licensing
Perry Ellis International, Inc.

Heather J. McDonald
Partner
Baker Hostetler

John McDonnell
Chief Operating Officer
The Patrón Spirits Company

Kyle Pope
Deputy Editor
Condé Nast Portfolio

Joshua Rockoff
CEO
Strike Interactive

Lou Schapiro
Senior Vice-President and Deputy General Counsel
The Estée Lauder Companies

Michael Smith
President & CEO
Avelle, Inc.

Te Smith
VP Corporate Communications
MarkMonitor

Dwight Tom
Chief of Business Strategy & Development
Michael C. Fina