THE SESSIONS

THE 2025 SESSIONS

NEW CODES OF LUXURY: HOW WELLNESS AND LONGEVITY ARE TRANSFORMING THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY

Keynote

Longevity and well-being are becoming core to luxury’s evolving value proposition. We’ll explore the convergence of beauty, health, and hospitality under a new paradigm: transformational luxury. Rooted in the transformation economy—where individuals seek products and experiences that meet deeper human needs and help them lead more fulfilling lives—this approach positions luxury brands as partners in enhancement by offering consumers a suite of new tools to transform themselves and their lives. This session will outline a series of cultural shifts, emerging priorities, and cross-sector opportunities alongside the strategic imperatives shaping luxury’s new codes.

Chris Sanderson, Co-Founder, The Future Laboratory

BRICK BY BRICK: THE BUSINESS OF BRANDED RETAIL

Panel Discussion

Nowhere does a brand come to life as magically as in an owned brick-and-mortar location. From flagships to shop-in-shops to pop-ups—each format provides unique opportunities to design immersive brand experiences unencumbered by the constraints and competition of wholesale partnerships. When utilized to their ultimate potential, they bring a brand closer to their consumer, play a meaningful part in growth strategies, and provide a laboratory for on-demand testing and learning. However, they also require significant financial investment. We’ll discuss the power of branded retail and the realities of what it takes to be successful.

Matthew Malin, Co-Founder + CEO, MALIN+GOETZ

Marco Parsiegla, CEO, Amouage

Amy Errett, Founder + CEO, Madison Reed

FROM ANTI-AGING TO AGE-DEFYING: SKINCARE’S ROLE IN THE LONGEVITY REVOLUTION

Panel Discussion

As the longevity movement continues to gain momentum, skincare has evolved beyond traditional beauty routines to become an essential pillar of healthy aging. This panel explores how the quest for longevity is reshaping the skincare industry, with innovations in anti-aging ingredients, skin regeneration, and holistic wellness approaches. We’ll discuss how brands are tapping into the longevity movement, the science driving innovation, and the shifting consumer perceptions around aging and skin health.

Chris Rinsch, Co-Founder + CEO, Timeline

Dr. Poonam Desai, Founder, Longevity Place

Nadine Pernodet, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, The Estée Lauder Companies

IMITATION VS. INNOVATION: OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN DUPE CULTURE

Panel Discussion

The “dupe economy” is transforming how consumers discover and purchase products, with TikTok trends and viral Amazon finds fueling the rise of affordable alternatives. But while dupes are often seen as a threat, they also present unique opportunities for innovation, marketing, and growth. This panel will delve into navigating the delicate balance between inspiration and originality, tackling the challenges of protecting innovations while also uncovering how dupe culture can be turned into a strategic advantage. We’ll unpack the legal, ethical, and business dimensions of this growing trend and explore how brands on both sides of the dupe equation can thrive in today’s era of dupe dominance.

Ryan Babenzien, Founder + CEO, Jolie Skin Co.

Meridith Rojas, CMO, MCoBeauty

Sergio Tache, Founder + CEO, Dossier

NAVIGATING THE MOMENT: LEADERSHIP WHEN UNCERTAINTY IS THE NEW NORMAL

Panel Discussion

Colliding political, social, and economic challenges and environmental degradation with massive scientific and technological transformations create a complicated and disorienting business environment. For beauty, these dynamics are coupled with more competition, as well as the emergence of new business models and sales channels. Figuring out a world where there is a perception and reality that we live in a world of perma-crisis, demands leaders who can navigate these challenges with foresight, empathy, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. In uncertain times, the best leaders play defense and offense, fueled by strategic courage because they know tomorrow’s winners will be decided today.

David Olsen, CEO, RMS Beauty

Piyush Jain, CEO, Maesa

Danessa Myricks, Founder + CEO, Danessa Myricks Beauty

AUTHENTICITY AT SCALE: TURNING INFLUENCE INTO BRAND COMMUNITIES

Panel Discussion

We’ve entered the age of super content where everyone is a creator, and everything is content. However, turning influence into a brand of scale fueled by an authentic community is a unique skill. At any moment, a brand’s audience is bigger than just its customers, requiring a shift from transactional campaigns to fostering meaningful connections. We’ll dive into how to master aggregating an audience using conversation, entertainment, and education to fuel and nurture a community.

Armaan Mehta, Co-Founder, Odore

THE AMAZON EFFECT: BEAUTY’S EVOLUTION IN THE MARKETPLACE

Panel Discussion

This panel addresses Amazon’s effect on beauty brands—from brand skepticism to strategic necessity—and how brands can navigate, optimize, and thrive in its evolving ecosystem. Once viewed with skepticism, Amazon has become a strategic necessity for beauty brands looking to scale while maintaining brand integrity. Success requires a proactive approach—balancing marketplace presence with brand equity, optimizing content and conversion, and leveraging data-driven advertising. From controlling unauthorized sellers to mastering full-funnel media strategies, the brands that adapt will unlock sustainable growth. As Amazon continues to evolve, beauty brands must move beyond basic listings to create a premium, high-converting experience that drives both revenue and retention.

Chris Skinner, Chief Revenue Officer, Front Row