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
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
Dr. Nadine Pernodet, Senior Vice President, Global Skin Innovation & Technologies, R&D, 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