Prepare to be inspired as RetailFest returns to Top Drawer’s highly anticipated AW23 show at Olympia London from 10th -12th September. RetailFest is your exclusive opportunity to engage with industry leaders and experts in a series of dynamic conversations that will shape the future of retail. Join us to gain valuable insights, innovative strategies, and actionable advice to ensure that you and your business are equipped with the tools to thrive in the upcoming year and tackle any potential economic shifts.
Check out the full line-up below:

Sunday 10th

12.00 PM: SESSION 1 – PR EXPERT SERIES - ELEVATING YOUR BRAND'S PR AMIDST MARKET CHALLENGES

Hosted by Priscilla Pollara, Journalist and PR Consultant @PriscillaComms

In times of uncertainty, maintaining an unwavering brand presence becomes paramount. But how do you navigate the intricacies of visibility when resources are limited? How can your PR efforts remain steadfast, even against the odds?

The answers, though apparent, hold immense power. Join us for an illuminating session where esteemed journalist Priscilla divulges her insider tactics, delving into the pivotal role of PR within design-led businesses. Be it a packed schedule or financial constraints, Priscilla will reveal the indispensable significance of PR in steering your brand's journey.

13.30: SESSION 2 – RETAIL EXPERT - THE METAVERSE: TAKING YOUR BRAND EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Hosted by Alexandra Forrest, Presenter and Podcaster with Mary Wallace, Retail & Consumer Behaviour expert

Join us for an engaging workshop session that explores the potential of the metaverse in revolutionising the retail industry. Led by Mary Wallace, a Retail Experience Consultant and member of IBM's metaverse team, this conversation-style session will provide practical steps for retailers to enhance their websites and bring their products to life in the immersive world of Web 3.0.

In an era where online shopping and seamless omni-channel experiences are on the rise, this session will delve into the metaverse and its impact on consumer-brand interactions. Mary Wallace will guide participants through accessible and fascinating insights.  

3.00 PM: SESSION 3 - SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT - STOP MOTION FOR SALES SUCCESS

Hosted by Alice Loveday, Founder Loveday Social @loveday.social 

Join us for an informative workshop session where you'll gain valuable insights into creating compelling stop motion content to boost sales on your social media channels and digital marketing.

In this session, Alice will guide independent retailers through the process of utilising stop motion to enhance their online presence and drive sales, with a special focus on maximising Christmas sales.

 

Monday 11th 

12.00 PM: SESSION 4 – FOUNDER STORIES - From Dream To Success: Fashion designer Amanda Wakeley's unforgettable founder story, podcast phenomenon, and the art of confident entrepreneurship for indie business retailers

Hosted by TBC 

Prepare to be inspired as RetailFest  presents an exclusive founder stories session with Amanda Wakeley - celebrated fashion designer and entrepreneur. Join us for a captivating 25-minute conversation, where Amanda will share her incredible journey, offering invaluable insights on navigating the business landscape during challenging times.

In this not-to-be-missed session, we invite independent business retailers to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Amanda, renowned for her exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit.

1.30 PM: SESSION 5 - ESSENTIAL DIGITAL STRATEGY FOR YOUR RETAIL BRAND 

Hosted by Google 

Join us for an exclusive session in partnership with Google, where you'll gain essential insights on integrating a social media strategy into your business plan for 2023. This masterclass is designed for retailers and brand owners seeking to build an effective digital strategy and capitalise on the available digital marketing channels to achieve their business objectives.

In this session, our expert partners from Google will guide you through the fundamentals of building a robust digital marketing strategy tailored to your business. By exploring various digital marketing channels and their applications, you'll acquire the knowledge needed to align your business objectives with the most suitable channels.

3.00 PM: SESSION 6 - RETAIL EXPERT - UNLOCKING THE GOLDEN QUARTER: THE POWER OF POP-UP SHOPS

Hosted by Ami Rabheru, Founder of Retail Huddle

Join Ami Rabheru and guests as we delve into the potential of pop-up shops for online brands during the Golden Quarter and beyond. As consumer behaviour continues to evolve and online customer acquisition becomes increasingly challenging, pop-up shops emerge as a game-changing strategy for digital-first businesses to make a significant impact, grow sales and delight their customers. 

 

Tuesday 12th 

12.00 PM: SESSION 7 - SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT - HOW TO SHOW UP WITH CONFIDENCE ON VIDEO FOR YOUR BRAND AND THE INSIDE TRACK ON HOW TO WORK WITH INFLUENCERS

Hosted by Kirsty Raper, @Rebuildagram Consultancy and Emily Jane Johnston Food, Travel and Lifestyle Blogger @emailyjanejohnston

Join us for an engaging workshop session designed specifically for independent retailers in the UK. In this workshop, you'll discover invaluable tips and techniques to help you project confidence and professionalism when representing your brand through video content.

In today's digital age, video has become a powerful tool for showcasing your brand and connecting with your audience. However, appearing on camera can be daunting, leaving many retailers unsure of how to effectively present themselves. Our dynamic duo will share their top tips on how to show up with confidence on Instagram as well as the inside track on working with influencers to reach more people to promote your business.

1.30 PM: SESSION 8  - ESSENTIAL DIGITAL STRATEGY FOR YOUR RETAIL BRAND 

Hosted by Google

Join us for an exclusive session in partnership with Google, where you'll gain essential insights on integrating a social media strategy into your business plan for 2023. This masterclass is designed for retailers and brand owners seeking to build an effective digital strategy and capitalise on the available digital marketing channels to achieve their business objectives.

In this session, our expert partners from Google will guide you through the fundamentals of building a robust digital marketing strategy tailored to your business. By exploring various digital marketing channels and their applications, you'll acquire the knowledge needed to align your business objectives with the most suitable channels.

3.00 PM: SESSION 9 - ECOMMERCE EXPERT - 3 TOP TIPS FOR RETAILERS TO SUCCESS IN THE DIRECT TO CONSUMER MARKET

Hosted by Tash Courtenay-Smith, Founder, Bolt Digital and Shivali Bennion, Head of Commercial at Bolt Digital

Join our masterclass and learn the marketing techniques and strategies our experts use to explode brand revenues and walk away with the insights you need to boost your revenue and turn your D2C brand into a valuable asset, learning how to leverage the levers that drive your Shopify brand's revenue growth, equity value and ROI.

 

RetailFest isn’t the only opportunity for visitors to gain invaluable insights from industry experts, this season Top Drawer is introducing their brand new Business Hub. Open for one day only, on Sunday 10th September visitors can book one-to-one appointments with experts covering how to build customer loyalty, garner press coverage and receive advice on ensuring successful seasonal buying. Each 15 minute meeting gives visitors the chance to discuss their business and current challenges they may be facing. Visitors can gain easy tips which they can utilise to boost their business during the season ahead. The experts available to book appointments with are: Karolina Barnes, the Founder of online design magazine ESTILA, Nikki Snell the Founder of Press Loft, and Ami Rabheru the Founder of the Retail Huddle. Appointments can be booked by email via businesshub@clarionevents.com