I’ve been reading about the International Luxury Conference the New York Times sponsors every year, and this time its in Miami at the Mandarin. That’s a hotel I have wanted to see for a long time, since I visited theirs in Bangkok, and love the one in New York City.
“A gathering of top business leaders, designers, artists and thinkers all discussing innovations in their respective fields and the transportative opportunities being created for the future,” as the announcement states, sounds like an ideal environment for mental stimulation and goal setting for 2015.
The roster is stellar – from the CEO of Christie’s to the President of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and techno wizards from Amazon and Intel. A fascinating cross-section of speakers is sure to create interesting dialogue among the attendees.
Years ago, I personally promoted the founder and then CEO of Four Seasons, Isadore Sharp, and he was an inspiring mentor. Humble yet driven, Issy, as he was called, engendered a striving for excellence among all those who worked at the company, and those with whom he came in contact. I am interested to see how the new CEO, J. Allen Smith comes across.
Recently I watched a documentary, “Page One at the Times,” which showed in a dynamic and compelling manner, how the changing environment of the new media is affecting the “newspaper of record.” Since the Luxury Conference is hosted by Deborah Needleman, Editor-in-Chief of T Magazine, a NY Times publication, it will be interesting to hear her views.
As editor-at-large at China Elite Focus, I intend to cover what major themes come out of this conference for the affluent, Mandarin-speaking audience this publication is read by. This group travels frequently, buys the luxury labels, and in short, sets the trends for their country as it moves rapidly towards a capitalistic economy.
When choosing conferences to attend, there are a wide array. And since luxury is what I am interested in – as much as an attitude towards life as anything else – this is one where I will definitely be.
Looking forward to sharing what I hear in December!