Top Drawer reveals RetailFest line-up

Top Drawer, the UK’s leading design-led trade event, has unveiled its RetailFest line-up. RetailFest is the retail destination for expert-led content that will educate, entertain, and inspire. Access to these sessions is free for visitors with their Top Drawer pass.

JANUARY 15

10:45-11:15

RETAIL EXPERT SERIES – FOUR TRENDS THAT WILL SHAPE RETAIL IN 2023

In this talk, Forbes.com contributor and small business retail expert Catherine Erdly runs through her top predictions for the year ahead.  Most importantly, she will share what this means for you and your business over the next 12 months.

12:00-12:30

FOUNDER SERIES – CREATIVE PROCESSES, BUSINESS GROWTH & THE START UP RETAIL JOURNEY

An expert panel of founders, including exciting names in design, share stories about design and creative processes, business growth and the creative startup journey.

13:15-13:45

RETAIL EXPERT SERIES – WHAT’S IN STORE, A FUTURE FOCUS

Expert creative mind, Campbell Thompson shares why staying one step ahead of the trend game is a crucial part of being a successful design-led brand.

14:30-15:00

FUTURE RETAIL FOCUS – SUSTAINABLE E-COMMERCE – WHY YOU SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY

Exploring a hot topic in retail – this masterclass discusses what purpose really means for brands that stand for something bigger than what they sell, communicate their purpose and demonstrate a trans-parent commitment to a sustainability journey. Expect tips for taking action beyond the values and mission statements, sharing ways to make change within your own brand in 2023 and beyond.

15:45-16:15

DIGITAL MARKETING STUDIO – CONTENT, COMMERCE & COMMUNITY – 10 SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS – SPONSORED BY REVEAL

This masterclass explores trends that we’re seeing for 2023 – sharing tips for building a thriving and sustainable social media presence that works for you and your business and will support you through the post-pandemic recovery using social media as a way to showcase your shop window.

 

JANUARY 16

10:30-11:00

MARKETING EXPERT SERIES – INSTAGRAM REELS MASTERCLASS – 10 EXPERT TIPS

Kirsty Raper and Andie McDowell will help you master Instagram Reels to help you create scroll-stopping content.  They’ll let you into the secrets that will help you create reels that are on-brand, filmed beautifully and most importantly, which convert views into sales.

11:30-12:00

MARKETING EXPERT SERIES – THE KEY TO RETAIL SUCCESS – A SIGNATURE PRODUCT – IN COLLABORATION WITH MEET THE MAKER

In this 30-minute Meet The Maker workshop, you will hear from two Top Drawer vendors who have created a signature product that has helped their brands glow and grow. This workshop will also feature an interactive portion with brainstorming questions.

12:00-12:45

GETTING THE STAFFING RIGHT FOR YOUR DIGITAL BUSINESS

This masterclass will cover the following:

How do you go about determining key roles and teams for your digital business?

Which are the staff members you absolutely need to employ from the outset and how do you scale up teams?

What should you outsource, what should you keep inhouse, and when?

Where and when should technology support, what core systems and platforms should you invest in and why?

12:50-13:50

GOOGLE DIGITAL MARKETING

An exclusive session with RetailFest partners, Google, learning the essentials of how you can build a social media strategy into your business plan for 2023.

14:00-14:30

RETAIL EXPERT SERIES – NAVIGATING THROUGH CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES – SPONSORED BY REVEAL

In this expert session, retail business consultant, Ami Rabheru walks us through some of the challenges and trends which she has seen that are driving customer engagement and sales for brands.

14:30-15:00

SEO MASTERCLASS: INCREASE YOUR ORGANIC TRAFFIC WITH THESE SIMPLE TO DO SEO TIPS!

15:00-15:45

A LIFE IN DESIGN – CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Join Cath Kidston & Tori Murphy for an exclusive talk, discussing the collaborative retail environment of 2023. With retail changing as quickly as it does in today’s marketplace, one way to stay ahead is by innovation and looking for the next opportunity. This panel will explore partnering and collaborating, expanding your message, reaching new audiences.

 

January 17

10:30-11:15

MASTERCLASS: HOW EFFECTIVE MERCHANDISING DRIVES CONVERSION RATES

11:15-11:50

SUCCEEDING ONLINE WITH OLIVER BONAS

This will include:

• An introduction to Oliver Bonas’ online journey to date and how it dovetails with the company’s physical presence.
• Recommendations regarding online promotions and how to keep control as your online presence expands, whilst also sustaining physical operations.
• How to keep overheads low and improve the connection with the customer online.

11:50-12:30

PANEL SESSION: IMPROVING AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT ONLINE

This will include:

• Once you’ve got engagement with a prospect online, how do you retain it?
• Choosing the objectives that matter most, across awareness, consideration or conversions and how best to serve them through adverts.
• What are the best strategies for boosting registrations and driving conversions?
• Promote content with personalized messages?

12:30-13:15

PR EXPERT SERIES – HOW TO MASTER YOUR BRAND PR IN A DIFFICULT MARKET

When the chips are down, how do you keep visibility high? When the last thing in the world you can do is pour more money into your business, how do you ensure you keep your PR going? The answers are always the most obvious – and expert journalist Priscilla will be sharing her insider secrets of the importance of PR plays in your design led business- no matter how busy you are.

PRISCILLA POLLARA, Journalist, Founder & PR Coach – Priscilla Comms

13:30-13:45

RETAIL EXPERT SERIES – VISUAL MERCHANDISING TIPS & IDEAS TO INSPIRE, ENGAGE & EXCITE YOUR CUSTOMERS IN STORE & ONLINE – IN COLLABORATION WITH MEET THE MAKER

In this 30-minute Meet the Maker workshop, Kat will also be showcasing two Top Drawer vendors and the workshop will also feature an interactive portion with brainstorming questions take you through visual merchandising and styling tips to link your online and physical store.

14:30-15:30

GOOGLE DIGITAL GARAGE