By Stephanie Warren

Now in its 15th year, the International Luxury Conference is one of the world’s most prestigious annual forums for the global luxury business, bringing together annually over 400 of the most senior business and creative leaders from the top echelons of the industry to gain insights, share ideas and expand their international networks.

Hosted by Vanessa Friedman, fashion director of The New York Times this year, the event titled "Luxury Beyond Product," will be held at the grand Trianon Palace Versailles and covers the myriad ways brands connect with consumers in an ever-more competitive luxury world.

Framed by a discussion of the geo-political, economic and cultural forces shaping today's industry, speakers will explore the question of how emotional returns lead to economic returns and whether this can, or can not, be measured; why meaningful investment in the cultural sphere pays off in the corporate sphere – and when it is most effective; best practice when it comes to logo management; how much power to allow consumers in shaping their relationship with a brand, and as how sustainability can be smart business over the long term.

The 2014 conference took place in Miami and explored how fashion, art and technology have become increasingly intertwined, creating new business opportunities. Speakers included: Francois-Henri Pinault, Steven Murphy, Diane von Furstenberg and Will.i.Am. 

The 2013 conference took place in Singapore and examined the growing influence of South East Asia in the luxury market - as both creator and consumer.  Speakers included: Ermenegildo Zegna, Domenico de Sole and Angelica Cheung.

The award-winning 2012 conference took place in Rome and analyzed the potential of Africa and the power of the Mediterranean with contributions from major names such as Bono, Donatella Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood.

The luxury conference has been convened in many cities including Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, Istanbul, Moscow, New Delhi and Rome.  The event’s past speakers have included Angela Ahrendts, Giorgio Armani, Bernard Arnault, Sarah Burton, Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Rosita Missoni, Sir Paul Smith and Mario Testino, among many others.