The Giftware Association has enlisted a number of highl-regarded industry experts for its forthcoming trends seminar on September 27, looking at cutting edge themes in colour, social media and digital marketing and the current state of affairs on the high street for suppliers and retailers.
Marianne Shillingford has been working in the interiors industry for over 30 years as a colour, design and decorating expert and is now the Creative Director of Dulux and founder of the Colour in Design Awards. She knows that the gift industry is one of the most important platforms for the launch of new trends into the market and a reliable source for measuring their success and longevity. This year for the first time she will share global trend research knowledge with Giftware Association members three months before its official public launch. Her forecast for the next 18 months will give insight into the mood of the moment, how people think, how they live and what they value.
Armed with a degree in War Studies, David Glenwright has spent the last five years applying the art of strategy to social media. Now, as head of training service at JC Social Media, he works closely with many organisations of all shapes and sizes to help them navigate the digital minefield and get the most out of social media. A veteran trainer, speaker and consultant, David is one of only eight individuals in the UK accredited by Facebook as part of their “She Means Business” initiative. He also comments regularly in the media on social media stories, with recent appearances including BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, and ITV’s Good Morning Britain
Michael Weedon of exp2 will be covering the latest data on trends in the retail locations of Britain, their online equivalents, and the gradual move to multichannel. Michael works with trade bodies, research companies and independent retailers and has three decades of experience at board level with trade associations, government and national media. He is a researcher, analyst and regular news commentator and tweets @MichaelWeedon.
