Influencing the affluent through ultra niche marketing will be the topic of this exciting event.

Panelists representing some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands will discuss the challenges and opportunities when marketing to these exclusive markets. This evening will provide a framework helping all marketers address the challenges and nuances of targeting highly selective audiences in a down economy.

Spend the evening enjoying some tales of high-living while gaining insight on how marketing professionals influence the affluent as we enjoy a rich discussion while also being pampered in the “lap of luxury” at this extravagant and exclusive location!

Dinner/Networking: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Gourmet dinner, wine and beer will be included in the price of the registration

Presentation begins at 7:00 pm – 8:30

Our Panelists Include:

Duke Greenhill is founder and executive creative & strategic director of Greenhill+Partners, a top New York luxury branding/marketing firm that helps luxury brands increase brand equity and revenue. Clients include Chanel, Ritz-Carlton, Remy-Cointreau, HBO and many others. He is an award-winning film producer and screenwriter, part of the team that created transmedia entertainment marketing. He has written for the New York Times, The Harvard Review, and Marketing Professionals, and his work has been featured on every major broadcast network.

Rich Keller, Global VP Marketing and Innovation at Godiva Chocolatier has expertise building superior brand value for large mass brands and mid-size luxury brands.  He has diagnosed business issues and applied strategic, analytical and innovative problem-solving tools to drive superior business results at Nabisco Biscuit Company, Kraft Foods, Cadbury Schweppes and Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. 

Rich knows how to translate consumer behavior into actionable, successful business building initiatives.  At Godiva, he created the vision for the wrapped chocolates platform, the first time Godiva moved beyond its core gifting heritage to capitalize on everyday chocolate consumption via placement in more accessible channels like Target.  The development of this accessible line marked a ground-breaking moment in the brand’s history. Godiva’s CEO said in Candy Industry magazine,  that “Godiva Wrapped Chocolates was the most significant global launch we’ve ever undertaken.”

Richard Gellman
VP Advertising and Marketing at Tourneau

Richard Gellman has been with Tourneau for 14 years as the Vice President for Advertising and Marketing with executive responsible for understanding of consumer behavior and creative marketing strategies that strengthen revenue and profits to gain competitive advantage. Prior to Tourneau, Richard held was Advertising Director at Lord and Taylor. He holds a BA from Boston University.

Mark DiBenedetto is an accomplished Retail and Wholesale executive with demonstrated success in strategic planning, sales, profits and brand positioning.  His luxury business immersion began in sales at Neiman Marcus, through their Executive Development Program and ultimately to the buying level for Men's Designer.  He also held couture buying positions with Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.  He ran Bergdorf's Women's Store and became Director for Business Development. 

Mark opened and directed operations for CHANEL's New York Flagship store which included the first CHANEL Fine Jewelry Store in the United States.  As Fendi's Vice President for Wholesale, Mark worked with the chief merchants, buying and marketing teams at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom to successfully grow the brand's business.

His understanding of the niche luxury market has been refined over the years from a unique 360 degree exposure from the fashion show runways in Europe to the fitting rooms and sales floors at top retailers.

He was a Marketing major and holds a BSBA from the Kogod School of Business at American University.

Eric Maldonado brings over a decade of beverage alcohol experience to his marketing and brand development consultancy.  Having worked for some of the major wine and liquor suppliers  in the industry (Bacardi, Remy-Cointreau, Pernod-Ricard, and W.J. Deutsch & Sons), Eric has a proven growth track record in managing premium and super-premium brands. He applies his expertise and acumen to all aspects of the marketing mix: strategic planning, advertising, sales promotion, public relations, events and new product development.  Eric has direct experience in the super-premium and luxury segments on brands such as The Macallan® Single Malt Whisky, Perrier-Jouët® & GH Mumm® Champagnes, Chivas Regal®, and Mount Gay® Rum.

Eric is an avid traveler having visited over 60 countries, a marathoner, and lover of all things food and drink related. He has a penchant for spending hours discussing food related topics, cooking, and discovering the best eats in New York City...all, over a glass a wine.

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