Welcome remarks were given by Italian Trade Commissioner in New York, Maurizio Forte. The discussion was moderated by Mickey Alam Khan, Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Daily and featured panelists Maggie Ciarfardini, CEO of Maggie Ciafardini Inc & former CEO of YSL Beaute USA, Marcia Gaynor, Beauty Retail Executive & former DMM Prestige Beauty, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Bettina O'Neill, President of Bettina O'Neill & Associates and Larah Stromberg, Senior Beauty & Wellness Buyer, Anthropologie.

The panel covered an engaging discourse with beauty buyers, retail and professional channel executives and experts on why they choose Italian products, what they look for when bringing in new brands and how brands can best succeed once in store.