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Ninth Annual Global Leaders’ Gathering

One hundred retail leaders worldwide meet in strict privacy: No journalists, no publicity, no pushy enterprise sales executives; just retailers

Free of charge, though invitation only, this is the invitation that money can’t buy. 

Chatham House Rules Apply

 

Monday, September 23rd - 6.30 PM - 8.30 PM

Evening reception

Aspinal of London: 16 Regent Street Saint James's, London SW1Y 4PH

Tuesday, September 24th - 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Breakfast 8.00 AM – 8.45 AM

Conference 8.45 AM – 5.00 PM

Daytime Conference, The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D3DH

Dietary Requirements

We want to ensure your culinary experience is just as memorable as the Leaders’ gathering itself. If you have any dietary requirements, if you have any dietary requirements please tell us ASAP, and our amazing Sarah Smyth will make sure your needs are catered to. Email Sarah.Smyth@rarelyheardvoices.com and consider your taste buds in safe hands!

 

Dress Code

Unleash your inner fashion guru and join us in the stylish realm of 'Conference Casual.' This dress code strikes the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism, allowing you to express your unique style while keeping things relaxed and engaging.

 

Hotel Reservations

We've gone the extra mile to secure exclusive discounted rates for the Leaders’ gathering attendees.

Snag your room at The Intercontinental Hotel, 1 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7QY by clicking here. Remember, these discounted room rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act fast to ensure your luxurious stay. The Intercontinental Hotel offers the best-discounted rate available, less than the prevailing rate, at the time the reservation is made.

Alternatively, if The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D3DH, suits your fancy, click here to secure your discounted room. The Soho Hotel, offer a 15% discount off the Best Available Rate and complimentary breakfast. You can make your reservations directly with the reservations team at reservations@sohohotel.com or by calling 020 7546 1011 and quoting ‘VOICES24’. The cancellation policy requires any changes to be made by 12 noon 7 days before the scheduled arrival date.

This offer will be valid until September 1, 2024, subject to room availability. 

 

Transportation

We've got you covered when it comes to getting around town.

For The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D3DH:

  • Click here for directions.
  • Conveniently located just a three-minute walk from the Dean Street Exit of Tottenham Court Road Tube Station. Easy access awaits!
  • On-street parking is available, and if you prefer a nearby car park, look no further than Q Park, Poland Street, London W1F 7NQ. Find more information here.

For Aspinal of London: 16 Regent Street Saint James's, London SW1Y 4PH

  • Click here to find your way.
  • Just a pleasant ten-minute walk from St. James's Park, indulging in the elegance of Aspinal of London has never been more convenient.
  • On-street parking is available, and if you're in need of a nearby car park, Care Park - Grosvenor Hill Car Park at 21 Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3QQ, is the ideal choice. Discover more details here.

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Thank you for your participation in Rarely Heard Voices, London 2024. 

Your point of contact for all queries is Devyani Dayal devyani.dayal@rarelyheardvoices.com

Your investment of valuable management time, and willingness to travel on your nickel, like many other leaders before you, is greatly appreciated.

Be assured, we take nothing for granted! 

Images of your view and the audience’s view can be seen below.

 

Information

  1. Rarely Heard Voices, London is held under the trust enjoyed within our community, supported by Chatham House Rules.
  2. There are no journalists present. 
  3. We do not record presentations.
  4. The final running order will be published on Friday, September 20th
  5. All speakers are treated equally; we do not have a keynote speaker, nor do we have any ‘pay to play’ sponsor-led speakers controlling the agenda. 
  6. A countdown clock will be in full sight of all speakers.
  7. Please email devyani.dayal@rarelyheardvoices.com to confirm the following:
    1. Speak from the lectern, using a static microphone.
    2. Speak from the lectern, using a lapel microphone, in case you wish to move around.
    3. Speak from the lectern, then also be interviewed as part of a moderated Q&A.
    4. Be interviewed only as a moderated Q&A.  
  8. Whether you have a preferred time to speak if you have not already told Brendan what your preference is?
  9. Last but not least, send me your presentation by Thursday, September 19th 2024. 
    (Please note that all videos need to be in a MP4 format and if you have any company fonts then please send these as well)

 

Programme timings:

Tuesday, September 24th: 8.00 AM - 5.00 PM

Conference at The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D 3DH.

  1. Breakfast 8.00 AM - 8.45 AM
  2. The first presentation commences at 8.45 AM, and the final presentation commences at 4.15 PM.
  3. Lunch is served at 1.15 PM – 2.00 PM.
  4. The running order will be published on Friday, September 20th 2024.  

 

Essential contact details:

  1. Email me by return with any questions you have.
  2. Tuesday’s on-the-day contact is Lisa Shapiro via cell or WhatsApp on +44 7745 111190 

        

 
 

WE’RE FAMOUS FOR WHAT WE DON’T DO

 

Pay speaker fees:

At Rarely Heard Voices, we believe that the most valuable insights come from those who are truly passionate about their work, not just those who are paid to talk about it. That’s why we don’t pay our speakers - we want to ensure that they are driven by a genuine desire to share their knowledge and ideas with their peer group.

 

Use funny handshakes:

You won’t find any secret society-style handshakes at Rarely Heard Voices! We believe in being open and inclusive with everyone who attends our gathering, regardless of their background or affiliation. Our focus is on fostering genuine connections and creating a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about retail, not on creating some sort of exclusive club with secret rituals.

 

Have name badges:

Who needs a name badge when you’re among friends? At our gathering, we believe in creating an informal and relaxed atmosphere where attendees can connect with one another on a personal level, without worrying about formalities like name tags.

 

Do social media:

We like to think of our gathering as a digital detox for the modern age. By eschewing social media, we encourage our attendees to focus on connecting with one another in person, rather than getting lost in the endless scroll of the online world.

 

Have drive-by speakers:

At Rarely Heard Voices, we believe that the best way to learn is through deep and meaningful conversations with those who truly understand their subject matter. That’s why we don’t have “drive-by” speakers who just drop in for a quick talk - we prioritize in-depth discussions that allow for real learning and growth.

 

Invite members of the press, or pushy enterprise sales executives:

Our gathering is all about fostering genuine connections between like-minded individuals, without any outside distractions or agendas. By keeping members of the press and pushy sales executives at bay, we’re able to create an environment that’s truly focused on learning, sharing, and growth.

 

Ask guests to register:

Who needs another registration form in their life? At our gathering, we keep things simple by not requiring attendees to register in advance. This frees up more time for meaningful conversations and connections and ensures that everyone who attends is truly invested in being there.

 

Charge:

That’s right, our gathering is completely free of charge. We believe that knowledge and ideas should be freely accessible to all. By not charging for our event, we’re able to create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that benefits everyone who attends. This, is, the invitation that money can’t buy!

 

Have a keynote address:

At Rarely Heard Voices, we believe that every attendee has something valuable to share. That’s why we don’t have a traditional keynote address - instead, we prioritise conversation and dialogue, with everyone in attendance contributing their own unique perspective and expertise.

 

Feature main-stage sponsors:

Our gathering is about authenticity and independence, so we don’t all pay-to-play. We believe that true insights and ideas should come from a place of honesty and transparency, rather than being influenced by outside interests. By keeping our stage sponsor-free, we’re able to maintain a sense of integrity that sets us apart from traditional conferences.