LEF Events
From intimate breakfasts with industry leaders to panel discussions on trending topics and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of luxury brands, LEF events offer a unique opportunity for executives, students, alumni, startups, and friends of LEF to immerse themselves in the world of luxury, network with industry professionals, and gain invaluable insights into the world of luxury.
See the list of upcoming LEF events and ways to register for them below.
Columbia Business School: The Luxury Approach Block Week
In this weeklong intensive course, 24 MBA students from Columbia Business School work in teams to solve a timely case study chosen by one LEF brand partner. The Spring 2024 brand partner is Clarins.
Student Executive Breakfast
These intimate breakfast sessions allow a limited number of Columbia Business School MBA candidates committed to the luxury goods space to have rare access to important figures in the luxury field and engage in informal and intimate dialogue with the Presidents and CEOs of leading luxury firms.
Confirmed date and executive to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Student Executive Breakfast
These intimate breakfast sessions allow a limited number of Columbia Business School MBA candidates committed to the luxury goods space to have rare access to important figures in the luxury field and engage in informal and intimate dialogue with the Presidents and CEOs of leading luxury firms.
Confirmed date and executive to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Corporate Classroom
This series of educational company tours allows a select group of 25 MBA candidates from Columbia Business School to spend the day at the New York headquarters of a leading luxury firm for a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations behind the luxury sector’s most renowned brands.
Confirmed date and brand to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Student Executive Breakfast
These intimate breakfast sessions allow a limited number of Columbia Business School MBA candidates committed to the luxury goods space to have rare access to important figures in the luxury field and engage in informal and intimate dialogue with the Presidents and CEOs of leading luxury firms.
Confirmed date and executive to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
LEF’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
LEF is thrilled to celebrate 20 years as a leader in the luxury industry! Keep an eye out for more details about the celebration.
Student Executive Breakfast with Lahnie Strange, Senior VP & Global GM at Bobbi Brown
These intimate breakfast sessions allow a limited number of Columbia Business School MBA candidates committed to the luxury goods space to have rare access to important figures in the luxury field and engage in informal and intimate dialogue with the Presidents and CEOs of leading luxury firms.
Lahnie Strange is the Senior Vice President and Global General Manager at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, where she leads brand strategy, product innovation, and global growth initiatives. With over two decades in the beauty industry, Lahnie has held senior roles across The Estée Lauder Companies, including SVP/GM for Estée Lauder and Aerin Beauty in North America and SVP of Marketing for MAKE UP FOR EVER in the Americas. Her expertise spans omnichannel strategy, digital marketing, and product development, positioning her as a key driver in the brand's global market presence.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Fireside Chat with Matthieu Garnier, CEO of Loro Piana
These exchanges allow students and alumni to connect with current luxury leaders and receive insights from some of the most respected individuals in luxury.
Matthieu Garnier is the CEO of Loro Piana North America, where he oversees the brand’s strategy and operations in the region. He joined Loro Piana in 2020 as Vice President of Retail before being promoted to CEO in 2022. With over 15 years in luxury retail, Matthieu previously held leadership roles at Theory and Cartier, where he directed retail operations, sales performance, and strategic growth initiatives across North America, including the reopening of Cartier’s 5th Avenue flagship.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior.
Student Executive Breakfast with Nicolas Beckers, President & CEO of Remy Cointreau
These intimate breakfast sessions allow a limited number of alumni to have rare access to important figures in the luxury field and engage in informal and intimate dialogue with the Presidents and CEOs of leading luxury firms.
Nicolas Beckers is the President & CEO of Rémy Cointreau Americas, a position he has held since 2020. He brings extensive experience in the luxury wine and spirits industry, having previously served as the CEO of Rémy Cointreau China, where he oversaw operations across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. Prior to his time at Rémy Cointreau, Beckers held leadership roles at various luxury and consumer goods companies, demonstrating a consistent focus on brand growth and strategic market expansion.
To register, please sign in to your LEF Student Account below or refer to the unique link sent by your school to register for an LEF Student account.
Students’ Final Presentations
The Students' Final Presentations is an annual LEF hallmark event where Columbia Business School MBA students from The Luxury Approach Master Class unveil their innovative solutions to the projects submitted by the participating companies. This unique gathering brings together students, LEF alumni, luxury executives, and press together to celebrate these great achievements.
Additionally, the LEF PhD Scholarship Awards are presented at this event. Launched in 2009, the LEF PhD Scholarship Awards provides annual scholarships to PhD students at Columbia Business School. The scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit an extraordinary level of leadership and innovation in their work, and whose accomplishments are a testament to their commitment and talent in their fields.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for the LEF Alumni Society and approved Friends of LEF.
If you would like to register as an LEF Alum or Friend of LEF, please click on the link below and become a member.
If you’re already an LEF Member, please log in below to access this event and many more.
Corporate Classroom
This series of educational company tours allows a select group of 25 MBA candidates from Columbia Business School to spend the day at the New York headquarters of a leading luxury firm for a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations behind the luxury sector’s most renowned brands.
Confirmed date and brand to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Student Lunch & Learn
This lunchtime panel discussion provides Columbia Business School MBA students interested in retail and luxury with the rare opportunity to have an open dialogue with leading professionals and gain a better understanding of career paths and opportunities for MBA graduates in the retail and luxury industry.
Confirmed panelists to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Student Executive Breakfast
These intimate breakfast sessions allow a limited number of Columbia Business School MBA candidates committed to the luxury goods space to have rare access to important figures in the luxury field and engage in informal and intimate dialogue with the Presidents and CEOs of leading luxury firms.
Confirmed date and executive to be added once available.
Registration for this event will open two weeks prior for current students only.
Luxury Round Table
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED.
The Luxury Round Table is an annual panel discussion in which three to four industry leaders share their views on current trends and challenges facing the industry with fellow executives, an enthusiastic group of business students, alumni, and friends of LEF. The event targets an audience of approximately 80-100 and is designed to inspire the future business and creative leaders in luxury.
The topic of the discussion will be Beyond the Storefront: Innovative Partnerships in Luxury Retail, with panelists:
Allison Badea, General Manager of Giorgio Armani Beauty U.S.
Matthieu Garnier, CEO at Loro Piana North America
Laura Lendrum, CEO at Printemps Americas
Moderated by Timothee Memmi, VP, Head of Global Brand Marketing Menswear & Childrenswear at Ralph Lauren.
Fireside Chat with Marjorie Condoris
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
Marjorie Condoris is the Paris Store Director at Louis Vuitton, overseeing operations and ensuring an unparalleled luxury shopping experience. Previously, she was the Merchandising Director for Men's Leather Goods & Travel at Louis Vuitton for over four years. Before joining Louis Vuitton, Marjorie held pivotal roles at Burberry and also brings strategic expertise from her tenure as a Strategy Consultant for luxury, fashion, and retail at the Boston Consulting Group.
Columbia Business School: The Luxury Approach Master Class
In this half-semester masterclass, 24 MBA candidates from Columbia Business School work in teams of eight to solve timely case studies created exclusively for this class by three LEF brand partners.
Emerging Luxury Workshop
This Emerging Luxury Workshop offers current students and alumni the opportunity to work with a luxury startup on a virtual project for one of LEF’s Emerging Luxury Brands, Silver & Riley.
Participants must be able to participate in ALL sessions:
Monday, July 22nd, 6:00 – 7:45pm EST, over Zoom
Wednesday, July 31st, 6:00 – 7:00pm EST, over Zoom
Wednesday, August 7th, 6:00 – 7:45pm EST, over Zoom
For more details, please refer to the brand overview and workshop guidelines.
Interested CBS students can apply for this opportunity by emailing their resume and a short cover letter explaining why they want to participate to laccad@luxuryeducationfoundation.org.
Interested alumni can register for this workshop by logging into their LEF Alumni account and visiting the event page OR by joining the LEF Alumni Society below.
Executive Breakfast with Stuart Winston
Stuart Winston is the Chief Experience Officer of Lugano Diamonds and Managing Director of Lugano Privé. He is responsible for curating brand and client experiences, leading philanthropic efforts, and cultivating global partnerships for both entities.
With over 25 years of experience in marketing, branding, leadership, and luxury retail, Stuart’s career has been consistently dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence. Prior to assuming the role of Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Lugano in 2007, Stuart held positions at top luxury brands including Gucci, Jil Sander, Donna Karan, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Since joining Lugano, he has played an integral role in shaping and executing Lugano’s community-centric approach to business.
Stuart is the recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award as a team leader. He also serves on numerous boards including The Barclay Theatre, Brook USA, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He is an Empresario Member of the Palm Beach Symphony and a Gold Leaf Member of Aspen Institute’s Society of Fellows.
For LEF Alumni who would like to register for this event, log into your LEF Alumni account below OR sign up below to join the LEF Alumni Society and access this event and many more.