The one-day, low-cost event will follow the format of the three Art of Dealing conferences held in the 1990s, but will be firmly focussed on ways the Trade can compete in the tough retail environment of the 21st century.
The programme will present specially commissioned research giving a dramatic picture of the current public view of the art and antiques business. It will then draw on a panel of experts in fields as diverse as PR, journalism, financial services, the Internet and interior design to answer dealers’ questions and give practical advice.
ATG editor-in-chief Mark Bridge warmly welcomed the initiative: “So far this century has been a very difficult one for the Trade but calls for positive action voiced in many letters to ATG last year have not gone unheeded. I urge every dealer to be at Earls Court on May 16. By pooling our thoughts and working together I believe we can make a real difference.”
The event is being jointly organised by all the national trade associations – ABA, BADA, LAPADA and SLAD – with the full support of the regional associations and major sponsorship from the ATG and Olympia Fine Art and Antiques Fairs.
Where have all the collectors gone?
A CONFERENCE addressing the special problems facing the art and antiques trade will be held at the Earls Court Conference Centre in London on Monday, May 16.
