Samantha Wood is a Greek-Cypriot-British resident of Dubai for 25 years who wears a number of hats – a food writer, event organiser and consultant. She left the hospitality PR world 14 years ago to set up her own business - the impartial restaurant review website, FooDiva.net which has scooped a dozen awards, and an engaged following of 90,000+ across Substack newsletter ‘The Restaurant Whisperer’, social media and the website. Samantha also curates sell-out ticketed and bespoke dining experiences, whilst also offering a concierge service of restaurant recommendations and foodie itineraries. She is a Board Advisor for the UAE Restaurants Group; a member of the global Guild of Food Writers; holds a WSET Level 2 wine qualification; and is a freelance writer, speaker and industry awards judge. Over the pandemic, she launched a pro bono social media campaign, #UAERestaurantsUnite to support the F&B industry, which has since morphed into a long term strategy championing the country’s homegrown dining scene.

A journalist, host, moderator, content creator and hospitality consultant, Claudia de Brito is of Portuguese/ Cape Verdean descent, was raised in Dubai and educated in London before moving back to the emirate and making it her permanent base. Claudia has covered hospitality and travel for over a decade as the editor of several publications including Caterer Middle East and Hotelier Middle East. In 2021, she was appointed Gulf Academy chair for MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and is now also a Middle East Academy Chair for World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Dr. Matthias Fuchs is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL and serves as the Director of the Institute for Customer Experience Management. He researches luxury and digital consumer behavior, product and service configurators. His work has been published in top-tier business journals such as the Journal
of Marketing Research (ABS 4*, VHB A+, FT50) and the Journal of Business Ethics (FT50). He works closely with globally renown luxury brands (e.g., Audemars Piguet) and his work is featured in outlets such as the New York Times, Neue Zürcher Zeitung or the Economic Times. He is an experienced educator who teaches courses in luxury consumer behavior, marketing, brand management, customer experience, and computational thinking. Prior to joining academia, Matthias spent over seven years in brand management and marketing management, holding various positions at Procter & Gamble and Coty Inc.

Caroline Dumont Frotiee is Cartier’s Managing Director for the UAE. In this capacity, Caroline oversees the Maison's commercial and corporate missions, and drives the company's expansion into the UAE's thriving culture, luxury and retail sectors. Following the success of the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020, Caroline has a strategic vision for the UAE and continues to oversee major projects that leave lasting imprints on the region. Caroline joined the Maison in Paris in 2004 taking on several leadership roles including Marketing product development and High Jewellery International Business Development. In 2017, she moved to London as Marketing and Communications Director and in 2019 took on the same role covering the Middle East, India, and Africa region based in Dubai. Prior to joining Cartier, she was Fashion Designers Department Manager at French department store Printemps. Caroline holds a master’s degree in marketing, Communication, Business Administration and Management from the ESCP Business School and a bachelor’s degree from EDC Paris Business School.

Founded Technogym, today a world leader company in fitness, sport and rehabilitation equipment and digital technologies. He spearheaded the wellness concept, a lifestyle based on regular physical activity, balanced diet and positive mental approach. Official Supplier to 7 Olympic Games. Recipient of awards: Cavaliere del Lavoro, an Italian industry knighthood (2001); Italian Entrepreneur of the Year, Ernst & Young (2003); World Heart Champion, World Heart Federation, for commitment in tackling cardiovascular diseases through physical exercise (2009); honorary degree in Biomedical Engineering, University of Bologna (2005).

The Luxury of Experience: Creating Memorable Moments in a World of Growing Expectations: Edward will discuss how brands can create distinctive, memorable customer experiences in an era of heightened expectations. His insights will focus on enhancing operational excellence and fostering growth through unique, luxury experiences.