WHAT'S HAPPENING TO CONSUMERS?

Tim Harford has sold nearly a million copies of his books The Undercover Economist and The Logic of Life. Behavioural economics is big news, especially at a time like this. Tim will explain that there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ recessions for consumer spending. Contrasting tabloid stories with the latest research on behaviour, he shows why competitive advantage goes to companies who can target discounts effectively.

Tom Savigar and his team mastermind a group of 2,500 creatives, designers and analysts to keep an eye on consumer trends. They see recession accelerating the shift towards authenticity, community and sobriety - ‘less stuff’. And as online becomes ever more important, Tom also shows how bloggers, collaborative branding and referral culture are all making the internet increasingly female.

LOCATION 28 Portland Place

DATE MARCH 19 2009