OCTOBER 23, 2025 | NEW YORK CITY

The Direct 60 Forum is a celebration, a time for recognition, and a gathering of 120+ leading brand & retail executives. This by-invitation gathering is where leaders from across the industry connect, share elevated moments, benefit from exclusive content, and enjoy many memorable experiences.

The Direct 60 List honors the digitally-minded executives redefining go-to-market strategies for the world’s most iconic brands. The Direct 60 honorees are calculated risk-takers, positioning their brands for success in this new consumer-focused and data-driven world. These leaders continue to embrace technology, innovation, and next-gen strategies. You can see the 2024 List HERE.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Direct 60 honors executives mastering the business of brands. We invite you to nominate colleagues and peers who continue to embrace technology, innovation, and next-gen strategies.

the experience

In its fifth year, The Direct 60 Forum is an elevated event that is both entertaining and celebratory. From elegant wine tasting and enjoyable cocktails, to powerful acceptance speeches and a well curated room – there are few evenings that can match this.

The Direct 60 List Honorees

Direct 60 Alumni present the awards to this year’s class.

Elegant Engagements

Join us for the elevated activations and networking moments that matter most.

The Direct 60 Standout Awards

For the fifth year in a row, The Lead is proud to recognize the Stand Out executives.

Curated Connections

The Direct 60 Forum is designed for industry leaders to meet and reconnect in an exclusive environment.

Spa & Weekend Gift Giveaways

Special giveaways include Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, spa treatments, and more!

The Direct 60 Executive Dinners

Hosted at leading restaurants, these dinners focus on the curated room, the food and the experience.

Alumni we have honored

The Program

The Red Carpet Welcome

A moment in time to celebrate the honorees.

The Award Presentations

Highlights the accomplishments of the Direct 60 honorees and the areas they are excelling in.

Curated Roundtable Discussions

Will help you connect with peers, share challenges, and compare notes and experiences.

Vision Talks and Panel

Join leading innovators as they share insights on how technology solutions are evolving and how they will impact brand strategy, operations, and the future of business.

Spa & Weekend Gift Giveaways

Including a night away at Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, spa treatments and more!

Network and Connect Through Elevated Activities

Including wine tastings, incredible F&B experiences and more!

The VIP Cocktail Reception

Close out this incredible celebration with lite bites and specialty cocktails.

The Direct 60 Executive Dinners

Continue the celebrations, the connections and conversations in an even more intimate setting.

RECOGNIZED

Abercrombie & Fitch

adidas

American Girl

ASOS

Athleta

Bath & Body Works

Benefit Cosmetics

Camper

Camuto Group

Carhartt

Centric Brands

CHANEL

Clarks

Colgate-Palmolive

Coty

Crocs

David Yurman

Diane von Furstenberg

e.l.f. Beauty

Eddie Bauer

 

EssilorLuxottica

Estée Lauder Companies

Express

Faherty Brand

Fossil

Hanes Brands

Hermes

Kate Spade

L’Oreal USA

Lands’ End

Levi Strauss & Co

LVMH

Madewell

Marquee Brands

Maui Jim

Michael Kors

NEST New York

New Balance

Party City

Paul Stuart

PVH

Ralph Lauren

Richemont

Saks OFF 5th

Shiseido

Signet Jewelers

Steve Madden

Supreme

Tailored Brands

Tapestry

The North Face

Timberland

Tommy Hilfiger

UNIQLO

US Polo Assn.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Vans

Vera Bradley

VF Corporation

Walmart

SPONSORS

Gold sponsors

SILVER sponsors

Bronze sponsors

THE LOCATION

The Prince George Ballroom

Conveniently located between Fifth and Madison Avenues – and meticulously restored to its original Neo-Renaissance splendor – this landmark venue is offers vibrant energy to serve as fertile ground for creativity and commerce.

15 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016

Hotels for the direct 60 forum

The New York EDITION

5 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, USA, 10010

Hotel Entrance on 24th Street between Madison & Park Avenues.

(A five minute walk to Prince George Ballroom)

Located in Flatiron’s historic Clocktower Building — just steps from Madison Square Park — The New York EDITION is a magnet for creatives and entrepreneurs. This luxury hotel with 360-degree city views seamlessly blends elegant design and modernity with its Madison Avenue landmark beginnings.

The Lead Room Block Starts Tuesday, October 8, 2024 and Ends Friday, October 11, 2024.
Last Day to Book is Thursday, October 3, 2024