Speech 09-07-22, 2 pm

Innovation and disruption in the world of auction houses and collecting

Speakers: Sebastian Fahey (Managing Director of Sotheby’s EMEA), Peter Wallman (Presenter, Chairman EMEA RM Sotheby’s), Josh Pullan (Global Director of Sotheby’s Luxury)

Language: English

The world of collecting is going through a period of great change and evolution. New generations and markets are now approaching this world and they will be the collectors of the future. Technology will play a fundamental role in transforming and making the world of collecting easier and more efficient. This talk will be dedicated to topics such as: new digitisation processes in the collectors’ scene, online auctions, buying and selling with cryptocurrencies, the world of NFTs, digital art, metaverse, blockchain and gaming, the new online sealed-bid process. 

• First part: The role of technology in the collectors’ market and new ways to buy and sell at auction: the rise of online auctions, the online sealed-bid method, buying and selling with cryptocurrencies. What is the role of technology and digitisation in the world of collecting and what positive impact can it have in the future? How have the tastes and trends of the new generations changed and what role is Sotheby's playing in this transformation? What are the new trending objects in the luxury market today and how does this world differ from the pre-digital era? (It can be a good opportunity to show off new trends such as trainers, handbags etc.)

• Second part: NFT, the Metaverse and digital Art: What is an NFT? What are the real utilities, benefits, pros, and cons of “Non-Fungible Tokens”? What is the Metaverse and why is everyone talking about it? What is Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s role in this space? This part should excite and capture the attention of the crowd. It must get people excited about the world of NFT and convince them of the true artistic value of this world. We will show some interesting art projects, project videos and animations, and play music from NFT artists. We can here do a round-up of the most beautiful and interesting NFT sales that Sothebys has done and we can also talk about the most interesting NFT automotive projects we’ve been involved in in the past months (Lamborghini, Pininfarina etc.)