Authentication Institute of America

Graham Wetzbarger is the Founder and CEO of Luxury Appraisals & Authentication, an expert advisory consulting firm in the designer Resale space. As a member of the Appraisers Association of America, Costume Society of America, and International Trademark Association, integrity, accuracy, and compliance are integral to his work. Over the past 15 years, Graham led the growth in authentication and valuations for The RealReal and Bag Borrow or Steal, positioning himself as one of the world’s leading experts in counterfeit detection. A broad education includes a BFA from Pratt Institute, certification from the Gemological Institute of America, Fashion and IP law at Fordham Law School, and Appraisal Studies from NYU SPS.  Graham is regularly asked to speak on the state and growth of the Resale sector. He has participated in Wells Fargo’s eCommerce day and held teleconferences for Needham, GLG, AlphaSights, and China Certification and Inspection Group. He has spoken on the Resale industry to audiences at Stern Business School, Southern Methodist University, The Federal Bar Association, The Fashion Law Institute, and SXSW. His opinions have been published in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Business Insider, The Robb Report, and fashion publications: WWD, Business of Fashion, Elle, and Vogue.

Deanna Thompson is the founder of From Beginner To Boss, a community of luxury resale business owners who are seeking support and guidance on building and growing their luxury resale business. Deanna's past work includes her time as Business Development Manager-BDM at Entrupy and Co-Founder of Marque Mentor. She is also the creator of Closet Full Of Cash, the luxury resale blog which was acquired in 2021 and which she re-acquired back in October 2022.  Throughout her time in the luxury resale industry, her opinions have been published in Fashionista, Reader's Digest, Her-Age, Southern Jewelry News and Apparel News. She has spoken on authentication and the luxury resale industry to audiences at the National Pawnbrokers Association Pawn Expo Conference and NARTS several years in row. She is also the first person to publish 11 authentication guides on luxury handbags, including Chanel and Louis Vuitton, along with creating e-courses on luxury handbag authentication for 30 brands.  Deanna is the recipient of the 2022 Industry Partner of the Year award from the National Pawnbroker Association.