News

As the start of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference draws closer, TFWA is making its final preparations to ensure delegates can meet face-to-face once again in a health-aware, business-focused environment.

The TFWA World Conference returns from 09:00 to 11:45 on Monday 25th October, with leading figures from duty free and travel retail and the wider geopolitical world providing invaluable insight as the industry continues its recovery. Following an introduction by TFWA President Jaya Singh, the Conference will first hear from Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, who will share her thoughts on the return of travel in China and the future expectations of Chinese travellers.

Delegates will also hear from DFS Group CEO Benjamin Vuchot, who will discuss how travel retail can reinvent itself to meet the changing needs of travelling consumers, while IATA Vice President Europe Rafael Schvartzman will offer his perspective on the future prospects for air travel. Imagen Insights co-founder Jay Richards will bring the conference to a close by exploring how the duty free and travel retail industry can remain relevant to the all-important Gen Z shopper. The conference will be live-streamed on the TFWA 365 digital platform for those unable to travel to Cannes.

Although the traditional social gathering on Sunday evening will not take place this year, TFWA will provide many opportunities for delegates to network and reconnect with colleagues during their week in Cannes. Running from Monday to Wednesday from 18:30 to 21:00, the TFWA Lounge will provide delegates with the ideal spot to relax, network and reflect on the events of the busy working day. In addition, TFWA’s ONE2ONE service will be available for delegates to book face-to-face meetings on-site, or digital meetings via TFWA 365.

Visitors to Cannes can be reassured that robust health & safety measures will be in place during TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, as the duty free and travel retail industry prepares to transition back from the home office to the exhibition floor. Those attending the event will be required to show proof of double vaccination or provide a recent negative COVID test result, with testing facilities available at the Palais des Festivals if required.

Face masks will also be mandatory for all attendees during show days, while hand sanitisers will be located throughout the Palais. There will be a 24-hour medical concierge service at the venue, with specialist medical teams available to support any visitors feeling unwell. More information on health & safety protocols can be found on the TFWA website at https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/information-for-visitors-to-cannes-100011968.

Registration for visitors to access the exhibition and conference continues to be open until 7th October. To book your place, visit https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/book-your-place-100004721. Past this date, registration for visitors will also be possible on site within the Palais des Festivals of Cannes on Saturday 23rd till Thursday 28th.

TFWA President Jaya Singh said; “Excitement around TFWA World Exhibition & Conference continues to build, and we’re now working on the final finishing touches to enable our industry to meet physically after such a long time apart. As ever, our conference features an impressive line-up of highly-regarded industry figures and market experts, whose knowledge and expertise will prove vital as we plan for a brighter future ahead. There will also be many chances for delegates to re-engage and reconnect with colleagues during the show, whether this be in the exhibition halls, through our TFWA 365 platform, or relaxing over a drink at the TFWA Lounge. Networking and face-to-face interaction are at the heart of our industry, and I for one am looking forward to personally meeting you all in Cannes.”