TFWA to focus on new technology

The workshop programme for this year’s TFWA World Exhibition and Conference will have a particular focus on the impact and potential of new technology.

This year’s event will also see the launch of the TFWA’s Digital Village which will run alongside the exhibition and conference.

The workshops begin on Tuesday 3 October with the first session entitled Digital Focus. Examining the most recent advances in digital and online marketing, speakers will include Lewis Allen, director of environments at Portland Design; Adil Raïhani of The Blueprint Partnership, and Stéphanie Metz-Thevenod, EVP marketing and digital duty free global at Lagardère Travel Retail. The workshop will take place from 8am to 9am in the Salon Croisette at the Majestic Hotel.

TFWA’s Inflight Focus workshop, due to take place on Wednesday 4 October, ‘will explore the issues and challenges facing the airline retail market.’ The industry panel will include Inflight Sales Group Europe president Karen Durban-Villeval; All Nippon Airways Trading Co. Ltd general manager inflight sales merchandising, Kensuke Nishimura; Gebr Heinemann sales director inflight and catering, John Baumgartner, and L’Oréal Luxe Travel Retail EMEA commercial development manager Cyril Coulareau. The workshop will take place from 8am to 9am at the Salon Croisette at the Majestic Hotel.

In the evening of 4 October, the TFWA Research workshop will present the key findings from the association’s recent research studies. New additions include traffic reports and forecasts, plus trend-watching initiatives released under the TFWA Monitor series. The workshop will take place on Wednesday 4 October from 6pm to 7pm at Auditorium K, Palais des Festivals.

Bringing the week to a close, Ideas Lab at the TFWA Digital Village, curated by Portland Design will share insights, experiences and ideas on how new technology can aid brands, retailers and landlords.

Speaking to db in January, TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen said innovation, new tech and overcoming the perception of poor value were key to attracting customers back into travel retail and building sales.

To pre-register, please email conference@tfwa.com. For more information, please visit the website here.