Centre Stage : China & The Chinese Consumer
10/07/2012 The Chinese market has for several years been very much in the sights of TFWA, its board and management committee. The idea of a conference in China was first discussed - and even announced - by TFWA in 2006, but did not materialize for a number of reasons. It is now a reality.
“China’s Century - The Fast Pace of Change in China Duty Free & Travel Retail” as the conference is appropriately themed was officially launched following a series of events which confirmed the significant interest among TFWA’s members for an industry-organised event in China.
A survey among TFWA members on the location of the Asia Pacific exhibition, showed Singapore to be the clear favourite, but members also expressed strong interest in China as a potential location for an event. A further survey on TFWA’s consumer research among members put China on the top of the list. The idea of a China conference was subsequently eagerly welcomed by the TFWA Management Committee and the interest received from the broader industry since the announcement has been equally enthusiastic.
The conference, which TFWA is organising in partnership with Asia’s regional trade association, APTRA, will take place on 5-7 March 2013 at the Beijing Hotel, situated next to the historic landmark, The Forbidden City and the central Tiananmen Square. The chosen venue brings together the best in oriental tradition and luxury, providing an ideal setting for a conference which will be very much focussed on luxury in China.
This landmark event is set to promise a rich and extensive coverage of all aspects of the Chinese market, with valuable insights from a broad range of stakeholders.
Luxury and the Chinese luxury consumer will inevitably be one of the prevalent themes addressed during the conference given the keen interest among Chinese consumers for luxury goods when travelling.
In-depth analysis of the Chinese consumer both at home and away will reveal specific behavioural trends on diverse consumer segments from industry experts. Getting it right in China and for the Chinese traveller will also be dealt with featuring examples of successes and failures.
A short and long-term perspective of China’s economic growth prospects is also planned to provide a firm understanding of the potential of the Chinese market in years to come, while an insider view of the airport and airline sector development with aviation experts will deliver the reality of the outbound travel market as well as within China.
Testimonies and case studies from industry experts will also provide a comprehensive perspective on the duty free and travel retail market, both international and domestic, providing a complete and holistic view of the opportunities and challenges ahead.
TFWA is planning a series of business networking activities, both through the social agenda, which promises some spectacular evening entertainment, as well through TFWA’s formal One2One networking programme which the association launched several years ago at the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference and Exhibition.
For any queries about the conference programme, please contact Michael Barrett: m.barrett(a)tfwa.com.
For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Jane Grant: j.grant(a)tfwa.com.
More information on the "China's Century" conference will be available on the TFWA website in the near future.
