2024 Programme

Registration

Welcome cocktail

Morning coffee

Welcome from moderators

Dermot Davitt and Michele Miranda

Welcome from MEADFA President

Sherif Toulan

Gateway to the world

Abu Dhabi International Airport's new Terminal A is now open for business, boasting a capacity to serve 45 million passengers and 79 aircraft at any given time. This marks a significant milestone in the development of Abu Dhabi's travel industry and promises to propel the expansion of tourism in the region. 

To welcome the MEADFA Conference delegates, the opening session will look in detail at current and future developments in the host city, courtesy of Abu Dhabi Airport's Managing Director and CEO, Elena Sorlini.

Fueling for growth

Travel and tourism have been pivotal in driving economic growth in the Middle East and Africa. To enhance its status as a premier travel destination, the region is making substantial investments in expanding airport capacity resulting in a boost in airport retail space. A panel of retail executives will discuss new developments and the significance of non-aeronautical revenues for airports in the region, featuring MATARAT Holding General Manager Commercial (Non-Aero) Marcus Spahn, Africa Travel Retail co-founder and Executive Chairperson Chichi Maponya, Avolta CEO Middle East and Africa Abdeslam Agzoul and Delhi Duty Free CEO Ashish Chopra.

Networking break

The power of partnerships

The MEADFA Conference will update delegates on the issues the industry must address to safeguard its growth in the Middle East & Africa. Featuring Rob Marriott, Chair of the MEADFA Advocacy Group and the group's category leads and MEADFA Board: Banu Ekşi, Rania Abou Hussein, Roger Jackson, and Chichi Maponya. This critical session will also hear an update from Duty-Free World Council President Sarah Branquinho, who will provide global context and explain the strategies being employed to address fundamental key challenges. The session will be moderated by John Rimmer.

Soaring skies

Travel and tourism are on track for a robust recovery in the coming years, fuelled by rising visitor numbers, a focus on business travel, and increasing investment in the sector. Addressing evolving traveler needs will be crucial for long-term success. To provide the latest data and insight, the session will hear from ForwardKeys Vice President of Brands, Retailers and Media, Marina Giuliano.

Networking lunch

Awards gala dinner

Morning coffee

Thriving in transformation

The winds of change are sweeping through Saudi Arabia, revealing a land of immense potential for the travel retail industry. This session will explore the exciting developments driven by Vision 2030, with a focus on King Khalid International Airport's evolution into a global hub and premier travel retail destination. It will also delve into recent changes and opportunities in Saudi Arabia's evolving duty-free landscape, including new regulations and concessions. Speaker to be confirmed.

East Africa: New era for travel

East Africa is set for a new era of growth in travel and tourism as significant airport expansions and development initiatives are in the pipeline. Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda are competing to become the preferred hub for connecting flights in the region, which is expected to boost the tourism industry. This development is expected to attract more visitors worldwide, making it a top destination for business and leisure travel.  The session will hear from Ali Tounsi, Secretary General, ACI Africa, Nomusa Khumalo, Chief Customer Officer, Tourvest, and Raphael Curiger, Founder and CEO, Amadi and Pure Africa.

MEADFA Sustainability update

Sustainability has emerged as a critical concern for every company, carrying equal weight with the end consumer. During the MEADFA Conference held in Accra last year, participants gained valuable insights into the association's efforts to invigorate the duty-free and travel retail industry, raise awareness, and spark action on this urgent issue. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from Munif Mohammed, MEADFA's Sustainability Lead and CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Saudi Arabia, who will provide updates on the progress made thus far and the obstacles that still need to be addressed. To hear the brand perspective, the session will also include insights from Leila Naguib, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mars.

Networking coffee break

Unveiling customer journey

The retail industry is increasingly recognizing the value of mystery shopping as a means to assess the overall customer experience. This involves assessing customer service, store operations, and the effectiveness of merchandising. Given the fierce competition in the retail sector, businesses are increasingly focusing on providing exceptional customer service, leading to its growing significance.  The session will explore innovative strategies tailored to travel retail and will feature case study analyses presented by Florian Wimmer, Client Services Director at ISC-CX and Alec Denby, Global Operational Excellence Head at Avolta.

Travel retail in the age of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries, disrupting traditional practices, and setting new benchmarks for efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The transformative impact of AI spans various sectors, signaling a significant shift in business operations and competition. What does the future hold for duty-free and travel retail in the era of AI? What can we learn as an industry to stay ahead?  To give his insight on how to challenge the status quo in travel retail, the closing session will feature Gharage Managing Director Lennard Niemann.

Networking lunch