Programme

Registration

Welcome cocktail

• Venue: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel 
• Dress code: Smart Casual

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Morning coffee

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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 Airports 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 recent developments and the importance of non-aeronautical revenues for airports in the region featuring Marcus Spahn, MATARAT Holding General Manager Commercial (Non-Aero); Chichi Maponya, co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Africa Travel Retail; and Abdeslam Agzoul, CEO Middle East and Africa of Avolta AG. Additionally, Ashish Chopra, CEO of Delhi Duty Free will discuss the growth opportunities linked to the Indian subcontinent.

Networking break

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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. The session will feature Rob Marriott, Chair of the MEADFA Advocacy Group along with the committee members 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

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Gala Dinner & MEADFA Awards

• Venue: Yas Marina Circuit
• Shuttle buses from Conference venue 
• Dress code: Smart Casual

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Registration & morning coffee

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Thriving in transformation

Winds of change are sweeping through Saudi Arabia, creating significant opportunities in travel retail. Propelled by Vision 2030, an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a diverse economy and vibrant society; positioning it as a leading global destination.  How can the duty free and travel retail industry tap into the exciting developments?  To provide insight, the session will hear from Frank Cortes, Director of Public and Commercial Venues Management of King Salman International Airport on the key developments in this new era.

East Africa: new era for travel

East Africa is set for a vibrant expansion in travel and tourism, making the region an increasingly popular destination for travelers worldwide.  This growth opens up exciting opportunities for the travel retail industry to engage with a diverse and expanding audience, tapping into both business and luxury markets.  The session will hear from  Nomusa Khumalo, Chief Customer Officer of Tourvest and Raphael Curiger, co-founder of Pure Africa and founder and CEO of AMADI.

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 KSA and the Middle East, 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

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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

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