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The world of retail and consumer goods has, arguably, changed more profoundly in the past decade than at any other time in its history. Today, power lies emphatically with the consumer, who enjoys unprecedented choice, purchase options and price transparency. The consumer has evolved, but to what extent is the duty free and travel retail industry keeping pace? How should our industry’s business practices, communication and use of technology evolve to ensure its future relevance?
Themed #TRevolution, the 2018 TFWA Asia Pacific Conference looked not only at technological advances and their impact on retail, but also at how business practice within duty free & travel retail has evolved, exploring the improvements required if sales growth is to match that of passenger traffic. As ever, the Conference heard from speakers from within and beyond the industry, its aim being to encourage exchange and debate on the future direction of our business.
The TFWA Asia Pacific Conference featured two plenary sessions during the morning, followed by three themed, simultaneous workshops after lunch. At the close of the conference at 16:00, delegates were invited to attend an informal networking session, sponsored by Incheon International Airport Corp, and enjoyed the refreshments provided.
Plenary 1 was moderated by John Rimmer, Managing Director TFWA
Plenary session 1:
Monday 7 May
09:00 - 11:00
Main Ballroom, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 5
09:00 - 11:00
Main Ballroom, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 5
The first plenary session of the Conference updated delegates on the current state of the duty free & travel retail industry, before focusing on the technological advances that are transforming how we consume and interact with brands.
Erik Juul-Mortensen
President, Tax Free World Association
Now into its eighth decade, the global duty free industry continues to show resilience in an often challenging environment. But how well placed are we to navigate the waters ahead? What must change in order for our industry to lead, rather than follow trends? Erik Juul-Mortensen opened the Conference with a look at the latest available data, before giving his perspective on the day’s theme.
Andrew Ford
President, Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association
The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) is active in defending the interests of the regional industry, which remains the engine room of the global business. President Andrew Ford updated delegates on prospects for growth in Asia, where new infrastructure and a vibrant brand environment are helping drive the industry forward.
Adam Cheyer
Co-Founder and VP Engineering at Siri Inc., Co-Founder and VP Engineering of Viv Labs
The co-founder of Siri, Adam Cheyer is one of the world’s leading authorities on artificial intelligence. His work with Siri, acquired by Apple in 2010, gave millions of consumers their first glimpse of AI in action, and pointed to the limitless potential of this new technology. At TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, Adam explained how AI and other new advances will revolutionise customer behaviour and experiences, as well as challenging existing business models.
Shivvy Jervis
Futurist and expert on the digital economy
One of Britain’s leading digital influencers and voted one of Europe’s 30 leading women in the tech business, Shivvy Jervis helps companies make sense of the impact emerging and next-gen technology will have on business and on the way we live and consume. She looked at the next wave of digital pioneers with a particular focus on travel and tourism.
Our keynote speakers this year explored how new technologies will shape our industry’s evolution, providing inspiration for brands, retailers and landlords alike.
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