Finding a way forwards

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Facing geopolitical upheaval, economic headwinds, and changing consumer attitudes, duty free and travel retail has much to discuss at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2025 (28 September-2 October in Cannes).

In uncertain times like the present, the need to pull together and plan a way forwards through challenges becomes particularly pressing. This year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference comes at a crucial time for global duty free and travel retail, offering the industry an opportunity to regroup and devise strategies for navigating the difficult landscape facing it.

Core competences

The 2025 gathering in Cannes majors on three fundamental aspects of TFWA’s work: networking, learning, and innovation. The run-up to the event on Sunday includes the third edition of “Yes We Cannes”, an inclusive sports activity organised jointly with French accessible sports charity Stade Toulousain Handisport that reflects the Association’s commitment to CSR. Delegates can sign up to participate (free for TFWA members) via the link below. The Opening Cocktail (19:00 on Carlton Beach) kicks off the week in convivial style, and the networking continues every evening at the TFWA Lounge in the same location from Monday onwards. Two sessions, 18:30-21:00 and 22:00-01:00, provide ample scope for making new contacts both pre- and post-dinner. On Wednesday, the Lounge will transform into Club Phenomena for a closing-night set by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Martin Solveig. This session will finish at the later time of 02:00.

Knowledge transfer

Learning forms the focus on Monday morning at the TFWA World Conference (09:00-12:00, Grand Auditorium, Palais des Festivals), with presentations by leading thinkers in their respective fields. After TFWA President Philippe Margueritte’s state-of-the-industry address, delegates will hear from a senior partner with global consultants Kearney, a former head of the World Travel & Tourism Council, and a best-selling author and consumer expert. In addition, two workshops will offer practical pointers for industry professionals confronting today’s challenging market. Tuesday morning’s session will examine travel retail amidst current geopolitical realities, while the Wednesday workshop looks at future developments.

Lateral thinking

New challenges call for a different mindset. Innovation Square, a fresh concept for duty free and travel retail, will make its debut in Cannes this year. Providing a space dedicated to progressive thinking and original solutions, Innovation Square will act as a hub for discovery, new ideas and best practice. From its site on the concourse in front of the Palais des Festivals, the new venture will give brands, retailers, airports and creative agencies a platform to share their ideas at the industry’s largest global event. Innovation Square will be available for hire throughout the Cannes week, for presentations and demonstrations during the daytime and for private, invitation-only corporate entertainment in the evenings, staying open till 21:00 to encourage extended networking. It will also serve as the venue for the two TFWA workshops (08:00-09:00, Tuesday and Wednesday).

Event information

See the full event programme
Book your place at this year's event
Sign up for the “Yes We Cannes” inclusive sports programme
Learn more about the Conference
View all our partners and sponsors for this year’s gathering
Access details of preferential airfares to Cannes and our local shuttle service here