A stellar Conference programme and insight-rich workshop are set to make this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (29 September – 3 October in Cannes) among the most compelling in the Association’s 40-year history.
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TFWA World Conference (09:00-12:00, 30 September in the Grand Auditorium, Palais des Festivals) has welcomed some exceptional speakers over the years, but the 2024 edition promises to be especially illuminating. First on the new-look stage will be TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen for his farewell state-of-the-industry address before stepping down at the year end. Then, in conversation with Conference moderator and renowned journalist Stephen Sackur, former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will share her thoughts on the current geopolitical landscape and its consequences for international trade. In a year when several major democracies go to the polls, her foreign-policy expertise and Washington experience will have particular resonance.
Meeting the expectations of digital-first Gen Z travellers has forced duty free and travel retail to be more flexible and creative. With Gen Alpha about to come of age, the industry’s agility will be tested even more. Sam Rad is an anthropologist, author and founder of several emerging tech companies who is skilled at interpreting emerging trends and consumer behaviour. She will help delegates make sense of the challenges in store. Former astronaut Anousheh Ansari is CEO of XPrize Foundation, which organises public competitions to foster technological development. She is also a serial entrepreneur. Few people are better qualified to explore the future of business and travel.
Tuesday morning’s workshop (08:00-09:30 in the Salon Croisette, Majestic Hotel) will offer DF&TR professionals a comprehensive briefing on the latest industry-relevant developments. The session starts with an update from the Airports Council International’s committee on non-aeronautical revenues and activities. After that, a new study by Euromonitor International on the main trends set to reshape global travel retail in 2025 will be presented. The briefing finishes with consulting firm Kearney and its analysis of how technology and digital innovation are affecting travelling shoppers and industry stakeholders.
See the speaker line-up
View the full event programme
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