cannes_2024_MONDAY_ISSUE_FINAL

“Travel retail is in a transformative phase – i t ’s about de l i ver i ng immers i ve , cus tomi sed exper i ences” The importance of innovation, personalisation, and immersive technologies in engaging today’s discerning travellers T ravel retail is in a transformative phase, and it’s no longer just about selling goods – it’s about delivering immersive, customised experiences. In her address to today’s TFWA World Conference, SamRad, anthropologist, futurist, best-selling author and CEO of meta-media studio Radical Next, will share how travellers want spaces that reflect their values: sustainability, individuality, andwell-being. Key themes will include: • Adaptive environments: “Retail spaces that respond to individual needs in real time.” • On-demand localised production: “Personalised goods, created sustainably onsite.” • AI-powered personalisation: “From custom fragrances to tailored wellness solutions, consumers expect hyper-specific products.” Today’s TFWA World Conference will hear from anthropologist, futurist, best- selling author and CEO of meta-media studio Radical Next, Sam Rad. Ahead of the event, she shared some thoughts with the TFWA Daily. Anousheh Ansari, NASA astronaut, the first female private space explorer and CEO of XPrize Foundation, will provide insights into the future of business and travel in today’s TFWA World Conference. She shared a previewwith the TFWA Daily. Sam Rad, anthropologist, futurist, best-selling author and CEO of meta-media studio Radical Next. Anousheh Ansari, NASA astronaut, the first female private space explorer and CEO of XPrize Foundation. “The goal is to help the industry evolve alongside the expectations of today’s dynamic, tech-savvy travellers,” Rad explains. “If the consumers are flexible and innovative, the retail spaces should be, too.” Here at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, Rad is excited to be at the forefront of change and dive into conversations with boundary-pushing innovators. “Let’s talk space tourism retail – how about 3D-printed souvenirs in space? Or tax-free commerce in orbit?” she says. “But beyond space, I’m eager to explore how we evolve travel retail on Earth. Whether it’s creating personalised wellness hubs in airports or rethinking adaptive retail for nomadic retirees, the possibilities are endless. The future of travel retail is bright – and we’re the ones to shape it.” I n her address to this morning’s TFWA World Conference, Anousheh Ansari, NASA astronaut, the first female private space explorer and CEO of XPrize Foundation, will highlight that the future of retail and travel revolves around creating exceptional experiences. “My key message will focus on expanding our imagination to craft unique, awe-inspiring encounters that evoke powerful emotions and lead to unforgettable memories,” says Ansari. “I will emphasise the importance of innovation, personalisation, and immersive technologies in engaging today’s discerning travellers and fostering lasting brand loyalty.” As a speaker, Ansari is particularly excited about the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the travel retail industry by engaging with its leaders and understanding their current challenges, such as changing consumer behaviours and sustainability concerns. “I look forward to introducing our methodology of ‘moonshot thinking’, which encourages participants to envision bold, transformative solutions rather than just incremental improvements, inspiring brands and retailers to set ambitious goals that could revolutionise the travel retail experience.” Monday 30 September 2024 16 T F W A D A I L Y