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W elcome to TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2024 in a year which also marks the Association’s 40th anniversary. Duty free and travel retail has come a long way since TFWA was established in 1984. The industry has grown its global sales by more than ten times, surviving economic slumps, pandemics and armed conflicts. It has adapted to meet the needs of a constantly changing passenger mix, and it is embracing new technologies to attract younger, digitally native travellers. Created to help brands and retailers work together more effectively, TFWA today retains the same ‘by the trade, for the trade’, not-for-profit principles of its founders. If our events here in Cannes, in Singapore and elsewhere have been successful in providing the industry with a platform for growth, it is thanks to the support you have shown by attending gatherings such as this one. This year’s duty free and travel retail global summit has a decidedly festive flavour. It brings together a compelling conference featuring three outstanding guest speakers, the industry’s largest exhibition hosting major brands and emerging names, the innovation showcase that is TFWA i.lab, and a full-format networking programme that culminates in Wednesday’s ‘Starry Night’ closing party, where we celebrate TFWA’s 40th anniversary. Whether this is your first time in Cannes or a repeat visit, thank you for coming, and I wish you a productive, pleasurable week. President’s Introduction Er i k Juu l -Mor tensen Pres i dent , TFWA Follow us on #TFWAlive #TFWACannes #TFWA40Years Scan this code to visit tfwa.com Exhibition opening: today 12:00 Please note that the official opening of TFWA World Exhibition will take place at 12:00 today. Security A reminder that security will be tight for this morning’s TFWA World Conference. Please prepare for your arrival on time – doors will open at 08:00. TFWA tribute and ribbon cutting A special TFWA 40th anniversary tribute and ribbon-cutting will take place at 11:45 today in the Grand Auditorium, Palais des Festivals. Reminder A reminder to all attendees to take your badge with you at all times to access the networking events, Conference, Workshop, Exhibition and TFWA i.lab. TFWA 365 TFWA 365 is the permanent online platform open to TFWA members and business partners all year round. Visit TFWA 365 to discover world-class brands, directories of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, dedicated pages on the TFWA i.lab, plus digital publications from TFWA media partners (accessed by scanning the relevant QR codes). TFWA App Scan this code to download the TFWA App: T oday’s keynote speaker, The Right Honourable Tony Blair, has unique experience to share from his time as a central figure on the world stage and we all look forward to aring what he has to say about his pivotal role in the 21st century history of the United ngdom. Of course, having a former UK Prime Minister join us on stage is particularly mely as the UK prepares to leave the EU – a development which will have a significant fect on all of us in the duty free and travel retail industry. In addition to viewpoints from a political perspective, we will also have plenty to inspire om World Economic Forum Young Global Leader David Jones, visionary and proponent of rporate responsibility and social change. As ever, th re will also be much entrepreneurial pertise shared from the platform. The Innovation in Action workshop on Tuesday morning will address how to further celerate digital and omni-channel know-how and capabilities in our industry. I firmly lieve that it is essential we keep exploring engaging ways to communicate with the aveller both before, during and after their journey. Brands, retailers and airports will elcome the debate on how to connect with our travelling consumers in order to increase nversion rates. While the collective expertise of our speakers at the Inflight Focus workshop on ednesday morning is considerable, I am confident that those in the audience will ntribute to the discussion. It really is important that we pool our knowledge to ensure that e inflight channel remains relevant and continues its transformation. As in all areas of ty free and travel retail, data-sharing and a transparent approach is essential to help us ive the business forward. Offering a compelling blend of political insight, inspirational leadership and trepreneurial flair, I’m certain that all will find plenty of value to take back to their siness at the end of today’s conference. Vice President of Conferences & Research, Patrick Bouchard is responsible for organising nferences, workshops, seminars and research. Patrick also leads the development of new WA activities. Patrick is Vice President Global Client Management of Estée Lauder Travel tail Worldwide. he day ahead Our conference kicks off at 09:00 today in the Grand Auditorium, and our main exhibition opens a terwards at midday Tonight, for the first time, The Scene will welcome party-goers at the new venue of Port Canto. Tickets are available to purchase at The Scene desk on Level 1 of the Palais des Festivals or at the venue entrance upon presentation of your badge. Entry is by ticket only Early risers will have a chance to take a look into the future at the Innovation in Action workshop tak g place omorrow at 08:00, just prior to the opening of the new TFWA Innovation Lab exhibition. It will be held at the Hotel Majestic The TFWA Innovation Lab will open tomorrow with a press breakfast at 09:00, givin exhibitors the chance to meet members of the media visiting Cannes this week Please do remember to share your exp riences of your week in Can es on social media, using the hashtag #TFWAlive Politics, business andmore than a dash of inspiration nt roduc t i on TFWA App The TFWA App is a powerful, interactive to l, designed to optimise delegate experie ce at TFWA events. It delivers all the information you need to participate, network, and more, in the palm of your hand, truly maximising your attendance at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. Plan your event, navigate your way around onsite with the geolocation service, connect and meet with your business partners, interact with conference speakers, and be part of the TFWA community all year round. Scan this code to download the TFWA App: de to visit tfwa.com Send TFWA a message on @TFWAnews Follow us on #TFWAlive TFWA Innova ion Lab: official opening Please note that the TFWA Innovation Lab opens at 09:00 tomorrow. The TFWA Innovation Lab is located in an exclusive tented exhibi ion area facing the Majestic Beach, beside the main exh bition at he Palais de Festivals. SamGerber elected to TFWA Board as VP Corporate Sam Gerber has been elected to the TFWA Board as Vice-President Corporate. Gerber is Managing Partner and Head of Sales & Marketing at SKROSS, the market leader for premium travel power solutions. Commenting on his appointment, Gerber said: “Working as part of an association, I believe there are two things you need to bring – purpose and passion. Our industry is full of passionate people all with a common purpose of growing the trade, and it’s great to be part of a team of like-minded professionals at TFWA who share a similar vision of driving the market forward.” Monday 30 September 2024 3 T F W A D A I L Y