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Sarah Branquinho President , Duty Free World Counci l C ongratulations on remaining true to the Association’s original ethos: “By the trade, for the trade”, and for providing such a great platform for the industry to meet and grow. Without doubt my favourite memories are meeting some of the most inspiring people in the industry from the early pioneers through to newcomers bringing a wealth of expertise. Also, the amazing Conference keynote speakers over the years – Colin Powell, Neil Armstrong, Helmut Schmidt, to name but a few. Last but not least, the Opening Cocktail where everyone meets again – and where I always watch the fireworks with Erik, and with our daughter and son (both work in the industry) if they are in Cannes for TFWA. TFWA has been pivotal in supporting the trade associations which are pivotal to defending our industry from intrusive regulation, and helping them to create an environment which allows the industry to thrive and grow. I am confident that TFWA’s support will continue – it is vitally important. Andrew Ford CEO, Paccaya Resources , and former TFWA CEO T FWA’s motto, “By the trade, for the trade” is still the Association’s guiding principle in its 40th year, and long may it continue to be so. I wish the Association a very, very happy birthday. There are too many wonderful memories of TFWA’s events during the past 35 years to name but a few. The seven years during which I was its CEO, was one of the best chapters of my career – I met some wonderful people from around the world, made some great friends, and had enormous fun attending and organising some breath- taking TFWA events. It was an honour to work with the Association’s Management Committee and Board, its President Erik Juul- Mortensen and, above all, the super TFWA permanent staff team. TFWA and its events will endure as the main points for brands to meet travel retail stakeholders. The travel retail ecosystem (airports, cruise ships, border stores, airlines, etc.) will continue to depend on the retailing of luxury goods to help drive continued development of this industry. The Association is an import stakeholder in this global industry. Takako Asaki Blanc de Blancs Co. , Ltd and former TFWA Buyers Advisory Committee member C ongratulations to TFWA on the joyous celebration of your 40th anniversary. I have been participating since the first exhibition and have enjoyed seeing the event expand during 40 years. It has been a great pleasure to meet TFWA friends once a year. I have always enjoyed looking and selecting items frommany brands and categories from around the world. The golf tournament prior to the exhibition and the elaborate Gala Party have been really fun to me. I would like to express my appreciation to TFWA for their significant contribution to the industry so far and wish them continued success and growth toward the 50th anniversary. Alain Maingreaud Former Managing Director, then President of TFWA F irst of all, a big thank you for everything TFWA has brought me in terms of experiences, opportunities and for all the great people I met over all these years. TFWA is a perfect mix of professionalism, efficiency and dedication to its members and the industry in general. The past 40 years were a successful journey despite the many challenges and I wish TFWA the same success for the next decades to come! Difficult to choose between the many great memories I have! However, I would mention the sense of accomplishment and great pride felt on the opening of the exhibition after a week of stress and hard work with your team. That’s a unique feeling! The other favourite memories are linked to the people I met whether it is colleagues, partners, industry members or celebrities met on the occasion of conferences and social events. Monday 30 September 2024 37 T F W A D A I L Y