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I n the opening session of this morning’s TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, tech industry innovator and host of Techburst Talks, Charles Reed Anderson, will share insights on how the travel retail sector can leverage cutting-edge technologies to meet evolving expectations. “We have the technology to radically reshape how we work, live, and play,” says Anderson. “So why aren’t we using it to its full potential? Too often, our industry overhypes the promise, oversimplifies the execution, and underdelivers the results – especially with emerging technologies like 5G and AI. We push innovation for its own sake and lose sight of the real point: technology should serve people.” The tech innovation Anderson is most excited about is Generative AI (GenAI), which he describes as “the most transformative technology I’ve seen in decades.” Anderson’s mission is simple: cut through the jargon and bring clarity. His goal is to Tech wi th purpose : what i t real ly takes to drive transformat ion Bold strategies to future-proof retai l spaces and dr ive meaningful transformat ion Charles Reed Anderson, Tech industry innovator and Host of Techburst Talks: “Too often, our industry overhypes the promise, oversimplifies the execution, and underdelivers the results – especiallywith emerging technologies like 5G and AI. We push innovation for its own sake and lose sight of the real point: technology should serve people.” help people not only understand what’s possible, but also grasp what it truly takes to drive meaningful transformation. “I like solving problems,” Anderson shares. “I’m not the kind of person who shows up and tells you which technology you must deploy to transform your business. I prefer to start with the problem statement, which I look forward to hearing from the event participants. Once I understand the challenge, I look at how we can combine both existing and cutting-edge technologies to solve it. Sometimes, the best solution isn’t the most complex or expensive – it’s the one that simply works.” A s one of the most dynamic regions in the industry, Asia Pacific presents unparalleled opportunities for innovation in travel retail. With a new generation of travellers seeking seamless, personalised, and meaningful interactions, the industry must evolve – embracing cutting-edge technology and reimagining the customer experience. Visionary retail designer Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director of Portland Design and author of Future-Ready Retail, will address this pressing challenge during this morning’s TFWA Asia Pacific Conference. Ibrahimwill share the four pillars of ‘Future Readiness’ and how they can be applied to travel retail. “These are: ‘Fast’ (hyper- convenience), ‘Slow’ (hyper-physical, immersive experiences), ‘Local’ (place-specific and localised), and ‘Belong’ (values-driven and community-focused),” he explains. In what promises to be a compelling address, Ibrahimwill also explore what lessons airports can learn from domestic retail and brand experiences, what future airport commercial offers might include beyond traditional retail and food, and how to redefine revenue beyond turnover-based models. “At this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, I look forward to learning lessons from the region on the nuances of passenger expectations and behaviours, to understanding the specific regional challenges and opportunities, and to gaining insights into planned future airport development projects,” he adds. Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director of Portland Design and author of Future-Ready Retail: “I look forward to learning lessons from the region on the nuances of passenger expectations and behaviours, to understanding the specific regional challenges and opportunities, and to gaining insights into planned future airport development projects.” Monday 12 May 2025 10 T F W A D A I L Y