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W elcome to Singapore for a TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference that, in these uncertain geopolitical times, focuses firmly on the factors we can influence in our business. This week you will also find great brands, and a wealth of opportunities to exchange and learn through our Conference, workshops and networking events. This summit has been an important meeting point for travel retail professionals in Asia Pacific for over 30 years. The 2026 edition will bring together representatives of around 60 airports, a record number, and more key buyers than ever before have registered to attend. Likewise ready to do business in the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre will be 200 or so exhibitors spread over the two levels of our newly configured Exhibition, where stands are located by product category in a series of ‘Worlds’ designed to make wayfinding easier and more intuitive. All delegates have access to this year’s rich and varied learning programme. The insights start at this morning’s Conference and continue throughout the week in the Agora amphitheatre, the heart of the new World of Innovation on level B2 of the MBS. There you will also discover our workshops, C-Suite conversations, pitch sessions and more, while another new feature, Taste of the World (B2), underlines the importance of F&B with chef-led sessions and masterclasses featuring creative food and drinks brands. After last night’s Welcome Cocktail, the networking remains centre-stage with the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge in the Taste of the World open from 6-8pm tonight and tomorrow evening, and a stylish ‘Speakeasy Chic’ closing event not to be missed on Wednesday at the historic Alkaff Mansion. I hope you will take full advantage of the many opportunities this week brings and wish you a rewarding time in Singapore. President’s Introduction Sarah Branqu i nho Pres i dent , TFWA TFWA App Scan this code to download the TFWA App: Exhibition opens today at 12:30 The first full day of TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026 starts today at 09:00 with the Conference, which runs until 12:00. The doors to the Exhibition, including the brand-newWorld of Innovation and Taste of the World, open at 12:30, closing for the day at 18:00. Reminder A reminder to all attendees to take your badge with you at all times to access the social events, Conference, Workshops, Exhibition and brand-newWorld of Innovation and Taste of the World. Reminder of locations within the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre: • Two exhibition levels: B2 and L1 • World of Innovation: B2 • Taste of the World: B2 • Workshops: Agora inWorld of Innovation: B2 • TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge hosted at Taste of the World: B2 • ONE2ONE Lounge: B2 • Press Centre: B2 • The stereo Café, powered by Bang & Olufsen inWorld of Innovation: B2 • Western Bar: B2 • Cloakroom: B2 • TFWA Launchpad: L1 • Registration desks: L1 • Asian Bar: L1 • Sushi Bar: L1 • TFWA offices: Level 3 • Conference: Level 5 TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026 onsite surveys Scan the QR codes below to complete onsite surveys on World of Innovation, Taste of the World, the Agora amphitheatre, and last night’s Welcome Cocktail. 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 hearing what he has to say about his pivotal role in the 21st century history of the United Kingdom. Of course, having a former UK Prime Minister join us on stage is particularly timely as the UK prepares to leave the EU – a development which will have a significant effect 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 from World Economic Forum Young Global Leader David Jones, visionary and proponent of corporate responsibility and social change. As ever, there will also be much entrepreneurial expertise shared from the platform. The Innovation in Action workshop on Tuesday morning will address how to further accelerate digital and omni-channel know-how and capabilities in our industry. I firmly believe that it is essential we keep exploring engaging ways to communicate with the traveller both before, during and after their journey. Brands, retailers and airports will welcome the debate on how to connect with our travelling consumers in order to increase conversion rates. While the collective expertise of our speakers at the Inflight Focus workshop on Wednesday morning is considerable, I am confident that those in the audience will contribute to the discussion. It really is important that we pool our knowledge to ensure that the inflight channel remains relevant and continues its transformation. As in all areas of duty free and travel retail, data-sharing and a transparent approach is essential to help us drive the business forward. Offering a compelling blend of political insight, inspirational leadership and entrepreneurial flair, I’m certain that all will find plenty of value to take back to their business at the end of today’s conference. As Vice President of Conferences & Research, Patrick Bouchard is responsible for organising conferences, workshops, seminars and research. Patrick also leads the development of new TFWA activities. Patrick is Vice President Global Client Management of Estée Lauder Travel Retail Worldwide. Th day ahead • Our conference kicks off at 09:00 today in the Grand Auditorium, and our main exhibition opens afterwards 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 w rkshop taking place tomorrow 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, giving exhibitors the chance to meet members of the media visiting Cannes this week • Please do remember to share your experiences of your week in Cannes on social media, using the hashtag #TFWAlive TFWA App The TFWA App is a powerful, interactive tool, designed to optimise delegate experience 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 arou d 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: Scan this code to visit f a.com Send TFWA a message on @TFWA ews Follow us on #TFWAlive TFWA Innovation 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 exhibition area facing the Majestic Beach, beside the main exhibition at the Palais des Festivals. 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.” rience to orward to he United cularly nificant y to inspire oponent of epreneurial urther I firmly h the orts will increase n ill o ensure that l areas of l to help us their organising ent of new der Travel exhibition of Port is des ticket only Action TFWA giving media, using n TFWA App The TFWA App is a powerful, interactive tool, designed to optimise delegate experience 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, inter ct with conference speakers, and be part of the TFWA community all year round. Scan this code to download the TFWA App: @TFWAnews Follow us on #TFWAlive Exhibition op ning: Today 12:00 Please note that the official opening of TFWA World Exhibition will take place today at 12:00. TFWA Innovation Lab: official opening Please note that the TFWA Innovation La opens at 09:00 tomorrow. The TFWA Innovation Lab is located in an exclusive tented exhibition area facing the Majestic Beach, beside the main exhibition at the Palais des 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 – purpo 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 team of lik -minded professionals at TFWA who share a similar vision of driving the market forward.” i orward to i cularly nificant i i n ial I firmly ill o i o will l l l i i i l i i i e i i l n i TFWA i i i , i e T p i r ul, i e iv l, i i i l x i T . I liv ll i i i i , twork, nd , i l h , l i i i attendance l i i i . l n , i e o i i l i i , i i e n s, i wi , of the i ll . ll li h n e a 2 0 l s t ci l i f l i i i ill t la : . T i l I i b p n :0 . I i ab i l cat in l i e i i i i j i , i e i hibi ion h l i e i l . SamG rb r elected T Bo r C o e Ger l d o h T A i i Corporate. Gerber is in S l Marketing at SKROSS, l i l l i . Com e i g i oi , i : i i i , I b lie her t i y ri g p s a i . i i ll si ple all i a f ro i g t r d , d i ’ a t o of lik -mi p io l a i ilar vision of driving the market forward.” World of Innovation Agora Taste of the World Welcome Cocktail Monday 11 May 2026 3 T F W A D A I L Y