Technology, leadership and retail innovation: TFWA reveals Asia Pacific Conference speakers

SINGAPORE/INTERNATIONAL. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has announced details of the speaker line-up and schedule for the Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, to be held 11-15 May in Singapore. 

As reported, the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference will take place on 12 May in the Grand Ballroom (Level 5) at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. 

It will open with a welcome address from newly elected TFWA President Philippe Margueritte. He will be followed on stage by His Excellency Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry of Singapore, and APTRA President Sunil Tuli. 

The conference will be moderated by author, venture capitalist and former AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani and TFWA Conference Director Michele Miranda. 

The first session ‘Tech with Purpose’ will feature tech innovator Charles Reed Anderson, who will discuss how the industry can employ latest technologies to meet the changing expectations of today’s digital-first, sustainability-focused consumers. 

Next, the ‘Future-Ready Travel Retail’ session will be led by retail designer and Portland Design Managing Director Ibrahim Ibrahim. He will look at strategies for transforming retail spaces in the Asia Pacific market. 

The conference will close with the ‘Next Generation: Leadership’ session, where leadership expert Jason Lai will draw parallels between conducting an orchestra and thriving in a fast-paced business environment. Lai will offer insights on businesss collaboration and innovation. 

Networking coffee breaks and lunch will offer attendees a chance to connect after the conference sessions.

The TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition will open on the same day as the conference, with access for delegates from 2.30pm. 

Two workshops on 13 May (Tuesday) will focus on China and India, offering insights for those looking to expand in these markets.

The ‘Market Watch: China’ workshop (8-9am) will examine the recovering Chinese travel market and how brands can adjust their strategies to engage local consumers.  

The ‘Market Watch: India’ session (4-5pm) will cover factors influencing India’s retail growth, including changes in consumer behaviour, digital innovation and infrastructure development.  

TFWA is planning to provide more details on the speakers through its social channels. Visitor registration for the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference will open later this month. 

TFWA President Philippe Margueritte commented: “Asia is the location of some of the world’s most dynamic economies.  

“As passengers across the region continue to take to the skies and seas in ever greater numbers, it’s paramount that we turn these travellers into shoppers. This conference will give attendees plenty of fresh ideas on how to do just that. 

“Providing our members with the knowledge and inspiration they need to steer a course between capitalising on opportunity and meeting evolving challenges is just one of the ways we at TFWA aim to generate value.  

“I look forward to welcoming our industry colleagues from Asia and beyond to what promises to be an enlightening event.” 

Changi Airport Group is the official host for the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, supported by local partners: City of Singapore and the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau.  

Avolta will be the conference’s platinum sponsor. The welcome coffee will be sponsored by Mondelēz International, while Lindt & Sprüngli will sponsor the networking coffee and Skross will provide charging stations. 

Qatar Duty Free will be the main partner for the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge with snacks and refreshments offered by Duty Free Global, Crafter’s, Herita Marzotto Wine Estates, Wonderful Pistachios and Perfetti Van Melle.

Click here to access the full conference programme.