The TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference kicked off tonight with a cocktail party at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore with an ‘Enchanted Garden’ theme.
The conference will open on Monday morning with a state-of-the industry address from TFWA President Philippe Margueritte, followed by remarks from APTRA President Sunil Tuli and Alvin Tan, Minister of Trade and Industry for Singapore.
Also at the conference, tech innovator and thought leader Charles Reed Anderson will discuss how the travel retail sector can use technology to meet expectations, while retail designer and Managing Director of Portland Design Ibrahim Ibrahim, will outline strategies to future-proof retail spaces. Closing the conference, conductor and leadership expert Jason Lai will discuss how leadership can shape the future of travel retail by bringing together diverse perspectives.
In addition to the conference, the event will host two ‘Market Watch’ workshops on China and India.
The trade show will run at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore until May 15.
This year’s event will see some 214 exhibitors, 52 of them new.
The exhibition area features a new look for the communal spaces including registration area, bars, business and press centers, rest areas and TFWA One2One Lounge.
The show will also feature the TFWA i.lab Asia, which is devoted to technology and retail innovation.
BW Confidential is on the ground in Singapore and will report on the latest news from the show.