“The show will go on,” TFWA President Jaya Singh told journalists at a press conference this morning referring to the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, slated to take place in Cannes, France from October 24-28.
“The number of exhibitors and visitors will not be the same as in previous years […] It will be like a mini-Cannes, but it will be of a sufficient scale. Attendance will be strong and there will be better quality time to discuss with industry partners. […] Our focus is on creating opportunities for business and allowing more chances to network,” Singh added.
The TFWA stated that to date, 250 exhibitors have signed up to take part in the event, which is around 50% less than in 2019, the last time the show took place. The show floor will cover 11,000m2 (118,403ft2).
The association underlined that most of the major retailers had committed to attending, but that clearly numbers would be lower due to the COVID-19 situation.
“[The event] will not be he same size as in previous years, but it is not less important, but more important given the time that has passed since the industry last met,” commented TFWA Managing Director John Rimmer.
He continued that the aim for this year’s event is to be “health aware and business focused”.
Rimmer added that he is encouraged by the number of physical trade shows taking place, citing On Cosmoprof, which is scheduled for September 9-13 in Bologna, Italy, Beautyworld Middle East, set to take place in Dubai from October 5-7, and Luxe Monaco which is slated for September 27-29.
The TFWA emphasized that a number of health measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of those attending the event, including mask wearing, hand sanitizer and management of traffic flow. All those wishing to enter the Palais des Festivals, where the event takes place, will need to present a ‘health pass’, in line with French law and which shows proof of vaccination, a negative Covid test or recovery from a Covid infection.
Covid testing facilities will be available and there will also be a medical concierge at the venue.
Rimmer also highlighted that currently, vaccinated visitors from other countries can enter France without any restrictions.