MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA. The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) is aiming to exceed its record attendance of 601 delegates (set in 2014) at its annual conference this year. The MEADFA Conference takes place in Dubai on 28 and 28 November and is managed by TFWA.
Pre-registration figures are “healthy” said MEADFA President Sean Staunton, who revealed more details of the speaker line-up at a press briefing in Cannes.
On the first day of the conference (Monday 28 November), UN World Tourism Organization Director for the Middle East Amr Abdel Ghaffar will speak about travel trends and how the tourism business is vital for prosperity and peace. Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin will discuss the opportunities ahead at a time of change. Lagardère Travel Retail CEO Dag Rasmussen will talk about how the Middle East plays a vital role in the retailer’s development plans.
Aer Rianta International CEO Jack MacGowan will discuss how the industry can offer value to customers on the second day of the conference (Tuesday 29 November). Sean Staunton and European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) President Sarah Branquinho will address the most significant challenges facing the industry.
The Moodie Davitt Report’s Dermot Davitt and TFWA’s John Rimmer will co-moderate the conference.
The event will also feature networking opportunities and a number of social events.
Confirmed sponsors include: Platinum sponsor KT International, Official Host and Gala Dinner sponsor Dubai Duty Free, lunch sponsor Qatar Duty Free and Gold sponsors Gulf Beverages, Aer Rianta International and Gulbahar Tobacco International. Silver sponsor is Aphrodite Duty Free Shop and smoking lounge sponsor is JT International.
Exhibitors include: Gosh, Philip Morris International Services SARL, Heintz Van Landewyck, Mars International Travel Retail, Panzerglass and Oriental General Trading.
The Opening Cocktail will be hosted by Dufry, and coffee break sponsors are Furla and Nestle International Travel Retail. Lagardère Travel Retail will provide the lanyards, Travalo the Portfolio, and wines and spirits will be sponsored by Diageo, Gulf Beverages and Pernod Ricard Travel Retail.
Staunton said: “We’re delighted to be bringing some fascinating speakers to Dubai at the end of November and we’re certain that this event will provide much food for thought for all those who are looking to develop their business in this exciting market.”
Pre-registration, further information and updates on the event can be found here.
