INTERNATIONAL. Several more leading brand houses have joined a growing and powerful line-up of exhibitors for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021. As reported, the event has been moved to 11-15 October to avoid any clash with the TFWA World Exhibition, a key physical show due to take place in Cannes (24-28 October), health situation permitting.
The Virtual Travel Retail Expo, a follow-up to the hugely successful 2020 event but with several critical enhancements (see below) is hosted by The Moodie Davitt Report with support partnership from FILTR.QINGWA. Under a unique Loyalty Scheme, returning exhibitors from 2020 receive a -10% discount on 2020 fees if they maintain the same stand tier as last year.
After a successful virtual debut in 2020, Bacardi Global Travel Retail (GTR) will return as a Platinum Partner. The company is also exhibiting at the TFWA World Exhibition, underlining the complementary nature of the two events.
Bacardi GTR enjoyed a high-profile presence at the 2020 Expo, including a retailer competition (pictured above) and compelling Engagement Lounge session (see video below) in which renowned drinks journalist and commentator Becky Paskin spoke with Bacardi Malts Brand Ambassador Matthew Cordiner and Dewar’s Brand Ambassador Fraser Campbell about the Bacardi whisky portfolio of Dewar’s, Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore, Royal Brackla and Glen Deveron.
The speakers examined recent trends in whisky and assessed how the spirits company is looking to capitalise on them. The Engagement Lounge will once again be a highlight of the 2021 Expo.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “We are delighted with the growing support our event is receiving, and particularly encouraged by the return of so many exhibitors from our pioneering 2020 Expo.
“It’s also good to see an industry leader such as Bacardi Global Travel Retail and vibrant independents like Duty Free Global supporting both our event and TFWA World Exhibition. This underlines the complementary rather than competitive nature of the two shows.
“Health situation permitting, the Cannes show will allows suppliers and retailers to meet face to face again at last, while the Virtual Travel Retail Expo will reach out to industry stakeholders all around the world and stimulate interaction via a digital setting. Both events will play a key role in the channel’s recovery.”
Bacardi GTR is joined by a stellar peer group across multiple categories. French wellness brand L’Occitane is also returning to the Expo, this time in an upgraded Platinum Partner capacity, after being one of the most-visited exhibitors at the 2020 event.
Another returning partner, Proximo Spirits, said: “We are delighted to showcase our leading portfolio of premium tequila, Irish whiskey and rum brands at this year’s Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. This opportunity allows us to present our travel retail portfolio in an exciting way, showcasing how we plan to bring new launches and brand activations to life across the channel in the next 18 months.”
In a major boost to the event, family-owned fragrance & cosmetics distributor Essence Corp makes its debut at the Expo this year, following a strong showing at the recent Summit of the Americas — A Virtual Experience, also created by The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR.QINGWA on behalf of trade associations ASUTIL and IAADFS.
Duty Free Global returns as a Platinum Partner, showcasing its diverse range of wines and spirits from around the world. The company enjoyed a particularly impactful 2020, thanks to a highly pro-active approach to engaging with retailers in the lead-up to the event and a dynamic and immersive experience during it.
Chief Operations Officer Nathalie Roelands said: “The Duty Free Global team is delighted to represent their brands again during The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021, after being part of last year’s inaugural edition.
“We are committed to supporting both physical and virtual travel retail exhibitions. We look forward to being part of the new Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail edition and are very excited to show a reopening travel retail world what novelties we have to offer.”
Whyte & Mackay Travel Retail Director Richard Trimby said: “We are delighted to be taking part once more in the Virtual Travel Retail Expo from The Moodie Davitt Report. Last year this event provided a much-needed platform to bring the industry together during one of our toughest times and hopefully this year’s event can be the springboard for our recovery.
“At Whyte & Mackay we are confident in the continued long term potential and importance of the Single Malt category in travel retail market. We are ready to share our vision for the category and a series of initiatives and innovations to drive growth with our impressive stable of brands.
“But none of us can do this alone. The last year has shown the importance of coming together and taking a united approach. I look forward to the partnerships and friendships which we can renew, and the new collaborations we will form, at this year’s Expo.”
Other recent exhibitor sign-ups include Shiseido Travel Retail; Stoli Group; Duty Free Global; Ferrero Travel Market; Nestlé International Travel Retail; AuCoeurDuLuxe; International Beverage Group; Ahmad Tea; 2.0 & Partners and KT International.
As reported, Qatar Duty Free is returning as a Diamond Partner (and co-host with The Moodie Davitt Report of The QDF Factor, see below), while Philip Morris International (PMI), Diageo and Nasdaq-listed iClick Interactive Asia Group are once again Platinum Partners.
One Red Kite, Peuch & Besse, Stoli, Shannon Retail Innovation and Zegna are all returning after successful Expo debuts last year and Dubai Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free and Harding are among those companies that will exhibit in the spectacular new Retailer Emporium.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS TO VIRTUAL FORMAT
The inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo was the key trade event of the 2020 travel retail calendar, attracting over 4,370 unique visitors, who paid over 20,000 visits to the platform. 124 exhibition stands received more than 183,600 impressions and generated 179,700 content clicks.
As reported, The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR. QINGWA are making several enhancements to the virtual platform used in 2020.
New features and settings including:
- A single integrated platform
- Mobile-responsiveness
- China-friendly configuration
- Personalised event agenda
- Upgraded chat function, with video calling and screen-sharing features
- Integrated webcasting and live-streaming
- Real-time performance analysis
- 360 Virtual Reality environment capabilities
- Real-time suite access control for Platinum exhibitors
- Private stand set-up previewing
Other key elements of the 2021 programme include:
- A six-week ‘encore’ access for exhibitors and visitors at no additional cost;
- A dedicated Retailer Pavilion for airport, downtown, airline, rail and omnichannel retailers;
- A dedicated Cruise Jetty for cruise and ferry retailers
- An Experiential Arena, allowing companies which do not wish to exhibit, high-impact visibility opportunities;
- An enhanced Knowledge Hub programme over five days, featuring many of the sector’s key decision makers, disruptors and innovators; and a dedicated Food & Beverage (FAB) component.
THE QDF FACTOR IS BACK – BIGGER AND BETTER
In what promises to be one of the big highlights of the 2021 event, The QDF Factor sees a repeat of last year’s acclaimed competition to drive and reward industry innovation through a six-month listing with Qatar Duty Free and a complimentary US$50,000 advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report.
All entrants this year will also receive a complimentary advertisement and related editorial in a special QDF Factor eZine. More details of the 2021 programme including nomination details will be released soon.
The Virtual Travel Retail Experience will also feature the first-ever Travel Retail Superstars Awards & Knowledge Programme, championing frontline and other staff in our sector who have helped keep a stricken sector going throughout the pandemic. Category details will be announced next week.
Dubai Duty Free is offering two prize draws each week in the run-up to the event, offering the chance for registrants to win US$1 million in the Millennium Millionaire draw or a luxury car in the Finest Surprise draw.
For more information about becoming an exhibitor or sponsor of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021, please contact Irene Revilla, Publisher, The Moodie Davitt Report (Irene@moodiedavittreport.com) or Sarah Genest, Vice President Sales & Events (Sarah@MoodieDavittReport.com).
