AUSTRALASIA. A discussion involving Dufry President & CEO Asia Pacific Freda Cheung and HMSHost International Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific David Mackay promises to be a highlight of the forthcoming Retail & Commercial Forum, which takes place at the Sofitel Brisbane on 17-19 July.
The creation of the travel retail to dining superforce between Dufry and Autogrill has implications for airports across the Pacific region and will capture the interest of event delegates at all levels. The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt will lead the conversation.
Organised by a partnership between the AAA, The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report, the Forum will be held on 17-19 July, at the Sofitel in Brisbane and brings together all the key players in the non-aero industry, including airports from Australia and New Zealand, duty free operators, specialty retail operators, food & beverage (F&B) operators, foreign exchange operators, advertising concessionaires, ground transport providers and various advisers and suppliers.
In the Pacific region, Dufry has long managed key concessions at major airports including Perth and Melbourne airports. Autogrill subsidiary HMSHost International has a strong F&B portfolio spanning regional airports that include Cairns, Gold Coast and Christchurch.
Under its Destination 2027 strategy, Dufry has defined Asia Pacific as one of the key growth and focus areas of its geographic diversification, and underlined the region’s great potential.
Commenting on the announcement, James Goodwin, AAA Chief Executive said: “This ‘fireside chat’ is just one of many opportunities for attendees at the retail and commercial conference. The conference is shaping up as a must attend, with registrations now open. Secure your place now.”
The Mercurius Group Managing Director Ivo Favotto said: “With tender activity ramping up at airports all around the Pacific region, it will be good to understand the opportunities of this business combination in the Pacific.
“These two entities are already important holders of duty free and F&B concessions and possibly in the future for travel essentials as well. Understanding their priorities, where they will invest and how they will organise themselves in the Pacific region are interesting questions.”
The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt said: “This session promises to be one of the highlights of the Forum and underlines how important the AAA Retail & Commercial Forum has become to airports, retailers, other concessionaires and brands in such a short space of time.”
Registration to attend the Forum is now open via the AAA website here.
For further comment or details on the event and for Australasian sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Ivo Favotto
The Mercurius Group
ifavotto@themercuriusgroup.com
+61 423564057
For international brand sponsorship opportunities please contact:
Irene Revilla Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com
Sarah Genest: Sarah@MoodieDavittReport.com
Aran Turner: Aran@MoodieDavittReport.com 
