AUSTRALIA. Following the hugely successful second Australian Airports Association (AAA) Retail & Commercial Forum in Brisbane in July, partners have acclaimed the platform that the event offered – and pledged to support the third annual Forum in 2024 (for which details will be announced soon).
As reported, the conference & exhibition delivered a strong spirit of positivity about the recovery of non-aeronautical revenues at airports, and a focus on investment and improving the customer experience across domestic and international terminals. Around 250 delegates attended the Brisbane event, with healthy sponsorship support from across the business.
Organised by a partnership between the AAA, The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report, the Forum on 17-19 July brought together all the key players in the non-aeronautical 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.
Exhibitor partners led praise for the Forum and its impact. Callington Mill Distillery General Manager Rizk Mawass said: “The event proved to be an invaluable opportunity for our company to establish significant connections within the industry and gain a prominent presence in various airports.
“The Forum itself exceeded our expectations in every way. The diverse range of industry experts and key stakeholders present provided us with unique insights and perspectives, empowering us to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and challenges in the retail sector. Furthermore, the carefully curated networking sessions enabled us to foster meaningful relationships with potential partners, suppliers, and retailers.
“The exposure that Callington Mill Distillery gained during the Forum was instrumental in elevating our brand presence in airports across Australia. As a result of the connections made, we have successfully secured placements in several major airports, giving our products the platform they deserve and increasing our reach to a broader audience of discerning consumers.
“I cannot overstate the positive impact that our participation in the Australian Airports Association Retail & Commercial Forum has had on Callington Mill Distillery. We are immensely grateful to [Ivo Favotto] and The Mercurius Group team for affording us this remarkable opportunity and for being exceptional partners in our journey towards growth and success.”
Smarte Carte Managing Director – Australia & New Zealand Brett Landers said: “Smarte Carte has been a supporter of the AAA Retail and Commercial Forum since the inaugural conference in 2022. The event creates a unique opportunity for airports and its commercial partners to get together outside of an airport setting.
“Through our sponsorship we have been able to connect with a large number of airports and create networks and opportunities that were previously not available or difficult to create.”
iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited Vice President, APAC & EMEA Eric Cheng added: “It was a fruitful two-day conference with inspiring sessions on the current and future trends in the non-aero industry. It was also a great opportunity to network in person. Kudos to the event organisers for the good work.”
Initial Capital Projects Managing Director Kieron Hewitt said: “We were amazed by the conference. We made several high-quality connections with key decision makers in more than eight organisations. We assume two to three will result in formal engagements. We’re thrilled with the quality of the attendees and the vibe at the conference. You can count us in for next year.”
Telsim Australia Managing Director Anosh Sebastian added: “It was truly a pleasure to be a part of the #AirportRetailForum2023 and have the opportunity to meet so many legends. Thank you to the Australian Airports Association, The Moodie Davitt Report and Ivo Favotto and The Mercurius Group team for a great chance to reconnect across the country. It’s a privilege to sit alongside key partners and to have a platform to expose the unique challenges and opportunities. We also generated a significant number of business development opportunities from our booth in the exhibition and sponsorship. We will be back.”
Other support partners and speakers also hailed the event’s success.
The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail Oceania Regional Director Maik Nimrich said: “You have created a remarkable event and I’m certain that it will become a must visit for all travel retail next year.”
Lotte Duty Free Oceania CEO & Director Stephen Timms said: “I was very impressed. Thanks to The Mercurius Group, The Moodie Davitt Report and AAA for having the foresight and skill to bring the event together.”
Foodco Group General Manager – New Zealand, Transit & Health Tony Brusch said: “The content was both highly informative and engaging, and has already contributed significantly to our growth strategy. The ability to network with all of the key players in our industry over the two days was invaluable and I look forward to attending next year.”
Representing leading design firm Cox Architects, Senior Associate Matt Findlay said: “As designers of integrated airport environments, we saw great benefit in partnering with the AAA Commercial Forum as it offered the opportunity to participate in a focused discussion across a range of interrelated topics core to the future direction of retailing, service provision, airports and airlines.
“The event has filled a gap in the region’s aviation event line-up and has proven in just its second year to play a central role in supporting the evolution of airport infrastructure, customer experience, revenue and design.” ✈
