TFWA outlines revised Cannes plans; says event will proceed “assuming that the health situation permits”

FRANCE. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) today hosted an online press briefing about plans to host its annual TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes from 28 September to 2 October, with a much changed format, structure and pricing. [Click on the link below to listen to the full briefing.]

The press conference was hosted by President Alain Maingreaud, who addressed questions about the format, health & safety issues and the levels of support TFWA hopes it will receive from potential exhibitors and visitors.

“Given the exceptional situation, it was obvious that the show could not go forward in its usual format and that priorities had changed,” said Maingreaud. He said TFWA undertook a full review of its plans, with the goal to proceed with its flagship event “assuming that the health situation permits this”.

As reported, the key changes include:
o Per-sq m rental charges to exhibitors will decrease by -30%
o Registration will be free for all delegates, whatever their sector of business
o The full programme will be “reviewed and will be more business-focused”
o Hotel rates will be “significantly reduced”
o Rates for other services are under review.

The event programme will feature the following changes:
o Official start of the event on Monday September 28
o Cancellation of all leisure and social activities on Sunday
o Timing and format of the Conference being reviewed
o TFWA i.lab relocated within the Palais des Festivals
o Cancellation of the Premium Evening on Thursday evening.

Addressing concerns about the safety and health of attendees, Maingreaud said the City of Cannes had been active in adopting preventative measures, from enhanced cleaning and disinfection to additional medical staff. He said the city had made it compulsory for anyone going outside to wear a mask.

On the safety of delegates at the Palais des Festivals in particular, he said the association would be working with the city to put in place measures to ensure visitors were protected, but said that the details were still being worked out. He added: “The show will only go ahead if the sanitary [health] situation allows it. That is not in question. We will take any necessary measure to ensure the show can go ahead under the right conditions.”

He said that so far some brands have pulled out, but that there had not been mass cancellations to date. “People are waiting to see how the situation develops. We are monitoring it day to day, talking to all exhibitors, and the measures we have announced are there to help people make decisions. We will have a clearer picture in a couple of weeks’ time.”

On potential buyer attendance, he said: “We are aware of the situation they face. If you ask them now, maybe they will say they won’t come, but let’s see what the situation will be in a couple of months. We don’t expect to set a record as last year but even in these difficult circumstances, and even with the cancellation of other events, the opportunity to meet and plan recovery is essential. We don’t have a clear picture yet but we will monitor this and make any necessary decisions.”

He said TFWA would offer “full flexibility” to exhibitors on booking and cancellation timings. “We don’t have any numbers yet and are still talking to exhibitors. The exhibitions team will assess demand and allocate space accordingly. We’ll adapt once we receive confirmations.”

On the September timing and what circumstances might prompt either a postponement or cancellation, he said: “First, it will depend on the sanitary [health] situation as I said. We will go ahead if we are 100% convinced that the situation allows the right conditions. The market situation might also be a reason, depending on the number of exhibitors who take part or cancel. If we have to make a decision to cancel it will probably be before summer.”

He added: “We are not ruling anything out but regarding events being held in Cannes, it may be difficult to move to another slot between October and December.”

Maingreaud concluded: “We would not be fulfilling our mission if we did not make every effort to make Cannes happen.”

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine