ASIA PACIFIC. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) is to host a ‘live networking event’ on 10-11 May in Singapore. It will feature a conference and workshops at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, along with the opportunity to arrange in-person meetings.
As reported on 4 March, TFWA decided to change the format for its in-person TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition, which was scheduled to take place on 9-12 May. With stricter health and safety measures being reinstated in many countries throughout the region following the advance of the Omicron variant, TFWA said it became clear that a live exhibition “would not be able to provide the desired level of benefit and support to the industry”.
Speaking at a media briefing today, TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “It is not an exhibition, it is not a conference, it will be a live networking event. People really want to get together to meet up. We are delighted to be back in Singapore.”
On the format, he added: “It will have a robust learning aspect. We will also set up the popular One2One meetings service to maximise opportunities for people to connect with industry peers. APTRA will also take an active part in the programme and we appreciate their support. There will be plenty of opportunities for interaction with networking breaks, plus we will arrange social gathering at the end each day. There will also be sponsorship opportunities, including branded corners.”
A series of themed workshop sessions is planned across the two days, but TFWA stressed that the networking element is central. More details will emerge in coming weeks, with the full programme to be published soon.
For those unable to attend physically replays will be available in the days following the event via the TFWA 365 digital platform.
Elaborating on why a full in-person exhibition was not possible, Juul-Mortensen said: “As we planned the event, and as time went on, we realised that we could not gain acceptance from a sufficient number of brands to exhibit. Some could not or chose not to travel, or could not commit to a physical stand. We had to draw a line that there was not enough of a basis to host the exhibition.”
TFWA VP Marketing Aude Bourdier said: “Organising a stand takes a lot of time and preparation. There were too many complications. Having a big stand was too complex for enough brands to commit to. With this live event you simply book a ticket and hotel room. So the issue was the complexity but the willingness to come and meet each other was still there. This live networking event was simpler to arrange and to attend.”
TFWA said that Singapore events allowed high levels of participation, so the association does not foresee capacity constraints being a challenge. There are limits of five to a table where food and drink is being consumed, meaning lunches will involve table service only.
Summing up, Juul-Mortensen said: “As the duty free and travel retail industry continues in its tentative recovery, it is essential for events such as this to take place and provide a platform for businesses to forge and maintain strong working relationships. Both TFWA and our friends at APTRA are very much looking forward to welcoming the industry to a live networking event in Singapore. While we were disappointed not to be able to host an exhibition and conference as in the past – and the decision not to go ahead with this was a difficult one – we’re convinced that each opportunity to meet face to face must be grasped with enthusiasm at such a difficult time. This event will provide a much-needed boost to the industry in the region, will be undoubtedly widely welcomed, and is a huge step in the right direction.”
Separately, TFWA plans to reinstate a full programme of workshops and social events at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes (2-6 October). The exhibition hours will run from 9am to 6.30pm. The TFWA Lounge will take place each evening.
