Airline Retail Conference raises US$50,000 for The Smile Train : Moodie Davitt Report

INTERNATIONAL. The second Airline Retail Conference (ARC) concluded yesterday after attracting a high-power delegate attendance, including 26 of the world’s top 50 airlines by inflight turnover.

**The Gala Dinner auction on behalf of leading cleft charity The Smile Train proved a blockbuster success**

Corporate social responsibility was also to the fore at the Gala Dinner the night before. Well over US$50,000 was raised at a charity auction on behalf of children’s cleft charity The Smile Train.

The initial auction, brilliantly conducted by Global Travel Retail Sales owner David Spillane, raised US$24,600. Gebr Heinemann Board Member Christoph Neusser and Scorpio Distributors Managing Director Stuart McGuire then said they would double the amount (and round it off to US$50,000) if the sponsors of the various prizes were prepared to offer an identical prize again – which they did.

The second day was notable for an outstanding and inspirational keynote speech from Sahar Hashemi, the founder of coffee shop chain Coffee Republic.

Other well-received speakers in the afternoon session included Korean Air Managing Vice President Inflight Services & Catering Division Heather Cho, Portland Director of Environments Lewis Allen and Retail Eyes (UK) Commercial Director Jeremy Michael.

The second day had begun with an extensive session on the key issue of sustainability, featuring presentations from Coca-Cola Europe Customer Sustainability Director Jake Backus, Jennifer Otenti of Delta Airlines, Alan Hayes from Thomson Airways, Kraft Foods Europe Sector Manager Ashley Garratt and Mars Corporate Affairs Global Project Manager Sue D’Arcy.

Additionally many delegates pledged individual donations to The Smile Train. We will bring you a final amount in coming days (together with a Picture Gallery of the event) after confirmation from event organisers Ultramarine Partnership.

(Left) Panellists explore the critical issue of supply management: (left to right) Hugh Basham, DHL Exel Supply Chain; Robert Stephenson, Air Fayre; Heather Cho, Korean Air; Christoph Neusser, Gebr Heinemann and Selwyn Grimsley, Tourvest Duty Free; (Right) Casey Christ of Sky Mall, presents during the New Media and Marketing session, which also included (left to right) Frog Design’s Peter Weber and Ciaran Bernard of Wingspeed Corporation


(Left) Max Williams, a genial and popular host of the event; (Right) Global Travel Retail Sales owner David Spillane – shown here accepting a phone bid – did an outstanding job as auctioneer on behalf of The Smile Train

COMMENT: The Airline Retail Conference was, overall, a success. Judging by the healthy attendance and the number of airlines present, the event should become a permanent fixture in the calendar – importantly so for a sector too often neglected within the travel retail channel.

There were highs and lows. The hotel – The Grove Hotel at Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire, near London – was voted Best Leisure Hotel in the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 2007 and it was easy to see why. Set in 300 acres of parkland and open countryside, this magnificent 18th Century house has been transformed into a high-class conference venue and five-star hotel, earning rave reviews from delegates.

The networking opportunities were considerable and the mood relaxed and genial. But thought – much thought – needs to go into the conference programme itself. The keynote presentation on day two was excellent and there were several other worthy contributions. But, there were simply too many corporate profiles and not enough issue-driven debates and presentations. The organisers, led by Managing Director Max Williams, are an amiable, hard-working group who richly deserve a return on their considerable risk, investment and commitment. A tougher, leaner programme will help deliver exactly that.