HONG KONG, CHINA. The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) has revealed the programme for its North Asia Forum, scheduled for 12 November in Hong Kong.
Running from afternoon into the evening, the event will examine evolving consumer behaviour across regional travel retail and domestic markets, and the factors shaping travellers’ purchasing decisions.
The programme will bring together senior executives from airports, operators, brands and research organisations to explore category mix, traveller engagement and how airside spaces can foster human connection while encouraging exploration, discovery and spending across categories.
APTRA President and King Power Group (Hong Kong) Chief Executive Sunil Tuli said, “Delegate registrations are building fast, and we’re looking forward to a valuable and highly interactive programme.
“Our outstanding line-up brings together cross-sector leaders and experts from several key markets on vital topics that matter today and for the future development of the industry.”
Airport Authority Hong Kong and Hong Kong International Airport are the platinum host partners for the North Asia Forum, joined by gold partner King Power Hong Kong, research partners m1nd-set and China Trading Desk, and supporting partner Changi Airport Group.
Global Drinks and Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail serve as drinks partners, and will provide wine and cocktails at the evening reception.
In keeping with APTRA’s not-for-profit status, tickets are priced at US$150 simply to cover costs. ✈
Programme details
Forum (2pm-5:30pm)
Gateway to Growth: Retail at HKIA and the New Terminal 2
Presented by: Airport Authority Hong Kong General Manager, Retail & Advertising Esther Lui
Panel 1: Their Time, Their Way: The New Airside Journey
The panel will examine how airports can make better use of post-security space to reflect changing traveller expectations, with a focus on personalisation, curated retail and passenger-led experiences rather than traditional volume-driven retail layouts.
Host: Bangalore International Airport Limited Chief Marketing Officer Shalini Rao
The panel will feature:
- Kansai Airports Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Non-Aero Valerie Chuong
- Regent Travel Retail Group Founder & CEO Chim Esteban
- Lacoste Travel Retail & Corporate Director Asia Pacific Erin Lillis
- Avolta Managing Director, North Asia Michael Wong
Research presentations:
The Chinese Traveller Rewired: Where Demand is Going, What Travellers Want and How AI is Reshaping the Journey
Presented by: China Trading Desk Founder & CEO Subramania Bhatt
North Asia Travel Shopper Research
Presented by: m1nd-set Business Development Director Anna Marchesini
Panel 2: The Right Mix: Curating Categories for the New North Asian Traveller
The panel will explore how travel retailers can respond to evolving North Asian consumer preferences as price gaps with domestic markets narrow and social media influences purchasing decisions, examining how category mix, exclusive offerings and experiential retail can give travellers compelling reasons to shop at the airport.
Host: Blueprint Partner Karl Walter
The panel will feature:
- TMA Company CEO & President Shogo Ando
- Dodeka International CEO & Founder Sean Kim
- The Bluebell Group President & CEO, Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau Jenny Lai
- Heinemann Asia Pacific Regional Commercial Director Ranjith Menon
- Biosota Organics CEO Andrey Zubko
WiTR+ Drinks Reception (5:30-6:30pm)
Networking Evening on Level 58 (6:30-10pm)
