MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA/INTERNATIONAL. The Middle East & African Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has unveiled the latest details of the programme for the MEADFA Conference taking place on 17-19 November in Abu Dhabi. Managed by TFWA, with Abu Dhabi Airports as Official Host, the event venue is Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel.
The event will be moderated by The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt and TFWA Conference Director Michele Miranda.
The conference programme will officially kick off on 18 November with a welcome speech by MEADFA President Sherif Toulan. The opening session will feature Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Elena Sorlini.
An industry panel on fuelling growth in the Middle East, Africa and neighbouring regions will be led by MATARAT Holding General Manager Commercial Non-Aero Marcus Spahn; Africa Travel Retail Co-Founder and Executive Chairperson Chichi Maponya; Avolta CEO Middle East and Africa Abdeslam Agzoul; and Delhi Duty Free CEO Ashish Chopra.
The morning will continue with a discussion exploring the power of partnerships, featuring insights from key leaders in duty-free and travel retail across the region. These include Aer Rianta International Middle East CEO Rob Marriott and the group’s category leads and MEADFA Board: Banu Eksi, Rania Abou Hussein, Roger Jackson and Chichi Maponya.
This information-packed session will also include an update from Duty Free World Council President Sarah Branquinho, who will provide global context and outline the strategic solutions to tackle key industry challenges.
A session entitled ‘Soaring Skies’ will focus on the strong recovery of travel and tourism, driven by an increase in visitor numbers, a boost in business travel and the growing investment in the sector. The discussion will also highlight the importance of addressing changing traveller needs for long-term success.
ForwardKeys Vice President of Brands, Retailers and Media Marina Giuliano will augment a session with the latest data and insights.
Day two will present conversations on shaping the industry’s growth, including a session dedicated to East Africa, led by Airport Council International Africa Secretary General Ali Tounsi and Tourvest Chief Customer Officer Nomusa Khumalo.
To discuss recent developments in sustainability for the MEADFA region, delegates will hear from MEADFA Sustainability Lead and CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Saudi Arabia Munif Mohammed and Mars Gulf Corporate Affairs Manager Leila Naguib.
ISC-CX Client Services Director Florian Wimmer and Avolta Global Operational Excellence Head Alec Denby will delve into innovative strategies specifically designed for travel retail and include case study analyses.
The day will continue with a discussion on the transformative effect of AI on customer experience, business operations and competition, while also addressing the key lessons the industry must learn to maintain a competitive advantage.
The event also provides delegates networking opportunities with a comprehensive programme, which will include a welcome cocktail on Sunday evening, a Gala dinner on Monday night at Ethara F1 Circuit, hosted by Avolta, and many networking activities throughout the conference.
This year’s MEADFA Conference is hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports, which is instrumental in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision through the operations of five key airports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and their ancillary companies.
Other confirmed sponsors for this year’s MEADFA Conference include Gala Experience Partner Avolta and Diamond Partners ARI Middle East, who’s also the Welcome Cocktail sponsor; Casa Maestri; Hama Gulf; International Duty Free Trading & Agencies; Sterling Perfumes and Wellgio.
Platinum Partners include Aphrodite Duty Free, Dubai Duty Free, Imperial Brands, JT International and Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail.
Sponsors include Gold Partners Afrique Duty Free, Bahrain Duty Free, Bloom Dead Sea Gift Ent, Blue Gulf, House of Julius Meinl, Mondelēz and Scent of Africa; as well as Silver Partner Lagardère Travel Retail.
The event’s Airline Partner is Etihad Airways, while Ferrero and Al Nassma have been confirmed as Coffee Break Sponsors. Wine & Spirits Partners include Campari and Suntory Global Spirits.
Other sponsors include Cloetta, Loacker and Oriental, with Media Partners The Moodie Davitt Report, DFNI-Frontier, Global Travel Retail Magazine and TRBusiness.
Sherif Toulan said: “The remarkable level of early registrations is a clear testament to the vital role the Middle East and Africa play in the future of travel retail. This region continues to capture the attention of key industry players, driven by its rapid growth and unique potential.
“This year’s MEADFA Conference will offer an unparalleled platform for delegates to engage with industry leaders, gain deep insights, and establish strategic partnerships that will shape the next phase of our business. The calibre of speakers and the topics on the agenda reflect our commitment to driving meaningful dialogue and innovation.
“We invite you to join us in Abu Dhabi to not just witness the future of travel retail, but to actively shape it.”
TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen added: “As the Middle East and Africa continue their recovery from the pandemic, the MEADFA Conference will allow delegates to discover more about the vast opportunities in this rapidly evolving region.
“With the event returning to Abu Dhabi, the MEADFA Conference, managed by TFWA will provide a platform for the industry to do business in a market with vast potential. We are once again delighted to be supporting such an important event in the duty-free calendar.” ✈
