ASIA PACIFIC. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has announced details of its new-look TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, which takes place in Singapore on 10-14 May.
The brands association said that two key platforms – the World of Innovation and Taste of the World – lie at the heart of a transformed programme for the event, saying these “reflect the evolving expectations of travellers and the rapid growth of the Asia Pacific market”.
Category-focused halls
The 2026 edition features a redesigned layout with category-focused halls, offering exhibitors “enhanced visibility and visitors a more intuitive and enriching experience”, said TFWA.
Each ‘World’ is marked by a central icon acting as a meeting hub, with Level 1 dedicated to perfumes & cosmetics and fashion, while Basement 2 houses wines & spirits, confectionery, tobacco and new initiatives. For the first time, brands will also benefit from high-impact LED screens integrated into these central hubs, delivering strong communication opportunities that drive traffic and reinforce brand messaging, noted TFWA.
World of Innovation
A cornerstone of this year’s transformation, the World of Innovation offers “a forward-looking showcase of cutting-edge technologies, new retail concepts and breakthrough products”, said TFWA. The space features a large amphitheatre for talks, events, workshops, start-up pitches and exclusive product reveals, which position it “as a magnet for buyers seeking fresh insights and new commercial opportunities, presented by pioneering brands,” noted the association.
Taste of the World
TFWA also introduces Taste of the World, positioned as “a gastronomy hub celebrating global culinary culture within travel retail”. The association said this recognises the growing importance of F&B in the traveller journey. [Note: The long-established Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) & Hospitality Conference & Awards (run by The Moodie Davitt Report) will be held in Bengaluru on 7-8 July 2026.]
TFWA said, “Designed as a compact, high-energy, multi-purpose space, Taste of the World will bring together curated brand presence, live demonstrations and immersive experiences, anchored by a central experience hub and beverage-led formats.” This space will also integrate the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge.
TFWA added, “Showcasing the growing convergence between gourmet experiences and travel retail, particularly appealing to Gen Z and Millennial audiences, who demonstrate strong engagement with food-led brand storytelling, Taste of the World offers a flexible and accessible platform for premium and international F&B brands to connect with industry stakeholders through content-driven participation and experiential sponsorship opportunities.”
TFWA President Sarah Branquinho said, “TFWA’s Singapore edition continues the spirit of modernity introduced in Cannes. With a refreshed format and new dedicated spaces, the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026 in Singapore is designed to support meaningful conversations, creativity and collaboration.
“We are delighted that leading global brands across all categories, including Estée Lauder, Brown-Forman, Mondelez, JT International, Lacoste, Travel Blue and Thélios have already reconfirmed their participation, reflecting strong support for this ongoing evolution. We look forward to welcoming brands and partners to Singapore for an engaging and inspiring Asia Pacific edition.”
Networking events
Networking will be a key focus of the 2026 edition, with a programme of social events that include:
- Sunday 10 May: Welcome cocktail at 7.30pm at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
- Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 May: TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge evenings at Taste of the World, from 6pm to 8pm, featuring live show cooking
- Wednesday 13 May: Closing event at 7.30pm at Alkaff Mansion
TFWA said that with its new event “combining innovation, culinary culture, category clarity and elevated brand exposure”, TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026 promises to be its “most forward-thinking edition yet”. ✈
