ASIA PACIFIC. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has announced the full programme of its upcoming Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, which takes place in Singapore on 10-14 May.
This year’s edition brings together a wide-ranging programme of sessions, workshops, exhibition activity and networking events, reflecting the region’s continued market evolution.
Putting a strong focus on innovation, regional insight and experience-led engagement, the agenda is designed to encourage meaningful exchange and forward-looking dialogue across all industry sectors.
Expected to draw around 3,000 attendees, this year’s event will bring together major airports, airlines, cruise lines and travel retail operators. A record 58 airports have already pre-registered, with strong engagement from retailers across the region and beyond.
This visitor profile reinforces the event’s position as a key meeting point for travel retail decision-makers, the brands association noted.
Exhibition highlights
Among the key attractions at this year’s show is an enhanced exhibition layout designed to improve navigation and connectivity, featuring nearly 200 companies.
Divided into distinct category-focused ‘Worlds’, the event ensures easy navigation, stronger brand presence and meaningful interaction between exhibitors, buyers and partners.
Clear zoning on each level will be enhanced by central meeting hubs, which serve as key areas for people to connect.
Confirmed areas include World of Beauty, World of Fashion & Accessories, World of Wines & Spirits, World of Confectionery & Fine Food, alongside World of Innovation, Launchpad and Taste of the World.
Conference line-up
This year’s conference will be opened by TFWA President Sarah Branquinho, who will deliver a welcome address, followed by a line-up of industry and thought leaders.
The speaker line-up includes APTRA President Sunil Tuli, who will cover regional priorities; Singaporean diplomat and geopolitical consultant Kishore Mahbubani, on Asia’s global rise; INSEAD Professor Hyunjin Kim, discussing innovation-led business strategy; and world-renowned chef Akira Back, on creating memorable travel experiences through food.
The session will be moderated by Naluri CEO and Co-Founder Azran Osman-Rani and TFWA Conference Director Michele Miranda.
A forward-looking programme
The week-long programme will combine thought leadership, workshops and dedicated platforms such as World of Innovation, Launchpad and Taste of the World, alongside the exhibition and ONE2ONE meeting programme.
A central feature of the 2026 edition is the World of Innovation, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. The dedicated zone brings together technology, retail concepts and product launches. At its core is the Agora, an amphitheatre-style space hosting workshops, presentations and pitch sessions.
It also houses the Stereo Café, powered by Bang & Olufsen. The full list of World of Innovation participants is available online.
The new Launchpad space gives emerging brands, not yet in travel retail, the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers.
The 2026 exhibitors include Aeeve, Bujairami, Glow, Haruharu Wonder, Kreayon, Orlov Paris, Pana Dora Sweden, Semi di Lino and Yusuf Bhai.
Another highlight of this year’s event is the experience-driven Taste of the World concept, featuring high-profile activations, live demonstrations and hybrid retail formats, hosted by renowned chefs Akira Back and Janice Wong.
Adding further star power, Korean chefs from the Netflix series Culinary Class Wars will also join the show. They include Leebukbang Chef-Owner Ji-hyung Choi; Korean cuisine master Young-sook Lee; and Triple Bones Chef-Owner Woo-young Jung, who will deliver a series of high-impact culinary experiences.
TFWA President Sarah Branquinho said, “TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference continues to evolve in line with the changing dynamics of our industry.
“The 2026 programme has been designed to deliver a strong balance of innovation and opportunity, ensuring delegates can engage with the key trends shaping our sector while building valuable connections across the global travel retail community.”
This year’s edition features a high-profile line-up of partners and supporters. Changi Airport Group returns as official host, supported by the City of Singapore and the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. Key partners include China Duty Free Group (Diamond), Avolta (Platinum), Lindt, Mondelez and SKROSS.
The TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge will once again serve as a key platform for industry connections, with Qatar Duty Free as Main Partner, alongside a curated beverage selection featuring Heineken, Moutai, Liviko Crafter’s, Siberian Express Vodka by Solex Group, and wines from Herita Wines and Masi Agricola. ✈
