Inaugural ARC2011 Asia-Pacific takes place in Macau

Andrew Pentol

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The event attracted 150 delegates from across the Asia/Pacific region and airlines from the US, Europe and the Middle East

Innovation, technology and opportunity were the themes of the first Airline Retail Conference (ARC) to take place in Asia/Pacific, at the Grand Hyatt Macau on January 11–12.

The event, which attracted more than 150 delegates from across the region, along with airlines from the US, Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East, was supported by four main sponsors: Moët Hennessy, Coca Cola, Inlflight Sales Group and Ice-Watch. It also featured a 21-stand exhibition of established travel-retail brands and newcomers to the industry.

Conference sessions focused on the need to innovate to remain ahead of the curve of customer preference, changes in onboard technology and how they affect the travel-retail landscape and new opportunities for onboard retailers to increase revenues.

ARC event director Alex Vail said: "We are incredibly pleased with the support shown for the event. Delegate and exhibitor feedback has been tremendous. Everyone found the event both enjoyable and useful. We are really looking forward to growing the Asia/Pacific event when it returns in 2012."