Kiev to stage 2007 Eastern European & Baltic Conference

Tina Milton

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The Ukrainian capital Kiev is the city of choice to host the 2007 Eastern European & Baltic Regional Travel-Retail Conference, which will take place on November 19-20

The Ukrainian capital Kiev is the city of choice to host the 2007 Eastern European & Baltic Regional Travel-Retail Conference, which will take place on November 19-20. The previous conference—staged in St Petersberg in 2005—helped to further cement the event as a must-attend for operators and airports serving the region.

With 75% of speakers already confirmed, the packed agenda boasts airport and retail decision-makers representing all the key states within the region, and is sure to attract a large audience.

Delegates can look forward to heated debates from key interactive panels, kicking off with a session entitled, Russia’s Airport Titans: Tackling the Planning Problem. Concession Planning International managing director Frank Gray will chair the debate, and question whether airports in the region are losing sight of what works in retail terms. He will be joined on stage by JSC Terminal commercial director Vladimir Khalykharin, SSP CEO Central & Eastern Europe Johann Weinzettl, and Prague International Airport director commercial Activities Marta Guthova.

ETRC Director-General Keith Spinks is set to chair the debate for an equally unmissable session prior to the close of play on day one, entitled, Countering Confusion: The Eastern European Experience. Confirmed panelists include Sofia International Airport commercial director Vlad Gitsoika, Riga International Airport marketing manager Arturs Aveljevs, Kievrianta general manager Garrett Coogan and Transimpex duty-free Manager Yancho Yanez.

Hungary and Turkey come under the emerging markets spotlight on the agenda this year, and delegates will hear The Nuance Group’s newly-appointed executive vice-president strategy and business development Ivo Favotto share his insights on the potential and pitfalls of operating in such markets.

Other confirmed speakers include Inflight Service general manager for Airport Shops Janusz Grabowski, Cadbury Scwheppes International Travel Retail general manager Steve Brock, Foley Cooke Design managing director Michael Foley, Umdasch Export manager Michael Ripfl and The Travel Business Partnership Director Nancy Cockerell.

To book your place contact Gerrard Kennedy on +44 (0)207 779 8651 or email gkennedy@ravenfox.com. Details of the venue and booking forms will be available shortly.