MEDFA announces 2008 conference programme

Nicole Mezzasalma

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“Investing in the Future” is the theme of this year’s event, which will be co-organised by TFWA

The Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA) has announced the programme for the 2008 annual conference. The event, which will be jointly organised with Tax Free World Association (TFWA), will take place in the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi on November 25–26. With the theme “Investing in the Future”, the conference will explore the duty-free market in the region and present new ideas for investment in the industry.

Following a welcome from MEDFA president Anthony Chalhoub, the first day’s keynote address will be delivered by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) chairman His Excellency Khalifa Al Mazrouei on his company’s contribution to economic development. Fast Future CEO Rohit Talwar will speak about the future of travel in the Middle East and its implications for travel-retail, ending with a panel discussion with industry stakeholders. A video called “Investing in the future” will demonstrate best practice in the region, and will be followed by Portland head of insights Maureen Johnston’s analysis of how to use the in-store environment to its full potential.

The second day will open with a panel session entitled “Capital Gains”, focusing on Abu Dhabi. Speakers include ADAC vice-president non-aeronautical revenue Dan Cappell, SSP managing director Gulf and India Henrik Andersen, Etihad Airways executive vice-president marketing Peter Baumgartner and DFS Group managing director Southeast Asia and the Middle East Craig McKenna. Horizon Research president and CEO Ian Cesa will then present original consumer research on Middle Eastern and African outbound travellers, while “Digital retailing: Investing in new channels to communicate with consumers” will see business strategist Barbara Wold speak about investment in human resources and international marketer Bob Pritchard looking at technology. The day will close with a panel session “Investing in closer collaboration: How can brands and retailers work more closely together to grow product categories?” with Emirates Airlines vice-president duty-free services John Sime, Aer Rianta International–Middle East general manager operations James Prescott, Hugo Boss head of travel-retail Inge de Groot and Mars International Travel Retail consultant Stuart Bull.

The conference will be moderated by Travel Retail Business managing editor Doug Newhouse and The Moodie Report deputy publisher Dermot Davitt. Registration for the event is now open at www.tfwa.com until November 18.