TFWA 2025 to unveil innovative and inclusive travel retail future in Cannes
The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition & Conference 2025, themed "Explore New Horizons," is poised to be a landmark event for the travel retail sector, bringing together industry leaders, brands, retailers, and professionals from around the world. Scheduled to take place from 28 September to 2 October 2025 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, the event promises a comprehensive programme of insightful sessions, innovative showcases, and valuable networking opportunities designed to address the evolving landscape of travel retail.
The week will officially kick off on Sunday evening, 28 September, with the traditional Opening Cocktail on Carlton Beach. This social gathering serves as a key moment for delegates to reconnect and build relationships ahead of the busy conference schedule. Earlier that day, attendees can participate in inclusive para-sports tournaments, including blind football and wheelchair rugby, organised in collaboration with Stade Toulousain Handisport, underscoring TFWA’s commitment to diversity and community engagement within the industry. The European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) will also host a welcome cocktail at The Mondrian, fostering connections among European stakeholders.
Monday, 29 September, is set to be the focal point of the conference programme, featuring the TFWA World Conference running from 9am to 11:30am at the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. TFWA President Philippe Margueritte will open the session with a state-of-the-industry address. This will be followed by presentations from leading experts including Rudolph Lohmeyer of consultancy Kearney, who will discuss the impact of global geopolitical and economic shifts on the travel retail market. Bobby Jones, co-founder of Conspiracy of Love, will explore the changing consumer values shaping purchasing behaviours. Adding a unique perspective, NBA legend Tony Parker is scheduled to share insights on branding and leadership. The session will be moderated by Stephen Sackur, a respected journalist known for his incisive interviewing style, ensuring a dynamic and engaging discourse.
In addition to the formal conference sessions, TFWA has introduced a new feature for 2025—Innovation Square. Situated at the foot of the Palais des Festivals steps, this dedicated space will spotlight breakthrough retail innovations, sustainable business models, and future trends that promise to transform the travel retail experience. Innovation Square aims to foster interaction and deeper engagement through workshops held before the exhibition halls open, as well as offering a venue for private hire throughout the event. This initiative reflects the increasing importance of sustainability and technological advancement in the sector, providing attendees with firsthand exposure to cutting-edge developments.
The main exhibition will open Monday afternoon and run through Thursday, showcasing a wide array of products and services from leading brands and new entrants alike. The display floor, combined with the structured networking formats such as TFWA Lounge sessions and the ONE2ONE meeting service, will facilitate meaningful business connections between exhibiting brands, buyers, airports, and trade agents. The networking programme is further enhanced by after-work sessions on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and a highlight event on Wednesday night featuring DJ Martin Solveig at the Phenomena Club, blending business with social engagement to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Registration for the event is now open, attracting a global audience keen to engage with the future directions of the duty free and travel retail sectors. With its broad agenda—from para-sports activities promoting inclusion, through high-level industry analysis, to innovative showcases and social networking—the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference stands as a pivotal gathering for stakeholders aiming to explore new horizons and shape the future of travel retail.