The Agora Programme in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

The countdown is on to the  TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference in Singapore (10-14 May), which is bringing an enhanced programme to the fore alongside an evolved exhibition format. 

A number of new concepts are being introduced at this year’s show, with a greater emphasis on ‘innovation, experience and industry connection, reflecting the evolving travel retail landscape’, says Tax Free World Association (TFWA).

“It’s always a pleasure to bring the industry together in Singapore, and in the context of current geopolitical tensions which are impacting our industry, this year’s edition provides a welcome half year meeting point for us all,” said Sarah Branquinho, TFWA President.

“It also marks an important step in the evolution of TFWA Asia Pacific. In 2026, we will begin to introduce new concepts and a segmentation of categories across the exhibition floors, designed to enhance navigation, discovery and engagement.

“While some of these initiatives will be presented in a preview form, they reflect a broader vision that will continue to expand in 2027.

“Beyond the business opportunities, TFWA Asia Pacific remains a key moment for the community to reconnect, exchange ideas and look ahead together.

“With new spaces and an enriched programme, we aim to foster meaningful conversations and collaborations that will help shape the future of travel retail.”

Sarah Branquinho, TFWA President.

New platform, the World of Innovation, will bring together technology, retail concepts and product launches within a dedicated space.

The Agora, a central amphitheatre, will host workshops, presentations and start-up pitches, offering a platform for both established players and emerging voices.

Confirmed participants include The.Calling (Singapore), CXG (Hong Kong) as well as five tech solutions and services from the Singapore Tourism Board incubators and two tech start-ups from Gharage incubator: Cube.Asia and File.ai.

The Agora Programme in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) 

Monday 11

3-3.30pm: TFWA C-Suite: The Innovators’ Agenda – In Conversation with L’Oréal

4-5pm: Mondelez Product Reveal

Tuesday 12

9-9.30am: TFWA C-Suite: The Innovators’ Agenda – In conversation with Lagardère Travel Retail

10- 1am: AP Travel Retail Pulse: A Health Check and the Innovation Imperative

11.15am-12.15pm: World of Innovation Pitch session

2-2.45pm: The TFWA Dailies Deep Dive

3-3.43pm: TFWA C-Suite: The Innovators’ Agenda – In Conversation with Gharage

Wednesday 13  

10-11am: TFWA Workshop: Market Watch China

11.15am-12.15pm: World of Innovation Pitch session

2-2.45pm: The TFWA Dailies Deep Dive

3-4pm: TFWA Workshop: Market Watch India

4.15-5.15 pm: Launchpad pitch session

Thursday 14  


10-10.45am: TFWA C-Suite: The Innovators’ Agenda – In Conversation with an airport leader

11am-12pm: Launchpad pitch session

 

Key networking opportunities

Social events running alongside the exhibition include the Welcome cocktail at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay on Sunday 10 May.

Evening gathering are taking place at the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge within Taste of the World, featuring live culinary experiences on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12.

Finally, on Wednesday 13, there is a closing event at Alkaff Mansion.

Introducing Taste of the World and Launchpads

Also new for 2026 is Taste of the World, which is giving rise to a more immersive approach to food and beverage within the exhibition.

New for 2026, Taste of the World introduces a more immersive approach to food and beverage within the exhibition.

Conceived as a ‘flexible, content-led environment’, the space will feature a strong Kitchen Theatre, a signature bar concept and the full integration of the Asia Pacific Lounge, alongside masterclasses and curated F&B conversations.

Moving away from a traditional exhibitor model, it is designed to encourage discovery, exchange, and informal networking, says TFWA.

The 2026 edition will focus on thought leadership and experiential moments, while the concept will evolve towards a more focused exhibitor format in 2027.

For this, on Monday 11 at 1pm, there will be an inaugural session featuring a live cooking show by chef Akira Back.

Later, at 5.30pm: Taste of the World, An Airport Gathering hosted by TFWA, will bring together stakeholders from across airport F&B and travel retail.

Later that evening, from 6-8pm, the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge will be in full swing, featuring live demonstrations by renowned chefs, including the popular chef, Janice Wong.

Furthermore, on Tuesday 12 from 6-8pm, the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge will be active once again, complete with live chef demonstrations.

Complementing the foodie focus is Launchpads – a new platform for emerging and niche perfume and cosmetic brands with the aim to connect them directly with industry decision-makers.

This year’s selection will feature a curated mix of international brands, including Pana Dora (Sweden), Orlov Paris (France), and Semi di Lino by Alfaparf Milano (Italy).

In addition, Kreyon (Korea) will introduce six dedicated spaces showcasing a new generation of perfume and cosmetic brands.

READ NEXT: “Our industry stands at the intersection of resilience and reinvention”

VIEW NOW: Feb 2026 e-zine – food, confectionery and F&B special issue

READ NEXT: TFWA talks APAC show evolution strategy as registration opens