7,999 visitors attended the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference.

As reported, this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (28 September to 2 October) welcomed a record-breaking 7,999 visitors – a +7% increase on the 7,456 attendees in 2024 – and the association has now revealed more insights into the figures. 

Beyond the strong numbers, TFWA praised the “notably exceptional” quality of the attendance. Of the total visitors, 3,032 were retailers and landlords (up from 2,861), while distributors accounted for 2,559. A further 2,140 other trade visitors attended, including non-exhibiting brands, service concessionaires, and marketing agencies. Reflecting the worldwide nature of the event, all key regions were once again well represented, TFWA said.

This year’s event was the largest to date, with the exhibition space covering more than 26,500sq m compared with 25,000sq m in 2024. Exhibitor numbers also rose, with 482 companies taking stands – a +4% increase on last year’s 462.

Media interest also reached new heights, with a record 268 journalists and social media influencers attending from across the globe. The Innovation Square attracted 929 entries.

TFWA hails success of networking events

The event’s networking programme began in earnest on Sunday 28 September, with a record 2,833 visitors heading to the Carlton Beach for the Opening Cocktail. The TFWA Lounge welcomed 2,267 visitors across the two sessions on Monday night, followed by 2,400 on Tuesday night. On the Wednesday, 2,893 revellers danced the night away with Martin Solveig at the “Phenomena Club” party.

A record 2,833 visitors attended the traditional Opening Cocktail, held at the Carlton Beach.

“The figures speak for themselves when it comes to evaluating this year’s conference and exhibition,” noted TFWA President Philippe Margueritte. “We still have progress to make as we continue to elevate the experience and add to the excitement of our events, but last week demonstrated that there is no limit to our ambitions when these are underpinned by creativity and an outstanding team spirit.

“What I will remember the most is the incredibly positive atmosphere that could be felt around the show both during the working day and across an extremely well attended programme of networking events. We have set a new bar – let’s work together to achieve even more.”

The Innovation Square – a platform for new ideas to meet the expectations of today’s travellers – attracted 929 entries.

TFWA Managing Director Franck Waechter added: “Determining the success of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference is about more than just the figures. This year’s event has been something of a paradox – clearly our industry faces a number of challenges, but it’s evident that people have been really happy to come together, share experiences and work in partnership to address these issues.”

He continued: “Relationships are crucial to our future prosperity, and when the going gets tough, it’s important to enjoy some good times together. The number of successful networking events taking place across Cannes this week is testament to the importance of relationships as a cornerstone of our business.”

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