TFWA World Exhibition says it plans to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in Cannes this October with 'a world-class exhibition of duty free and travel retail products, a conference featuring business leaders and global opinion formers,

and glittering social occasions'.

The association said: ‘Over a quarter of a century, the event, which was founded by the duty free and travel retail industry itself to facilitate the development of the trade, has grown in stature and remains the must-attend event on the industry calendar. In one place over just five working days delegates can meet and do business with their key duty free and travel retail contacts, get up to speed on issues affecting the industry, and experience all the latest that suppliers to the industry have to offer.

‘Last year nearly 5,800 visitors from 2,830 companies attended TFWA World Exhibition, up one per cent on 2007 in spite of the global economic downturn. They travelled from all corners of the world to do business with over 450 exhibiting companies representing every sector of the industry: fragrances & cosmetics, fashion & accessories, wines & spirits, jewellery & watches, confectionery & fine food, electronics & gifts, tobacco and others.’

TFWA added that stand reservations are still being processed, but already all the big players in each of the product categories have confirmed their participation and TFWA can confirm that the exhibition floor will be fully booked.In addition there will be workshops during the week targeted at specific interest groups including Asia Pacific duty free and travel retail and inflight sales.

Last, but not least, TFWA says that the major social event of the week this year will be 'The Celebration Evening' on Thursday 22 which will comprise a dinner cocktail in the Riviera Beach (a venue which will be constructed beside the Palais), a concert by an international star in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais and an after-concert party at the Riviera Beach. This will also be the venue for The Scene, TFWA's private night-club during the week.

Only 'full delegate' status will allow access to the whole Celebration Evening. Pre-registration is open now at http://www.tfwa.com/duty_free/Introduction.54.0.html and will remain open until September 10 2009.