TRBusiness is delighted to announce a compelling education and networking programme for the 2025 TR Consumer Forum, which makes its highly-anticipated return on 2-4 June at the Amsterdam Congress Center at Park Inn by Radisson.

Curated under the theme, ‘Transaction to Transformation: Addressing Travel Retail’s New Consumers’, the fifth edition of the DF&TR industry’s only consumer-centric global conference agenda, held in partnership with research partner m1nd-set, will deliver an eclectic mix of dynamic panel sessions, high-profile keynotes and immersive interactions backed by powerful peer-to-peer business exchange opportunities over two-and-a-half jam-packed days.

A wave of influential speakers, including leading faces from airports, retailers and brands are set to make their mark on stage – stay close to TRBusiness.com for further details on the speaker lineup and some exciting announcements…

As is customary, attending delegates will obtain access to exclusive m1nd-set intelligence worth six figures in value (if independently commissioned).

Day 1: Monday 2 June

Registration will open in the morning prior to the first of a series of must-attend coffee and networking lounges. Opening remarks from the moderators kick off proceedings in the afternoon.

A date-rich state of the industry address touching on traffic and channel metrics, courtesy of Swiss travel retail research agency m1nd-set, will set an important tone for delegate engagement on the opening day.

In a welcome return to the agenda, back-to-back afternoon sessions will feature a landmark keynote address and fireside chat, segwaying immediately into the first panel session.

Titled, ‘Destination Retail & Local Concepts – Homegrown Heroes Driving Engagement’, the session will unbox the power of local shopping experiences and concepts in travel retail and the importance of integrating cultural and region-specific products into the retail mix to maximise consumer sales and engagement.

The Amsterdam Congress Center at Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West will play host to the fifth annual edition of the TR Consumer Forum.

In time-honoured fashion, post-conference networking will allow delegates to draw on learnings from the education sessions and continue the conversations outside the conference hall.

In the evening, the Opening Cocktail will take place in the comfortable surroundings of the Amsterdam Congress Center at Park Inn by Radisson, offering delegates a chance to relax, unwind and network in a convivial setting.

Day 2: Tuesday 3 June

The first full day of the TR Consumer Forum will kick off in the morning with an inspiring keynote address, paving the way for two not-to-be-missed panel discussions.

‘The Future of Airport Real Estate’ will throw the spotlight on the meteoric rise of in-terminal non-aeronautical revenue streams such as entertainment/gaming areas, health and wellness options and pay-to-enter lounges. As consumer sentiments and dwell decisions evolve, the session will explore whether these services are acting to enhance or distract spending on retail at a time when global spend per passenger remains under perpetual strain.

Last year’s TR Consumer Forum generated approval ratings in excess of 95% across the board.

Following a well-earned networking and coffee break, morning proceedings conclude with ‘Asia Pacific’s Rebalancing Act – What Next for Travel Retail’s Regional Revenue Juggernaut?’

While regional traffic and connectivity is improving, international passenger traffic growth is lagging behind other regions, exacerbated by slow economic growth in China, changing consumption habits prompting brands and retailers to re-evaluate market positions and investment strategies. With the realisation that DF&TR can no longer rely solely on Chinese traffic, businesses need to work harder than ever to avoid sleepwalking into a disaster.

Where are the next frontier markets to watch and how is the trade catering to consumer demand? The session will feature a strong thrust towards emerging South East Asia travel markets (i.e. Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos) alongside more mature origin travel markets such as China, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines.

Networking lunch will afford a timely window for discussions and meetings, as delegates head into the afternoon’s programme, beginning with a dedicated session on diversity, equity and inclusion concentrating on the sphere of training and recruitment in travel retail.

Clara Susset, Chief Operating Officer, m1nd-set presenting at the 2024 TR Consumer Forum in Dubai, UAE.

Concluding day 2, TRBusiness will platform a first-of-a-kind exchange led by Generation Z-aged panellists to dissect the growing impact of social media on purchasing decisions in the travel retail environment.

As digital natives, Gen Z possess a unique perspective on how social platforms are shaping buying behaviours, preferences and interactions with brands. This will be explored in detail in ‘Gen Z Takeover: Unboxing the Role and Influence of Social Media on decision making’.

A valuable chance to take stock and digest the learnings from day two in the post-conference networking window will lead conveniently into the gala networking and dinner, featuring pre-dinner cocktails.

Day 3: Wednesday 4 June

The concluding day three of the 2025 TR Consumer Forum will begin in earnest with experiential learnings and exchanges in a special session titled, ‘Humanising the Airport Space’ – stay close to TRBusiness.com for more, including news of an exciting partnership…

As the flagbearer for driving sustainability topics in travel retail, TRBusiness is pleased to once again to embed such conversations into this year’s TR Consumer Forum agenda.

With travellers expecting more than simply eco-friendly products – seeking out brands and retailers that are fully committed to amplifying environmental responsibility across all aspects of their operations and value chains – ‘Green Goals: Meeting Shoppers’ Expectations for Sustainable Retail’ will ask how brands and retailers can meet the rising expectations of shoppers at the same time as navigating an often complex regulatory landscape, including across Europe.

Industry experts will take to the stage to discuss trends, practices and innovations shaping sustainable retail experiences the channel – and how legislation and regulatory shifts are/have the potential to impact on operations.

Coffee and networking will then give way to the concluding morning session and a second nationality-focused discussion.

‘Boom or Bust? The Path for US Travel and Duty Free in Turbulent Times’ will assess the thriving US travel market and how this is providing a significant boost to duty free and travel retail sales across airports and other channels.

The 2025 TR Consumer Forum programme will up the ante on the immersive and experiential.

With more Americans traveling abroad and the country welcoming a steady influx of international tourists, the demand for duty free products is booming. However, the effect of President Trump’s trade policies – specifically a new way of tariffs – could create a ripple effect for the travel sector, raising costs for airline manufacturers and airline operations. This panel will assess the implications for travel retail and duty free, from potentially higher ticket prices to a decline in leisure, business and group travel and hotel bookings.

The strength of the US dollar, while favourable for domestic travellers, could discourage international inbound visits, further complicating the travel retail landscape. How long can the travel sector stay insulated from these economic pressures? What do these uncertainties mean for the future of international and cross-border retail? The session will explore both the growth and the potential risks ahead for travel retail and duty free sales.

A final networking lunch will provide welcome refreshment for the final afternoon stretch, with back-to back sessions beginning with ‘Cross-category Collaborations – Expanding the Basket’.

In today’s travel retail landscape, cross-category alliances are emerging as a powerful strategy for building and broadening the consumer shopping basket, driving sales, brand equity and at the same time helping to improve the overall shopping experience. The session will explore how innovative partnerships that leverage brand synergies can help to drive consumer engagement through enhanced product visibility and co-branded campaigns as part of sharpened marketing efforts and customer communications strategies.

TRBusiness Managing Editor Digital & Marketing Faye Bartle addresses delegates at the 2024 TR Consumer Forum.

Wrapping up the comprehensive agenda and as a thrilling finale is a planned showpiece session… Stay tuned for more.

“The unparalleled success of last year’s TR Consumer Forum in Dubai raised the delegate experience bar to new heights,” commented TRBusiness Editorial Director Luke Barras-Hill. “The industry has spoken and we’ve acted. This year, we’re taking the level of immersion and audience interactivity into a new orbit and are fiercely determined and committed to surpassing expectations.

“Today, you’ve been given a taste of what’s to come. TRBusiness and its partners continue to work tirelessly to deliver another standout programme of unmatched, consumer-focused insights, experiential moments and discussion that cuts to the core of settling on actionable, meaningful solutions that benefits the often-missing stakeholder – the end-consumer.

“We look forward to welcoming you in Amsterdam for the 2025 TR Consumer Forum and encourage all delegates to take full advantage now of the early bird rate on registration.”

Early bird tickets until 3 May

Do not miss the chance to be part of a seminal event in this year’s DF&TR events calendar – early bird tickets are available to purchase now at the rate of £699, available until 3 May. The standard rate of £899 will apply from 4 May.

If you haven’t already secured your place, don’t miss your chance to save a massive 22%. Tickets will be available to buy until 27 May.

TRBusiness has secured a special delegate room rate at the Amsterdam Congress Centre at Park Inn by Radisson.

Once officially registered, you will receive a link to book your hotel room within your confirmation. Availability is limited, so we recommend that you secure your room at the special rate as soon as possible.

The TRBusiness and m1nd-set teams look forward to welcoming you all to Amsterdam!

Visit www.TRConsumerForum.com to find out more.

READ MORE: TR Consumer Forum 2025 – ticket sales now open

READ MORE: TR Consumer Forum to take place in Amsterdam

READ MORE: TR Consumer Forum to return on 2-4 June 2025

To view an official image gallery capturing the best of the action, click here.

Thank you to our partners