Michael Payne, President & CEO at the International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS), remains confident that the 2022 Summit of the Americas will receive a level of industry support reflective of the hard work invested in a refreshed programme. However, he acknowledges in conversation with Luke Barras-Hill that continued uncertainty around the health situation means there will likely be more late registrations this year than at previous trade events. 

At the time of interview  (late February) Payne confirms that exhibition space has sold out [42 companies are due to exhibit – Ed]. A strong showing from the spirits and confectionery categories is evident, plus some new exhibitors. Though beauty companies were notably absent. Commenting on the format, Payne says: “It is designed is such a way that the session and exhibition space are intermingled so people can walk from one to the other relatively easily.It’s big enough and has an intimate feel to it.”

Buyer sign-ups have been healthy, TRBusiness hears, with delegations expected from the likes of DFS, DFA, Dufry, ARI, 3Sixty and Heinemann Americas.

IAADFS has poured energy into curating a strong series of educational sessions during the week (for detailed information on the programme, see TRBusiness.com). This includes a keynote address from Lagardère Travel Retail Chairman and CEO Dag Rasmussen.

As part of the conference agenda, TRBusiness will host a special regional edition of the TR Consumer Forum at 09:00 – 10:30 (local time) on Tuesday 12 April. The session will explore the latest consumer research and traffic forecasts courtesy of m1nd-set, setting the scene for a high-powered panel discussion with a number of influential stakeholders.

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