Many of the most important conversations in business take place over a glass or on the golf course, and at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference there will be plenty of opportunities to meet new friends and cement more established business relationships.
Alongside the more formal networking that will take place on the stands and in the meeting rooms, the addition of even more highly entertaining networking and sporting events means there is no shortage of chances to mix and mingle with people from all corners of the duty free and travel retail industry.
The opening cocktail party at Cannes’ prestigious Carlton Hotel on Sunday night is a not-to-be-missed diary date. The climax of this elegant event will be a stunning firework display over the sea, courtesy of the City of Cannes. For those who like their networking more chilled, delegates’ favourite Cannes nightspot, The Scene, will have a breath-taking new beach location. The grand finale of the busy week will be Le Premium Evening on Thursday, where delegates will be able to savour exquisite cuisine prepared by Michelin starred chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, while enjoying a spectacular dance programme from Cuba’s Ballet Revolución.
Whether delegates prefer their leisure adrenaline-fuelled or would rather something a little more laid-back, on Sunday morning there’s a wealth of choice of activities to get them in the right frame of mind for the busy week ahead.
An exciting addition to the leisure programme is a regatta, sponsored by Paul & Shark. This team contest will see participants competing to sail the Bay of Cannes aboard professionally skippered dinghies. Another new feature on the leisure programme is a yoga class overlooking the ocean. Sponsored by Rituals, this relaxing session will be a great way to refresh mind, body and spirit. Both now firm fixtures on the Cannes calendar, the golf tournament, organised by Gebr. Heinemann and Estée Lauder on Sunday, and the very popular pétanque competition, sponsored by Haribo, will make a welcome return. And once again, the charity run will see delegates taking to the pavements of La Croisette to jog (or walk!) while raising money for TFWA Care.
“People like doing business with people they like,” says TFWA vice president, marketing Carla Guiducci. “The TFWA World Exhibition & Conference will provide plenty of occasions to strengthen the business relationships that are the bedrock of long-term prosperity.”
