While the 2023 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference was just shy of attracting a record number of total visitors to Cannes this year, it broke numerous other records and was hailed as a resounding success by attendees.
According to the Tax Free World Association, the event hosted a total of 7,385 visitors –up 23% from 6,017 visitors in 2022 – but down slightly from the 7,531 visitors at the 2019 event, which remains the visitor attendance record.
However, in the key sector of buyers and landlords, the 2023 event set a new record attendance of 2,761 delegates, a significant increase of 15% on the 2019 figure.
There were 1,762 delegates in the audience for the TFWA World Conference, which took place on Monday morning, October 2. The keynote speakers garnered rave reviews from conference attendees, who were discussing aspects of the talks throughout the week.
Keynotes: Cultural differences & political polarization
Erin Meyer, Professor at world-renowned international business school INSEAD, and author of the best-selling book The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business, gave an energetic and dynamic presentation on how the world’s most successful leaders navigate the complexities of cultural differences in a global environment.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward – who is considered one of the most influential journalists of all time – gave a surprisingly candid and informative presentation through a question-and-answer format with conference moderator Stephen Sackur, himself a journalist, broadcaster and host of the long-running BBC World current affairs program HARDTalk.
Woodward spoke of the polarization in the U.S. today and the dysfunction in American politics, Watergate when the Republicans in Congress followed their consciences and refused to back Richard Nixon; late-night calls with President Donald Trump, especially in his last year in office, and other fascinating events that have shaped the modern world.
Both presentations, as well as those of political & trade advisor and economist Dr. Pippa Malmgren and TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen’s State of the Industry, can be found on the TFWA 365 platform.
Record exhibition space
The exhibition occupied a new record footprint of 25,212 sqm, up from 20,751 sqm in 2022 and 23,443 sqm in 2019. There were 450 companies exhibiting, 92 of which were new to the show. Beachside tent pavilions now stretch along the entire back of the Palais des Festivals and beyond.
The TFWA i.lab was relocated to the Golden Village in the center of the Palais. The ideas hub was sponsored by Alipay, JCDecaux and BW Confidential, and featured 15 participating companies.
The Cannes social events were well-attended and confirmed that face-to-face networking opportunities remain a top priority for industry colleagues across all sectors. Events included the TFWA’s Opening Cocktail on Carlton Beach, the TFWA Lounge after-work sessions and the night-time TFWA Lounge, which reached a peak on Wednesday night, with 2,238 guests. Qatar Duty Free was the main partner.
