Under the theme Shaping the World of Travel Retail, the TFWA World Conference will take place on Monday, September 28, from 9:00 to 11:45 and explore current themes redefining the industry. Internationally renowned journalist and presenter Stephen Sackur will return as moderator.
TFWA President Sarah Branquinho will open the TFWA World Conference with a state of the industry address by. She will reflect on the industry’s current position and the opportunities emerging amid economic uncertainty, evolving traveler expectations and significant shifts in global commerce.
The first session will welcome economist and bestselling author David McWilliams, returning for an exploration of the geopolitical and economic realities affecting international business. As globalization enters a new and more fragmented phase, the session will examine the impact of shifting trade dynamics and political instability on industries built around openness and mobility.
Looking at the future of travel, Gilles Roucolle, Managing Director and Head of Industries at Oliver Wyman and author of Transformations in Mobility, will explore how airports and other transport hubs are evolving in response to technological innovation, sustainability and changing traveler expectations. As mobility becomes smarter, more connected and increasingly experience-driven, the discussion will consider how commercial spaces may transform, and what this means for the future relationship between travelers, brands and destinations.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, will conclude the conference, explore the currents shaping human performance and behavior, and how these shifts are influencing the consumer of the future. At a time when attention, habits and decision-making are increasingly influenced by technology and constant connectivity, understanding why people behave the way they do has become essential for an industry seeking more relevant relationships with travelers.
Commenting on this year’s event, TFWA President Sarah Branquinho said:
“The travel retail industry has always demonstrated resilience and an extraordinary ability to adapt and evolve. As we look towards the future, it is more important than ever to understand the broader forces influencing our business and the changing needs of travelers. The 2026 World Exhibition & Conference has been designed to provide exactly that perspective, bringing together world-class thinkers to share knowledge and provide valuable insight for the decisions ahead.”
For more information and to pre-register, visit the TFWA website and follow official channels for updates.
