The Tax Free World Association has announced that the 2020 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference will take place as scheduled in Cannes on September 28th – October 2, albeit with a number of sweeping changes to the pricing, format and structure of what is normally the main business event of the year on the travel retail calendar.
In a letter to members and exhibitors, TFWA wrote: “Our mission is to provide a platform for our industry in good times and bad, and it is with this in mind that the TFWA Board and Management Committee have agreed to take a number of steps that we trust will ensure that the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2020 can provide an opportunity for our exhibitors and visitors to meet and plan the recovery ahead.”
Among the more important changes is a 30% reduction in the cost of Exhibitor stand charges (per square meter), free registration for all delegates, whatever their sector of business, and greater focus on business. The TFWA i.lab will be relocated within the Palais des Festivals.
Along these lines, all leisure and social activities on Sunday have been cancelled, as well as the Premium Evening on Thursday.
The timing and format of the Conference is also being reviewed, said the TFWA announcement, and hotel rates will be significantly reduced.
“This crisis is undoubtedly the most severe our industry has ever faced, and we know that 2020 will prove an exceptionally tough year for all our members and partners. The steps we are taking are designed to help our exhibitors and visitors, and to ensure we can provide the event our industry needs to recover and regroup,” said TFWA President Alain Maingreaud.
