TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026: a preview

Pre-registration for TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026 closes on September 3, 2026. As the premiere event on the global duty free and travel retail calendar, it is where the industry gathers in Cannes, bringing together leading brands, retailers, transport operators, border stores and business partners from across the international market. 

Leading brands and newcomers

Among the brands making their debut in Cannes this year are Crocs, LOEWE, Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, Eau Thermale Avène, Bioderma, Anua, Molinari, Atyab Al Marshoud and A L’OLIVIER. The line-up reflects the breadth and diversity of the industry, spanning beauty and fragrance, fashion, gourmet food, tobacco, wines and spirits.

TFWA member exhibitors will benefit from enhanced visibility through Brand Pages, now accessible directly from the Exhibitors and Members sections of tfwa.com. Members are encouraged to create a Brand Page or update their existing profile to help visitors discover their brands before, during and after the event.

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Conference line-up

Kicking off the event, the TFWA World Conference takes place on Monday, Sept. 28, from 09:00 to 11:45 in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. Under the theme Shaping the World of Travel Retail, TFWA President Sarah Branquinho will open the conference with her state of the industry address; she will be joined by David McWilliams, Gilles Roucolle and Charles Duhigg to share their perspectives on the key forces underpinning the future of our industry. The Conference will be moderated by Stephen Sackur. 

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Workshops and networking opportunities

A comprehensive workshop program at the Jean Mineur Auditorium will examine the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of duty free and travel retail. On Tuesday,  Sept. 29, Pierre-Alexandre Koch and Denise van Wijk of Oliver Wyman will present findings from an exclusive TFWA study on future opportunities for customer growth, while Marina Giuliano of Amadeus will explore the forces reshaping global mobility and where the next wave of travel demand could emerge. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Anna Marchesini of m1nd-set will join industry leaders to examine changing traveler behaviors and opportunities for future growth in fashion, followed by Victor Dijon and Alex Liu of Kearney, who will present findings from an exclusive TFWA study on how AI can turn consumer data into growth. For more details, see the event program on tfwa.com.

Networking will feature the Opening Cocktail on Carlton Beach on Sunday, Sept. 27, officially launching the week. Throughout the event, the TFWA Lounge will provide a setting for after-work and evening networking, while the popular ONE2ONE meeting service will facilitate pre-arranged business meetings on exhibitor stands across the week.

TFWA Start up Day is back on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 9am to 11.30am. Alongside event sponsor Mondelez International World Travel Retail, solutions and services companies such as Altavia Travel Retail, blynk, CXG, DWS, Illuminete x Trinax and Voiceback Analytics will present and pitch their latest innovations in the Press Centre (Level 1) of Palais des Festivals.

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Purpose-driven initiatives

TFWA is again reinforcing its commitment to social impact through two purpose-driven initiatives. Delegates will be invited to invest some energy and reinforce the industry’s collective support for The Moodie Davitt Report’s #KickCancerThon, a fundraising campaign for cancer research and awareness inspired by the late Sinead Moodie, by cycling on stationary bikes installed in front of the Palais des Festivals throughout the week. Collectively generated kilometers cycled will convert to financial contributions from TFWA to the renowned cancer research program at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, where Sinead was treated for NUT Carcinoma lung cancer.

Additionally, the fourth edition of ‘Yes We Cannes!’ Handisport will promote inclusion and accessibility through adaptive sports activities in the Allées de la Liberté, adjacent to Cannes City Hall. This event reflects TFWA’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the wider community. Strong partners throughout the week

TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026 is supported by a strong network of partners whose presence will be felt throughout the week. Qatar Duty Free returns as Main Partner of the TFWA Lounge, anchoring one of the event’s key meeting and networking spaces at the Carlton Beach. A curated group of brand partners, including Haribo, Heineken, Lakrids by Bülow, Liviko Crafter’s, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (presenting its Drink More Water campaign), Pringles, Santa Margherita, Seeberger, Storck, Walker’s Shortbread and Wonderful Pistachios, will also contribute to the Lounge experience. Their participation enhances the overall delegate offer, creating a high-quality environment for informal meetings and exchange.