The TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026 attracted a record 8,011 visitors from 185 countries during the event held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1. The event hosted 482 exhibiting companies over 26,266 square meters of exhibition space, including 54 first-time exhibitors.
Business Meetings and Start-Up Day Facilitate Industry Connections
Nearly 2,000 meetings were conducted through the ONE2ONE meeting service, connecting exhibitors and industry professionals throughout the week. Start-Up Day, supported by Mondelēz, spotlighted 10 emerging companies, advancing innovation in travel retail.
Conference Attendance and Workshops Offer Industry Insights
The opening TFWA World Conference session recorded 1,517 attendees, featuring a State of the Industry address from TFWA President Sarah Branquinho. Four workshops
drew a combined 278 participants, with moderated discussions delivering focused knowledge on key sector challenges and opportunities.
Governance Updates: New Management Committee and Board Elected
On September 30, the Management Committee was elected, followed by the Board appointments on October 1, each with a two-year mandate. Board members include Vice-President Finance Jean-Pierre Bombet (Spa Development / Be Relax), Vice-President Corporate Priscilla Haibe de Walque (Payot), Vice-President Commercial Irene Giatra (Estée Lauder Companies), Vice-President Marketing Alessio Crivelli (EssilorLuxottica), and Vice-President Conference & Research Sam Gerber (WorldConnect).
Networking Events and Informal Engagement Foster Industry Collaboration
The Opening Cocktail at Carlton Beach attracted over 3,000 guests, while the TFWA Lounge finale welcomed more than 2,700 visitors. These events provided
valuable opportunities for delegates to reconnect and establish new partnerships beyond the exhibition floor.
Social Initiatives Promote Inclusion and Health Causes
TFWA joined Stade Toulousain Handisport and m1nd-set to organize the ‘Yes We Cannes!’ Handisport event, emphasizing inclusion and accessibility in adaptive sports. Delegates also participated in the #KickCancerThon, cumulatively cycling 1,502 kilometers on stationary bikes outside the Palais des Festivals. TFWA donated €15,022 to cancer research at The Royal Marsden Hospital as part of this initiative.
Partnership Renewal Secures Cannes as Event Venue Through 2030
On September 28, TFWA renewed its agreement with SEMEC to maintain Cannes as the host city for the World Exhibition & Conference until at least 2030. The next edition is
scheduled for October 3-7, 2027.
Leadership Perspectives on Event Outcomes and Industry Focus
TFWA leadership highlighted the event’s role in strengthening business relationships and fostering innovation. Pernod Ricard’s Greg Ford noted the quality of meetings as particularly constructive. TFWA Managing Director Charlène Tourneaux emphasized the workshops’ value in delivering practical insights. Estée Lauder’s Irene Giatra pointed to the importance of informal networking opportunities. TFWA President Sarah Branquinho remarked on the event setting a new attendance record for the second consecutive year and stressed the need for collaboration to align travel retail growth with traveler expectations.
