Programme | MEADFA

8:00 - 8:30

Coffee

8:30 - 8:35

Welcome from moderators

Dermot Davitt, Vice Chairman and Editorial Director, The Moodie Report
John Rimmer, Conference, Research & Corporate Affairs Director

8:35 - 8:45

Welcome address

Sean Staunton

8:45 - 9:30

Opening address

H.E. Akel E. Biltaji

One of Jordan’s most respected statesmen and former Minister for Tourism, Mayor Biltaji will address Jordan’s plans to build on its status as one of the region’s leading tourist destinations.

9:30 - 9:40

A year in travel retail: Highlights of 2015 in the Middle East and Africa

9:40 - 10:30

Understanding the connected traveller

Terry Kane

Social media and comparison sites are playing an increasingly influential role in the travel industry, and on the choices and behaviour of the traveller. How can the travel retail industry turn this trend to its advantage? Terry Kane, Head of Auto, Finance, Telco and Travel, MENA Region at Facebook, will share his vision of the future of travel and of the connected traveller, and the opportunities for related industries.

10:30 - 11:15

Coffee break

Sponsored by:

11:15 - 12:30

Workshop A: Inflight 2.0

Clive Jones

An exploration of the current issues facing the inflight market, including the following topics:

• Using new technology to better engage travellers
• “Big data” and the potential for more targeted promotional initiatives
• Product range
• Communication of the offer
• Crew incentivisation

Speakers at the workshop will include Tourvest Inflight Retail Services Chief Executive Officer Clive Jones; and Qatar Airways Inflight Operations Manager Eoin Martin Cox.

Please note: workshops A&B run simultaneously

11:15 - 12:30

Workshop B: Technology: the future of retail

New tools now in development could revolutionise the way in which travel retailers communicate with their customer.

The use of “beacon” technology, for example, together with wifi passenger tracking, could enable more effective and personalised targeting of customers with tailored promotions, and facilitate loyalty programmes. This workshop will hear from technology providers on the true potential of new in-store tools.

Speakers at the workshop will include SITA Product Manager Alan Glasby; and M2Mobi General Manager Michiel Munneke.

Please note: workshops A&B run simultaneously

12:30 - 13:00

The waking giant: Saudi Arabia

Pedro J. Castro Benitez

A few years after the opening of the country’s first duty free outlets, how is one of the region’s potential powerhouses performing? Featuring data and insight from World Duty Free Group International Operations Director Pedro Castro

13:00 - 14:00

Trading in a volatile world

In a wide-ranging discussion, senior executives from the region’s leading retailers will address the issues having the biggest impact on the regional industry today, including exchange rate fluctuations and impact on pricing, political instability, changes to customer demographics and travel patterns, and more.

Featuring Qatar Duty Free and Qatar Airways Inflight Duty Free Senior Vice President Keith Hunter; World Duty Free Group International Operations Director Pedro Castro; Tourvest Ground Duty Free CEO Blacky Komani; and Aer Rianta International Chief Operating Officer Gerry Crawford and Dubai Duty Free Manager – Purchasing & Vendor Support Sharon Beecham.

14:00 - 18:00

Lunch followed by afternoon networking

Sponsored by:

DAY 3

24 November

8:30 - 9:00

Coffee

9:00 - 9:40

Keynote Address:

Tim Sebastian

One of the region’s most respected voices, founder of the BBC’s Doha Debates and now chair of The Arab Debates on Deutsche Welle TV, Tim Sebastian has a wealth of experience of reporting on the Middle East and Europe. He will give his vision of the geopolitical climate in the Middle East and the prospects for growth in uncertain times.

9:40 - 10:30

Young Africa: Driving the continent’s future

Mark Essien

Featuring Hotels.ng founder Mark Essien and SoleRebels creator Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu.

Two of Africa’s most successful young entrepreneurs discuss the challenges ahead of the tourism and luxury goods businesses across the continent

10:30 - 11:15

Coffee break

11:15 - 12:00

A new era in Jordan

Kjeld Binger

The new Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is designed to be more than just an airport; it was built to mark “a new era in Jordan’s aviation industry and economic development”. The CEO of operator Airport International Group, Kjeld Binger, will tell the QAIA story so far, and reveal plans to drive growth at a challenging time for the regional aviation business

12:00 - 12:45

Meeting the challenge

This session will feature updates on the most pressing regulatory and other issues facing the duty free & travel retail industry in the Middle East and Africa today, including the defence of tobacco sales, packaging, air passenger rights and other topics.

12:45 - 13:45

Targeting tomorrow’s traveller

The closing discussion will bring together leading airports, retailers and brands to explore how the regional industry is adapting to the changing needs and expectations of a new generation of travellers. Speakers will include Queen Alia International Airport Commercial Director Deema Anani; and ATÜ Duty Free General Manager Ersan Arcan.

13:45 - 13:50

Closing remarks

Sean Staunton

14:00

Lunch