INTERNATIONAL. More leading names have signed up as exhibitors for the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, as support for the event continues to be encouraging.

Among the latest names to join the line-up are the travel retail division of leading South African wines & spirits house Distell, Canadian beverage group Molson Coors, emerging brand agency Shannon Retail Innovation plus leading Out of Home advertising players oOh!Media and Talon Outdoor division Plexus, each of which take their place in the omnichannel zone of the Exhibition Hub. More partners will be named shortly.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register).

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has passed the milestone of 100 exhibitor companies, which together represent several hundred brands and service companies across the industry. Exhibitor partners small and large are being drawn by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display. There is a dedicated Expo and Media support package for all brands.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo promises to be a memorable showcase and experience

Distell Global Travel Retail Managing Director Luke Maga said: “As we navigate through one of the toughest periods in the history of travel retail, we welcome the opportunity to connect with our partners and introduce our NPD through the pioneering Virtual Expo platform. The event is a necessary initiative in these uncertain times and follows on nicely from the virtual Bunnahabhain tasting that we proudly hosted in June with CDF-Lagardère.

“Distell Global Travel Retail is fully committed to travel retail and we look forward to embracing the possibilities that the Expo will offer us as we look to expand throughout ASIAPAC & Europe.”

Other exhibitors have highlighted the strong showcase opportunity provided by the Virtual Expo, among them French cosmeceutical company Nuxe, recently named as a partner. Nuxe Global Travel Retail Director Marion Bruimaud said: “I believe the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a critical component in the industry’s efforts to restore as much normality as possible to these entirely abnormal times.

“Our product portfolio, especially our travel retail exclusives, have been outstandingly successful in travel retail channels. The opportunity to use this digital platform to continue to interact with our buyers safely and effectively, and to showcase our portfolio across the global travel retail community, is something we at Nuxe did not want to miss.

“The overall package is also part of the attraction for us. Access to the event’s Knowledge Hub, with a symposium, category workshops and new consumer research and visitor analytics bring added value to what I believe is going to be a truly memorable experience.”

Alongside the Exhibition Hub, the Symposium Hall and Workshop Rooms will host industry dialogue around the theme ‘Road to Recovery’, exploring how the travel retail channel will (or should) look in the future

Stephan Schneider, Sales Director Travel Retail at premium confectionery brand Cavendish & Harvey said that “unusual situations call for unusual and bold measures”. He added that the inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a “unique platform” to showcase brands and new products and to connect with existing and potential partners.

“Cavendish & Harvey is a global brand and our travel retail business is one of our most dynamic channels. So, we not only look forward to experiencing new dimensions of exhibitor trade fairs and we are delighted to foster our relationships with our partners and friends in travel retail.”

Joe Harvey, Founder of Shannon Retail Innovation, said: “As a new business Shannon Retail Innovation really welcomes this great opportunity to be part of the Virtual Expo 2020. We look forward to introducing our great new brands to everyone in travel retail and meeting you all from around the globe.”

Representing Plexus, The Talon Group Managing Partner Adrian Skelton said: “As the consumer journey through airports continues to evolve in a post Covid-19 world, we are looking forward to showcasing the Plexus & Grand Visual value proposition at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”

Representing another leading Out of Home player, oOh!media Chief Commercial and Product Officer, Robbie Dery commented: “I’m delighted to be taking part in this year’s Virtual Travel Retail Expo after what was such a positive experience in (Trinity) 2019. Now more than ever, it’s important that as an industry we remain connected, share ideas and discuss the key issues to ensure we continue to support the aviation industry through what is a very challenging time.”

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium, complete with Exhibition Hub, Knowledge Hub (Symposium and Workshops) and Experience Hub (an immersive engagement zone).

As evidenced by an outstanding line-up of exhibitors, it is a premium event for a premium audience. The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October and is set to be the defining travel retail industry happening in 2020.

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners. Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is presenting those registered Expo visitors with multiple prospects to win grand weekly prizes in its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws (click here to register).