INTERNATIONAL. The second Virtual Travel Retail Experience, run by The Moodie Davitt Report with support partner FILTR.QINGWA and set for 11-15 October is trending strongly with almost 20 exhibitors signed up and many more at an advanced negotiation stage.
As reported, Qatar Duty Free is returning as a Diamond Partner (and co-host with The Moodie Davitt Report of The QDF Factor, see below), while Philip Morris International (PMI), Diageo and Nasdaq-listed iClick Interactive Asia Group are once again Platinum Partners.
One Red Kite, Peuch & Besse, Stoli, Shannon Retail Innovation, Whyte & Mackay and Zegna are all returning after successful Expo debuts last year and Dubai Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free and Harding are among those companies that will exhibit in the spectacular new Retailer Emporium.
Other confirmed exhibitors include Ahmad Tea and 2.0 Partners with others already agreed and due to be announced in coming days.
Under a unique Loyalty Scheme, returning exhibitors from 2020 receive a -10% discount on 2020 fees if they maintain the same stand tier as last year. Additionally, there is a -10% Early Bird incentive for new and returning exhibitors and sponsors booking by 4 June.
The inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo was the key trade event of the 2020 travel retail calendar, attracting over 4,370 unique visitors, who paid over 20,000 visits to the platform. 124 exhibition stands received more than 183,600 impressions and generated 179,700 content clicks.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS TO VIRTUAL FORMAT
As reported, The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR. QINGWA are making several enhancements to the virtual platform used in 2020.
FILTR.QINGWA will curate the environment and provide end-to-end support and account management for all exhibitors, plus a series of online masterclasses in the lead-up to the event to help exhibitors leverage the virtual platform to the maximum potential.
New features and settings including:
- A single integrated platform
- Mobile-responsiveness
- China-friendly configuration
- Personalised event agenda
- Upgraded chat function, with video calling and screen-sharing features
- Integrated webcasting and live-streaming
- Real-time performance analysis
- 360 Virtual Reality environment capabilities
- Real-time suite access control for Platinum exhibitors
- Private stand set-up previewing
Other key elements of the 2021 programme include:
- A six-week ‘encore’ access for exhibitors and visitors at no additional cost;
- A dedicated Retailer Pavilion for airport, downtown, airline, rail and omnichannel retailers;
- A dedicated Cruise Jetty for cruise and ferry retailers
- An Experiential Arena, allowing companies which do not wish to exhibit, high-impact visibility opportunities;
- An enhanced Knowledge Hub programme over five days, featuring many of the sector’s key decision makers, disruptors and innovators; and a dedicated Food & Beverage (FAB) component.
THE QDF FACTOR IS BACK – BIGGER AND BETTER
In what promises to be one of the big highlights of the 2021 event, The QDF Factor sees a repeat of last year’s acclaimed competition to drive and reward industry innovation through a six-month listing with Qatar Duty Free and a complimentary US$50,000 advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report.
All entrants this year will also receive a complimentary advertisement and related editorial in a special QDF Factor eZine. More details of the 2021 programme including nomination details will be released soon.
The Virtual Travel Retail Experience will also feature the first-ever Travel Retail Superstars Awards & Knowledge Programme, championing frontline staff in our sector who have helped keep a stricken sector going throughout the pandemic.
The event, combining an awards ceremony and a people-centric Knowledge Hub programme focused on the vital role of staff, will be a core element at the event. Categories and nomination procedure will be revealed soon.
Dubai Duty Free is offering two prize draws each week in the run-up to the event, offering the chance for registrants to win US$1 million in the Millennium Millionaire draw or a luxury car in the Finest Surprise draw.
For more information about becoming an exhibitor or sponsor of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021, please contact Irene Revilla, Publisher, The Moodie Davitt Report (Irene@moodiedavittreport.com) or Sarah Genest, Vice President Sales & Events (Sarah@MoodieDavittReport.com).
One year on from curating this spectacular showcase at Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2020, Diageo will again be playing a leadership role at the 2021 event
A dedicated zone for cruise retail will feature in the updated environment for 2021, with Harding among those to take virtual space
Philip Morris International returns as a Platinum Partner to showcase its range of reduced-risk products
A packed Knowledge Hub programme will see the integration of The Moodies – travel retail and aviation’s only social and digital media awards and workshop – together with a dedicated digital, communications and advertising workshop. The Moodies this year will be extended to cover the whole travel ecosystem.
