Blockbuster extra-curricular programme for AAA Retail & Commercial Forum takes shape

AUSTRALIA. The Australian Airports Association (AAA) Retail & Commercial Forum, scheduled for 21-23 July in Sydney, will include a blockbuster programme of seven extra-curricular activities. These will provide social interaction, networking opportunities, seminars and site visits. They sit alongside three days of strong conference presentations and discussion panels.

The Forum, a collaboration between the AAA, The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report, is in its fourth year and focuses on promoting the growth and development of retail and commercial revenues for airports and concessionaires across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region.

The extra-curricular programme includes seven events taking place before, during and post the event to give delegates the opportunity to maximise the value of their visits to Sydney.

On Sunday 20 July, from 1500-1700, a Sydney Harbour Cruise sponsored by Telsim will take place (limited availability).

On Monday 21 July, from 0730 to 0930, a Ground Transport Tour of Sydney Airport begins a day of sessions around key ground transport themes. This is hosted by Sydney Airport and sponsored by Swissport.

Also on Monday the event’s Welcome Networking Drinks, in partnership with CAVU, allow delegates to meet in an informal setting from 1830 to 2030.

On Tuesday 22 July, Heinemann Oceania will host an invitation-only Trinity Breakfast Seminar from 0730, at which partnerships between the industry Trinity of airports, duty-free retailers and brand owners will be discussed.

The Gala Dinner & AAA Retail & Commercial Forum Awards also take place on Tuesday (1900-22.30), supported by Sydney Airport.

Following the Gala, the popular After Party will again by hosted by advertising specialist Bishopp.

On Thursday 24 July, from 0900 to 1100, a Retail Tour of Sydney T1 will be hosted by Heinemann Oceania (limited availability).

AAA CEO Simon Westaway said: “We are conscious that both airports and the airport commercial community make a big investment of time and money to come to the Forum, so we are keen to pack in as much value as we can. The extra-curricular programme has something for everyone.”

Telsim CEO Anosh Sebastian said: “Sydney Airport is the flagship of Telsim’s airport operations, where we operate seven stores alongside our sister company Sim Planet. Telsim is delighted to sponsor the Sydney Harbour Cruise event as a gesture of our support for Sydney Airport and to offer Forum delegates the chance to experience one of the true highlights of any visit to Sydney.”

Swissport Head of Transport Services Tony Ralph said: “Sydney Airport are an important partner for Swissport and efficient ground transport operations are important to us, so we are very happy to be support the Forum with the provision of buses to support the ground transport tour.”

CAVU VP for Growth Craig Pring said: “ CAVU is coming back for its second year as sponsor of the welcome networking drinks. It’s a fantastic event that brings everyone together and affords great networking opportunities.”

Heinemann Oceania Managing Director George Tsoukalas said: “We have been sponsors of this event since its inception but since it is now coming to our home city, we wanted to do more to show our support for Sydney Airport and our industry. The Trinity Breakfast Seminar will give us an opportunity to talk collectively to key brands in the duty-free space while the retail tour of Sydney Airport T1 will give people who may not fly internationally out of Sydney an opportunity to see Oceania’s biggest duty-free operation and the best retail programme of any terminal in the region.”

Sydney Airport Group Executive Commercial Mark Zaouk said: “We’re proud to be the host airport for the 2025 AAA conference and sponsor of the Gala Dinner. The conference plays an important role in bringing together industry leaders to share insights, exchange ideas and drive innovation across the airport commercial sector.

“As part of the conference, we’re also pleased to offer a ground transport tour, giving delegates the opportunity to see first-hand the key developments taking place at Sydney Airport.”

Bishopp Outdoor Advertising Commercial Director Nick McAlpine said: “We love hosting the Gala Dinner After Party. This will be our third year supporting this function. It’s a relaxed and convivial way to unwind from the highs of the Gala Dinner and enjoy some hospitality and the company of industry colleagues.”

Registration to attend the Forum is open via the AAA website at this link.