Key topics revealed as strong AAA Retail & Commercial Forum programme takes shape

AUSTRALIA. The organisers of the fourth Australian Airports Association (AAA) Retail & Commercial Forum have revealed key topics to be addressed at this year’s event in Sydney on 21-23 July, as a compelling programme takes shape.

Hosted and co-organised by a partnership between the AAA, The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report, the fast-growing Forum, now in its fourth year, will be held at Sofitel Wentworth in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, with support from this year’s Host Airport, Sydney Airport.

Speakers and panellists from across multiple industry sectors will share their perspectives on how new benchmarks can be set across the airport commercial business.

On 21 July, the popular Ground Transport Forum returns, at which a variety of subjects critical to the ground transport sector will be addressed. These include the use of AI in ground transport; the role of technology in enhancing the value of car parking and a discussion of parking demand and yield generation.

Presentation of a white paper on the car rental market will be another core focus on the day, as will discussions about the future for taxi, rideshare and public transport options at airports. The opportunities and challenges presented by the emerging advanced air mobility market will also come under the spotlight.

The Retail & Commercial Forum begins on 22 July. Among the highlight sessions planned for that day will be an insightful presentation on spending trends and assessment of the future of transactions from a leading payments provider.

The travel & tourism and spending opportunity represented by the fast-growing Indian consumer market is among several big-picture themes that will be addressed in detail, leaning on the latest data, with a panel discussion to hear perspectives from India and Australia.

Other sessions will focus on data analytics and the airport hotel market, while 2025 will see the return of the anticipated Regional Airports Benchmarking study masterclass, with an expanded remit to encompass airports managing up to two million annual passenger movements.

In what promises to be another highlight, Host Sydney Airport will update delegates on its commercial plans, performance and outlook, while separately, another major global airport company will address its commercial priorities and perspectives.

The final day, 23 July, will be led off by an exciting keynote presentation and in-depth panel discussion covering the food & beverage market, with a focus on the future of airport food courts.

Other topics that will come under the spotlight include a focus on specialty retail, airport advertising, the commercial value of integrated terminals, the challenge of rising fit-out costs and the opportunities in landside property.

The Forum sessions will also be complemented by video showcasing best practice in commercial activities around the world, produced by The Moodie Davitt Report.

The AAA Retail & Commercial Forum brings together all the key players in the non-aeronautical industry, including airports from Australia and New Zealand, duty free operators, specialty retail operators, food & beverage (F&B) operators, foreign exchange operators, advertising concessionaires, ground transport providers and various advisers and suppliers.

The AAA Retail & Commercial Forum website can be accessed here.

For speaking opportunities, please contact Ivo Favotto at ifavotto@themercuriusgroup.com or Dermot Davitt at dermot@moodiedavittreport.com

*Early bird prices are open to the first 100 attendees that register, or those who book before 30 May. Click here for more details.