Speaker Biograghy: Melvin is Founder and Managing Director of Aircommerce, and a pioneer in the field of airport commerce, elevating the airport and customer experience. He is an evangelist for travel retail's uniqueness as the ultimate channel for creating memorable commercial experiences. His foresight into consumer trends and his travel retail experience – including Heineken International and as Philips' Head of Global Travel Retail – have led to unique partnerships combining retail sales with storytelling, brand marketing and the integration of technology. Melvin holds an MScBA degree in International Strategic Marketing and is an alumnus of Erasmus University/Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), and of FGV EAESP, São Paulo, Brazil.


Day 2 - 21 March
Session: Commercial Development, Retail & Concessions

14:30 - 15:00 - Airport retail's future is not what it used to be
Synopsis: The future of airports is not what it used to be. Customer journeys and customer expectations of commercial environments are changing. Current generations of airport passengers are avid users of digital shopping tools. They are buying, comparing and sharing online. They expect real-life shopping areas to be digitally enhanced, entertaining and full of surprises. Airports need to adjust to these changes, rediscovering their true strengths and commercial advantages in a world where on- and offline retail are rapidly converging.

Audience will learn:

• Future of airport commerce
• New revenue streams
• The power and impact of airport experiences
• What every airport can do to become more future focused
• What passengers are looking for when spending their 'golden hour' at the airport