As the airport industry continues to evolve, staying ahead requires not just innovation, but a space to exchange ideas and strategies. Enter ACI Europe’s Commercial and Retail Conference: NonAeroVision 2024 in Helsinki, Finland on October 23rd. A one-day conference reimagined, revived and chaired by industry experts Philipp Ahrens, Senior VP Centermanagement, Vienna Airport and Martijn Steur, Managing Director, Kinetic Consultancy. Philipp brings over 28 years of experience across various facets of the airport sector, including operations, planning, consulting and commercial development. Martijn’s extensive international career has made him a seasoned authority in non-aviation and travel retail within the airport industry.
Quite simply, they’ve brought it back because they recognise its value – a unique forum where the future of airport commerce is not just discussed, but shaped.
The conference itself is crafted to deliver lasting impact from the very beginning. It opens with an in-depth state of the industry address by ACI Europe Director General, Olivier Jankovec, setting the stage for a day filled with valuable insights. Following this, Ibrahim Ibrahim, a renowned expert in retail design, will present a keynote designed to inspire and challenge conventional thinking.
The agenda is as relevant as it is dynamic, covering topics such as the rise of hybrid F&B concepts, the shifting demands of Gen Z consumers and the innovative business models that are setting new standards for sustainability. Each session is led by industry experts and visionaries who not only understand the trends but are actively driving them.
Special recognition and thanks are due to Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, for his guidance and efforts not only in shaping the event but also in providing invaluable assistance.
With its thoughtful revival, NonAeroVision 2024 is poised to become a cornerstone event in the industry calendar. It’s an opportunity not just to learn, but to connect, collaborate and lead. NonAeroVision 2024 will provide a unique opportunity to engage with top-tier professionals, secure valuable insights and bring home ideas that will elevate your business.
To provide deeper insights into what makes NonAeroVision 2024 now a must-attend event, I had the opportunity to sit down with Philipp and Martijn. In their interview, they share their thoughts on the evolving landscape of airport commerce, the significance of this conference’s revival, and what attendees can expect from this year’s event. Their perspective will offer a first-hand look at the ideas and experiences that have shaped the agenda and will undoubtedly inspire those considering joining this pivotal industry gathering. More will be revealed soon.
Peter Marshall (PM): How significant is the return of the NonAeroVision annual conference?
Philipp Ahrens (PA): The return of the NonAeroVision annual conference is a moment of celebration for the entire European airport industry community. After a hiatus, bringing this conference back into the calendar signifies not only a revival of a critical platform for innovation and collaboration but also the resilience and determination of industry leaders. NonAeroVision 2024 really marks a pivotal moment for us, as we reconnect with our peers and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in airport commerce. This ACI Europe Commercial Forum Conference has always been a very successful one prior to the pandemic and our membership was always eager and supportive to bring it back into the limelight. While this was a challenge as such, the enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that this conference represents are truly inspiring and made us push for the re-start.
PM: What were some challenges in reinstating the NonAeroVision conference?
Martijn Steur (MS): Reinstating the NonAeroVision conference presented several challenges, primarily related to aligning schedules, securing commitments from top-tier speakers, and ensuring that the event would meet the high expectations of its members. Additionally, it required careful consideration to deliver valuable content in a world where digital and physical experiences are increasingly integrated. Bringing this conference back was no small feat, but the challenges only strengthened our resolve. We knew how important it was to our members to have this forum for exchange and innovation. The outcome is a testament to our collective dedication and vision as well as the backing and strong support of our members.
PM: So what sets NonAeroVision 2024 apart from other conferences with a similar theme?
PA: NonAeroVision 2024 is unique in its sharp focus on pioneering next-generation consumer experiences specifically within the airport industry. This event zeroes in on the specific challenges and opportunities airports face in the non-aeronautical revenue space. The conference is also distinguished by its blend of cutting-edge content, from hybrid F&B concepts to the influence of Gen Z, and its commitment to have interactive sessions. What makes NonAeroVision truly stand out is our ability to curate content that is not only relevant but transformative. For example, F&B is becoming even more relevant with increasing importance for airports, not only commercially but also driving the guest experience. With this conference we can manage to also integrate this stream, covering even more needs for our members, partners and friends. Our sessions are designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to lead in a competitive market – from experts, for experts.
PM: Can you review the format and agenda and provide details of the speakers and panellists?
MS: For now NonAeroVision 2024 is structured as a one-day, intensive conference, featuring four, carefully curated sessions designed to provide maximum value to attendees. The event begins with a comprehensive state of the airport industry address by Olivier Jankovec, setting the stage for the day’s discussions. This is followed by a keynote from Ibrahim Ibrahim, a leading figure in retail design and the author of “Future-Ready Retail”, who will also be conducting an exclusive book giveaway.
The agenda includes panels that cover emerging trends such as hybrid F&B concepts, the growing influence of GenZ on consumer behaviour, and innovative business models that address economic and environmental sustainability. As conference chairs, our goal is to ensure that every delegate walks away with actionable insights that will elevate their business operations. We’ve assembled a stellar line-up of speakers who are at the forefront of their fields, ensuring that this conference is not only informative but also truly impactful.
PM: What additional announcements can we expect at NonAeroVision 2024?
PA: While the primary focus of NonAeroVision 2024 is on delivering high-impact sessions and discussions, attendees can also look forward to some exciting presentations and discussions. These may include new partnerships, initiatives aimed at further integrating sustainability into airport operations, and perhaps the introduction of innovative technologies or business models that are set to revolutionise non-aeronautical revenue streams. Additionally, there may be announcements related to future events, ensuring that the dialogue and collaboration sparked at this conference continue throughout the year.
We feel that NonAeroVision is just the beginning. We are setting the stage for ongoing innovation and collaboration that will drive the future of our industry. We envision the future conferences to hold more relevant topics for the industry, such as parking and real estate, for which we now lack the time. Additionally, we remain keen to investigate collaboration with other established conference organisers to ensure an even bigger positive impact for the industry and our members.
PM: Gentleman, thank you. All of us at TRunblocked.com are looking forward to covering the conference and being first media partner.
For reference, everyone can check out aci-europe.org and register for NonAeroVision 2024 today.
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