The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has announced a redesign of its Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, scheduled for May 10–14, 2026, at Marina Bay Sands.
The refreshed format introduces a category-focused layout and two new dedicated zones to address shifting consumer trends in the travel retail sector.
The 2026 event will move to a more intuitive structure across two levels. Level 1 will host Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Fashion, while Basement 2 will house Wines, Spirits, Confectionery, and Tobacco. Central hubs in each section will now feature high-impact LED screens for brand messaging and integrated meeting points to improve visitor flow. Major global brands, including Estée Lauder, Mondelez, and Lacoste, have already confirmed their participation in the new format.
The transformation is anchored by two major initiatives: the World of Innovation, a dedicated technology and retail-concept hub featuring an amphitheatre for workshops and product reveals; and Taste of the World, a gastronomy-focused space designed to capitalise on the fact that F&B now accounts for 20 per cent of airport dwell time. This multipurpose space will be integrated into the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge and feature live cooking demonstrations to attract Gen Z and Millennial-focused brands.
The event programme includes high-profile networking sessions at Gardens by the Bay and Alkaff Mansion. A welcome cocktail will be held on Sunday, May 10, at the Flower Dome, followed by lounge evenings on May 11–12 and a closing event on Wednesday, May 13. Visitor registration is set to open in mid-February 2026.
