Following its continued success in Hamburg, the Passenger Experience Conference – a conference and networking forum for discussing strategic issues surrounding cabin innovation, consumer expectations and strategies for profitability within the cabin – is set to make its debut in Seattle this October, taking place ahead of the launch of the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) Americas.
According to organizer Reed Exhibitions, the one-day conference will unite experts and thought leaders from airlines, airframers, OEMs, suppliers and design organizations responsible for overseeing the cabin and enhancing the passenger experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to debate topical issues around the passenger experience, as well as meet and network with key industry stakeholders.
Held on October 14, a day in advance of WTCE Americas, the conference is set to build on the success of the Hamburg event in addressing contemporary issues surrounding cabin innovation, consumer expectations and strategies for profitability within the cabin – but with a specific focus on the Americas market.
The day will begin with morning plenary sessions for all attendees, followed by afternoon sessions, all with a different industry focus that delegates can move between. In the morning, the first presentation will look at tomorrow’s world in air travel, providing three perspectives from design, travel and technology on the future for consumer experience in air travel. Senior representatives from Google and design consultants SeymourPowell will present their perspectives on the topic. After a short break, the session will resume and take the form of a roundtable discussion on shaping the future of passenger engagement, featuring a panel discussion including Jenny Reugamer, associate creative director at Teague, and Jean-Marie Daout, VP of Boeing development at Zodiac Aerospace.
Following lunch and networking, the program will split into three simultaneous breakout sessions, each with its own subject, discussion topic and Q&A.
Breakout session one will look at inflight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity, while session two will delve into the logistics of the cabin and seatback economics, while breakout session three will focus on the future of hospitality and service within the Americas market.
Speakers for the ‘Hospitality and Service’ breakout session include Stathis Kefallonitis, founder and president of Branding.Aero, who will discuss bonding with airline brands; Simon de Montfort Walker, president and MD of eGate Solutions, who will discuss big data and the opportunities for onboard sales; and Sally Glenn Lee of JetBlue, who will look at what service means in the Americas Market. Other topics for discussion include hotel experiences and maximizing the onboard sales offer.
All breakout sessions will come to an end at 5pm, when the Industry Networking Reception will begin, together with a sneak preview of the WTCE Americas show floor before the doors officially open the next day.
Archana Sharma, WTCE Americas’ event manager commented, “We are thrilled to be bringing such a valued source for discussion and debate to America. The strategic decision to combine the Passenger Experience Conference with WTCE Americas offers visitors a unique, full-package experience. The Passenger Experience Conference combined with WTCE Americas will allow delegates and visitors to view the latest developments in the catering and onboard services sector.”
WTCE Americas is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas, which features more than 120 exhibitors from the aircraft interiors industry and over 2,000 industry attendees. Visitors can view the latest and best innovations the industry has to offer, as well as meet with companies from all over the globe.
To register for your place at the Passenger Experience Conference Americas, follow the below link. Early bird rates available if booked before 12 October. http://www.pexconference.com/register
For more information and details on the full program, visit:
