October 9, 2015 – The World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) is set to return to Hamburg on April 5-7 2016 as part of the Passenger Experience Week 2016. The exhibition offers a platform for professionals from across the rail and air industry to meet over 300 industry suppliers, source the latest products, attend a wide range of networking events and view demonstrations from world-class chefs.
According to Reed Exhibitions, the WTCE show organizers, the onboard services industry is evolving to keep pace with changing consumer preferences, with meal personalization and regionally inspired recipes, free-from foods, healthy snacks, innovative packaging and a varied retail offering being just some areas where operators can add value to boost profits and gain a competitive edge. These areas are all addressed in the exhibitor offerings.
Building on its successful launch at last year’s show, the Travel Retail Zone will return in 2016 show. Reflecting the huge growth this sector has experienced in recent years, the Travel Retail Zone allows buyers to meet with suppliers of sale-on-board items and discuss how they can boost their offering to appeal to the modern traveler. A company trail will also lead attendees to those exhibitors around the show floor with a travel retail offering, making it easy for them to plan their visit and come away with plenty of inspiration.
Visitors can also take advantage of the Taste of Travel theater, which returns to the show to promote the latest innovations in onboard services and travel catering. Some of the industry’s biggest names will provide interactive demonstrations, presentations, and tasting and sampling opportunities.
Archana Sharma, WTCE event manager, commented: “As an integral part of Passenger Experience Week, WTCE has become the global meeting place for the travel catering and onboard services industry. The show is truly international and provides visitors and exhibitors with a great way to meet with colleagues, discuss business deals and stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry. The fifth anniversary show is set to be the best yet, with a more diverse exhibitor base and top industry speakers.”
Kicking off Passenger Experience Week 2016, the Passenger Experience Conference runs on Monday, April 4, the day before the exhibition opens, and will feature a dedicated session to onboard hospitality. After the conference, delegates can join exhibitors and visitors at the Industry Networking Party, where an evening of entertainment and cocktails will allow them to network in a relaxed environment.
As part of Passenger Experience Week 2016, WTCE is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo, the world’s largest event dedicated to sourcing the latest innovations, technologies and products for the cabin interiors, inflight entertainment and passenger comfort industries. Aircraft Interiors Expo 2016 is also shaping up to be a great event – see HERE for details.