Network effect

In addition to the formal meetings and prearranged discussions enabled by having thousands of DF&TR professionals in one place for several days, simply spending time in such close proximity creates multiple chances to make new acquaintances. 6,000 delegates attended last year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, far more than for any other industry event, and with the 2023 edition shaping up to be even larger, the Association has organised a social programme to maximise opportunities for mixing.

The eve-of-show Sunday sports return this year with a wheelchair rugby tournament organised by Stade Toulousain Rugby Handisport with support from m1nd-set, Puressentiel and TFWA plus media partners TRBusiness and DFNI-Frontier. Combining wheelchair rugby and blind football, the activity allows individuals and teams of five to try their hand at these adaptive sports while raising disability awareness. Proceedings begin at 8:30am with a welcome breakfast at the Gymnase Capron near the Hotel Martinez. Later that day, the traditional Opening Cocktail takes place from 7:00pm on the Carlton Beach. Drawing 1,600 guests in 2022, the Cocktail is one of the week’s social highpoints and ideal for renewing old friendships or starting new ones before business gets underway.

Chatting with colleagues over a relaxed drink at the end of the day is often cited among the most effective ways to network in Cannes, which explains the enduring popularity of the TFWA Lounge. The Carlton Beach waterside location may also be a contributary factor, the Lounge attracting hundreds of delegates every evening in two sessions (after work from 18:30 to 21:00 and night time from 22:00 to 01:00). Open from Monday to Wednesday, the TFWA Lounge will also feature live music with the popular Gold Singers on Wednesday for a night to remember. This year, Qatar Duty Free will once again be the TFWA Lounge's Main Partner. Additional information on sponsors will be announced soon.

A more organised way to connect with potentially helpful contacts is ONE2ONE, TFWA’s meeting service. It facilitates introductory encounters between exhibiting brands, key buyers, airports and trade agents. Eligible companies simply name the participants they want to meet and the ONE2ONE team does the rest, even providing on-site support. For 2023, the meetings will take place on Tuesday afternoon and all day on Wednesday and Thursday.

Pre-registration for TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2023 is open online at tfwa.com until 7 September. Book your place now via the link below.

Pre-register for TFWA World Exhibition & Conference
View the full event programme
Sign up for the Sunday sports
Find out about TFWA ONE2ONE
Enquire about TFWA i.lab, sponsorship and advertising opportunities
Contact the Helpdesk
Access highlights of last year’s event