The one-day conference today will unite experts and thought leaders from airlines, airframers, OEMs, suppliers and design organisations responsible for overseeing the cabin and enhancing the passenger experience.
Following its continued success in Hamburg, the Passenger Experience Conference – Europe’s premier conference and networking forum to discuss the vital 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.
The one-day conference will unite experts and thought leaders from airlines, airframers, OEMs, suppliers and design organisations 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 a day in advance of WTCE Americas, the Passenger Experience Conference is set to build on all the success of Hamburg 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 Seymour Powell 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, Vice President – Boeing Development at Zodiac Aerospace.
Following lunch and networking, the programme 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, session two will delve into the logistics of the cabin and back seat economics, while breakout session three will focus on the future of hospitality and service within the Americas market.
Speakers for the breakout session Hospitality and Service include Stathis Kefallonitis, Founder & President for Branding.Aero, who will discuss bonding with airline brands; Simon de Montfort Walker, President and MD for 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 maximising the onboard sales offer.
All breakout sessions will come to an end at 5pm with the kick off of the Industry Networking Reception and a sneak preview of the WTCE Americas show floor before the doors officially open the next day.
Rich Salter, Chief Technical Officer, Lumexis attended the 2014 Passenger Experience Conference in Hamburg and commented: “This year’s Passenger Experience Conference was the best ever! Great speakers, moderators, and topics. Looking forward to seeing you in October in Seattle.”
Michael Robinson, Chief Executive & Design Director, ED Design who was also in Hamburg added: “I believe the conference format is spot on, with speakers lifting many thought provoking ideas, and the panel discussions immediately afterwards to hammer out the reactions with the audience. Excellent Job.”
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.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
