AUSTRALIA. Patrick Coveney, CEO of powerful travel food specialist SSP, will deliver the keynote address on Day Three of the Australian Airports Association (AAA) Retail & Commercial Forum 2024. The Forum takes place on 22-24 July at the Pullman on the Park in Melbourne.
Interest in Coveney’s contribution is certain to be high among delegates, following SSP’s emergence as the leading food & beverage player in the Oceania region through its acquisition of Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE).
With a focus on the growth of SSP’s business in Asia Pacific, Coveney will explore consumer behaviour, travel trends and their impact on the wider travel F&B sector.
Organised in collaboration with The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report, the Forum gathers key stakeholders from the airport non-aeronautical revenue sector, including representatives from airports in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, as well as duty-free and specialty retailers, F&B operators, foreign exchange providers, advertising concessionaires, ground transport operators, and various advisors and suppliers.
Patrick Coveney said: “The Asia Pacific region, and specifically Oceania, is a crucial area for our investment to drive growth and returns. Following our acquisition of ARE and our preparations to open our first units in New Zealand, this Forum offers the perfect opportunity to engage with our current and prospective airport partners. I look forward to sharing insights into our customers’ food & beverage needs both in Australia and globally.”
AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said: “SSP is a foundation sponsor of the Forum, and we’re pleased to have their continued involvement at such a senior level. This highlights the Forum’s value as a vital platform for retailers and brands to engage with the travel retail market.”
The Mercurius Group Managing Director Ivo Favotto said: “Having SSP’s global CEO address the Forum underscores the event’s significant role in connecting airports with their commercial business partners. SSP’s global perspective on expanding F&B PSR (per square foot revenue) will be an insightful addition to the discussions.”
The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt said: “The Forum is the premier event for brands and retailers interested in the growing travel retail market. Patrick Coveney’s keynote will be a highlight for all attendees.”
Further details on the programme are available on the AAA website.
For more information on sponsorship & exhibition opportunities, please contact The Mercurius Group Managing Director Ivo Favotto at +61 423 564 057 or [email protected] 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
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