Annual event
Each year members of the Travel Retail Consortium hosts a business and social event for key buyers and retailers. Guests enjoy first-class corporate hospitality at an event designed to be sociable, fun and relaxing. You can read just a few of the comments from happy attendees below (note: positions quoted were correct at the time the quotes were received)
Events over the years have included High Tea at Lords, Sailing the Solent, Race Day at Newbury, Wine Tasting in Jersey, Jazz Night at Caversham, Country Pursuits and a Murder Mystery at Tylney Hall. While, sadly, events had to be curtailed from 2020-22, due to the Covid pandemic, we are delighted to say 2023 saw us return with a fabulous ‘TRC At Sea’ event at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, combining an afternoon exhibition showcase and evening three-course dinner with plentiful Champagne and Wines provided by members Taittinger and Accolade.
The event is also an opportunity to raise funds for the TRC’s nominated charity which for 2023 is the Family Holiday Charity which helps families that are going through difficult situations to get time away together – often for the first time ever – to build happy memories, confidence and hope for the future. TRC is aiming to raise £6,000 for the charity and is already well on the way with £5,000 donated so far.
Attendees at the 2023 event were also treated to a thought provoking after-dinner presentation from Alessandro Dulli of Polymateria who provided details on how there is real potential for companies converting PET plastics to achieve zero plastic waste over the next few years.
What buyers and retailers appreciate:
- An entertaining event that allows them to recharge their batteries
- Networking with a cross-section of global suppliers
- Introduction to possible new suppliers and products
“I was pleased to put some faces to names, and meet colleagues I had not seen for many years. The brands on display were exciting, and the event allowed me a hands-on experience with the items on show, and to ask any questions face to face to gain knowledge. I enjoyed the fact that we all contributed to the Family Holiday Charity in the evening, and we raised over £2K for this great cause. I was also enlightened by the talk on the proposed manufacturing changes to convert PET bottles to enable them to biodegrade in a fraction of the time currently, to help the planet. All in all it was a great event. Thank you.”
“My first TRC event was a very pleasant experience, I thank Richard Van Bosse of Heineken for inviting me! The atmosphere was upbeat and it was evident that there were a lot of people there from different companies and suppliers who used this as an opportunity to catch up and exchange news. The supplier stands were interesting to walk round with the Taittinger, Accolade Wines and Remy Martin stands attracting the greater interest, probably as a result of the tastings they were holding.”
“It was nice to see how all brand owners enthusiastically showcased their products. As an official distributor of these prestigious brands, I found the presentations to be a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the industry’s latest trends, product offerings and strategies. The TRC at Sea event provided an ideal platform for connecting with both suppliers and customers. Throughout the event, there were numerous opportunities to exchange ideas and insight.”
“As new members of the TRC, we were delighted to be able to join the TRC At Sea event in Christchurch. The importance of networking can never be understated so to be able to showcase our chains to this exciting industry and meet with active TRC members was a real pleasure. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive, and we were welcomed by a truly harmonious group of people who made us feel like we were networking with friends. Along with an evening of delicious catering, plentiful wine and interesting dialogue, as well as a fascinating and thought-provoking talk on the very real potential for zero plastic waste, we were genuinely thrilled to be there, and we offer our sincere compliments to the organisers.”
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