Women In Travel Retail+

Koma Karanth 2023 Charity Update with speakers Maitreyi Karanthi and Tracy Ross
2024-01-16
Speakers:Maitreyi Karanth KKF & Tracy Ross – ARIME

Sustainability Discussion Panel
2024-02-01 17:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | Diageo London Office
WiTR+ members met in the Halcyon Bar at the Diageo headquarters in London to enjoy their first event of 2024 sponsored by Daigeo with drinks and canapes. The event included in a lively and honest discussion about sustainability within the retail sector. Panelists Sally Allington (Ethos Farm), Smruti Sriram (Bags of Ethics), Clemmie Raysnford (Diageo) and moderator Angela Farrugia (Founder of Brand X Society) explored various approaches and tools to foster a path towards a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future in retail.

Unconscious bias in the workplace / Inclusivity in the workplace with speakers Alex Wilson and Nick Cook
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London)
Speakers: Alex Wilson TUMI & Nick Cook DIAGEO

APTRA
2024-03-20 | Dehli
Delegates at the inaugural APTRA conference in Delhi (March 19-21) were invited by WiTR+ to meet up and enjoy a cocktail or two before the event Gala Dinner. Kindly sponsored by Bacardi, this was a super opportunity to catch up with friend and colleagues whilst making those important new contacts. WiTR+ steering committee and APTRA board member Erin Lillis welcomed attendees, outlined the purpose of WiTR+ and encouraged new membership, highlighting the corporate membership now available.

WiTR+ Networking Event
2024-05-14 10:30 (Asia/Singapore) | TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge

Sustainability in Travel Retail with speakers Bérangère Felbabel and Chiara Rolland
2024-05-28 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London)
Speakers: Bérangère Felbabel QANTIS INTL

TR Consumer Forum
2024-06-03 13:00 - 14:30 (Asia/Muscat) | Cuba Bar, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (8th floor)
Dubai Duty Free, in collaboration with Shiseido and L’Occitane, hosted Women in Travel Retail Plus (WiTR+) networking event on the first day of the TR Consumer Forum in Dubai. The afternoon tea event which was held at the Cuba Bar of the Jumeirah Creekside, provided a fantastic chance to catch up with fellow female industry executives and delegates of TR Consumer Forum and discover some new beauty products in the process.

Networking in Paris
2024-06-18 | TBC, Paris
A huge thank you to Caroline Buisson of Brown-Forman and Nicole Daniells of TFWA who organsied a Parisian get together for WiTR+ on the 19th June at Café A in Paris.

The invitation for this event was extended to WiTR members and non members, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and fruitful exchanges within our WiTR community. Companies who attended included Brown-Forman, TFWA and Globe Agency.
This event was organized in collaboration between Brown-Forman and TFWA, two companies sharing a common commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the Travel Retail field.
We look forward to hosting more WITR+ events in the future in Paris next year and they will be posted on the events page once confirmed.

Asutil
2024-06-19 - 2024-06-20 | Bogota, Colombia
Nearly 30 fantastic women from Latin America and other regions met in Bogota during the ASUTIL conference (18-19 June) to network and hear about the exciting new developments at WiTR+.

Some were members already, but for many this was their first WiTR+ meeting and there was real enthusiasm to contribute to developing an active WiTR+ group in Latin America.
We talked about all the elements that are making WiTR such a great group for women in the travel retail industry to join – from the networking sessions, to our monthly webinars, the resources that our newly revamped website will contain, our charity activity (this year FRASI – nominated by Essence Corp), and last but not least our plans for a mentoring programme.
Most of those attending were keen to know how to become members, either as individuals or through Corporate Partnership scheme, and are determined to start by creating an event in Miami later this year, taking inspiration from events like the recent one held in Dubai, organise by Sinead ElSibai at Dubai Duty Free in conjunction with the TRB conference.
A big thank you to Republica del Cacao who fuelled us with delicious coffee and chocolates, and to ASUTIL and TFWA for all their help.

Thriving in APAC: Navigating Work and Life with speaker Erin Lillis
2024-07-09 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London)
Speaker: Erin Lillis – Lacoste

Gebr Heinemann Event
2024-07-10 | AENDRE (Schlüterstraße 86, 20146, Hamburg
Thank you @Gebr. Heinemann for hosting our latest WiTR+ networking night in Hamburg.

Around 30 female executives from travel retail and representatives of Gebr. Heinemann suppliers met for a dinner at ÆNDRÈ restaurant. The welcome speeches were given by our Chair @Sarah Branquinho and @Saskia Möller, Director Legal, Compliance & Sustainability, who has been a member of our Steering Board since the end of 2023.

@Janine Op Het Veld, founder of ÆNDRÈ, spoke about her career, challenges in her industry as a woman and her mission to contribute to sustainability in the world with her food. In a very personal keynote speech, @Kerstin Schepers, Managing Director Heinemann Cruise Liner Global GmbH Retail, addressed the importance of motivation, confidence and trust in oneself and combined this with key insights from her own personal and professional experience.
“We are delighted that the second WiTR+ networking event we´ve hosted as Gebr. Heinemann was so well received,” says Saskia Möller. “We chose ÆNDRÈ because it is run by a very committed intercultural team of women and because it focuses on sustainability, with high-quality vegan and seasonal dishes and food sharing. In both my roles at Gebr. Heinemann and WiTR+, it is very important to me to combine personal, human-centric exchange with sustainability.”
A fundraiser for FRASI´s “Bike to School” project in Sri Lanka, which we significantly support this year, also contributes to the sustainability aspect. Gebr. Heinemann has kindly agreed to double the amount raised. We would like to express our sincere thanks.
Many thanks also to all wonderful women who joined and made our Hamburg event another great opportunity to learn from, inspire and support each other.
#EmpoweringWomen #Networking #Charity

Crafting Mentorship Excellence: From Seasoned Programs to Tomorrow's Initiatives with speakers Judit Balardi and Natalie Fernandez
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London)
Speakers: Judit Balardi BEAM SUNTORY & Natalie Fernandez HEINEKEN

Best of British (Members only)
2024-09-18 17:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Tateossian Head Office- Imperial Wharf
This is a members only event.

TFWA World Exhibition (Members only)
2024-10-01 16:30 - 18:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Brown Forman Stand, Cannes

Empowering Connections: Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Networking
2024-10-29 18:30 - 22:00 (Europe/Paris) | Bacardi, Rte de Meyrin 265, Meyrin, 1217, Switzerland
On October 29, 2024, Geneva hosted its inaugural Women in Travel Retail (WiTR+) networking event at the offices of Bacardi. This first-of-its-kind gathering in Geneva brought together more than 40 influential women from the travel retail sector, creating a unique platform for connection, inspiration, and empowerment. The evening featured engaging conversations along with an inspiring talk by Dominique Ben Dhaou, Managing Director of PointNorth.
Dominique, with her extensive background in HR leadership across 12 industries globally, spoke on the theme, “Empowering Connections: Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Networking.” Her insights on leadership and well-being set the stage for meaningful interactions among attendees, sparking discussions on collaboration and professional growth.
This landmark event not only marked a pivotal moment for women in Geneva’s travel retail sector but also paved the way for future gatherings, strengthening networks and fostering a community of empowered female leaders.
Our thanks go to Bacardi for hosting the event and to Avelines for the tasty gifts.

Embracing Menopause: A New Chapter of Strength and Success with speaker Amelie Prot
2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London)
Speaker: Amelie Prot – AMELIE WELLNESS

MEADFA Gathering
2024-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Abu Dhabi
Around 45 industry women attended an informal WiTR+ gathering during the MEADFA conference in Abu Dhabi. Founder Sarah Branquinho explaned the history and purpose of WiTR+ along with the many benefits of membership – corporate or individual. Members now total nearly 800 across the globe with an increasing number of networking opportunities through regional events and webinars.

Women of FDFA hold WiTR+ gathering during Toronto Convention
2024-11-19 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Royal Suite, King Edward Hotel, 37 King St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1E9, Canada
On Tuesday evening at this year’s FDFA Convention, a special gathering of the Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) took place which was put together by Sherri Gidney of Wine Classics, Alex DeBellis of Beler Holdings, and Barbara Barrett and Alison Gardner of FDFA. Generously hosted in the Beler suite, the event attracted a full house, and held a special presentation for the nominees of the new “Trailblazing Woman of Influence” award, celebrating outstanding women in leadership.

The three nominees were Heather Howard, who founded 1,000 Islands Duty Free some 40 years ago; Alex DeBellis, VP Sales & Marketing at Beler Holdings, who has helped develop the distribution side of Canada’s land border duty free business; and Lois Pasternak, Editor/Publisher, Travel Markets Insider.

Each of the nominees was recognized at the reception with a personalized congratulatory certificate from Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho.

Refreshments were provided by the FDFA, Wine Classics, Beler, Beam Suntory and Bacardi and a charity raffle to benefit Child Find Ontario was held.

Photo caption: from left: FDFA’ President Tania Lee, Heather Howard, Alex DeBellis, Michael Pasternak (representing me), FDFA Executive Director Barbara Barrett, and Sherri Gidney.

WiTR+ Christmas Quiz 2024
2024-12-03 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Speakers

Gerry Munday – WiTR+

Asia Pacific Retail Operator Focus
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Speakers

Freda Cheung – AVOLTA
Sunil Tuli – KING POWER

Moderators

Gerry Munday
Charlotte Turner

Miami WiTR+ event kicks off 2025 fundraising efforts during Summit of Americas gathering
2025-03-08 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | IAADFS Summit of the Americas
Women in Travel Retail hosted a wonderful networking event to kick off the 2025 IAADFS Summit of the Americas exhibition in Miami.

Generously hosted by the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS), the gathering inclusively welcomed scores of industry colleagues (WiTR members and pluses), raised more than $500 for the group’s 2025 charity and honored a pioneer of the industry.
The gathering featured a raffle in support of WiTR+’s 2025 chosen charity, Toutes à l’école, an organization dedicated to providing quality education for underprivileged girls in Cambodia. This year, WiTR+ aims to raise €15,000 to renovated dormitories for 400 post-baccalaureate students, ensuring they have a healthy living environment to support their studies.

Raffle prizes included a travel case of award-winning Kroma Makeup made from organic-based natural botanicals & high-grade minerals; a collection of spirits from Waldemar Behn and the Family Brands Alliance; fragrances and accessories donated by Essence Corp’s Patricia Bona; selections from the new ABSOLU Luxury Fragrance Line from Cosper Distribution; and a selection of Geske Beauty tools donated by TMI.
WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho welcomed attendees, briefly discussing the organization’s charity initiatives, membership and benefits, including the fast-growing global mentorship program. She reported that WiTR+ currently has 26 corporate partners and close to 800 members around the world.

A highlight of the evening – held on International Women’s Day – was when Sean Gazitua, President and CEO of Miami-based logistics company WTDC, shared a few words in honor of his late grandmother, Mercedes Gazitua. Mercedes, along with her husband Luis Rafael, founded one of the first logistics companies in Miami, and are considered pioneers of the trade that has enabled duty free and travel retail to flourish in the Americas.
WiTR+ was also delighted to welcome a visit from retired colleague Virginie Cordero, one of the organization’s very first members and a huge supporter over the years.

Octopus Arms - To Do All Or Nothing?
2025-03-11 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Speakers

Brittany Williams-Leverett – OCTOPUS ARMS

Moderators

Gerry Munday

Zurich networking event
2025-03-24

APTRA Networking Event
2025-04-07 17:00 - 18:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
APTRA hosted a WiTR+ networking session during its India Conference in Mumbai on 7 April. This was a great opportunity for delegates from several countries to connect with friends and colleagues from across the industry before the business of the conference got underway. In keeping with the positive energy of Travel Retail in India, the networking was enthusiastically attended by over 50 people.

Seatrade Cruise event with the Moodie Davitt Report
2025-04-08 - 2025-04-09
Contact Jessica McGratty-Singer if you are attending and want to hear more about WiTR+ events and mentoring scheme. Email: jessica@mortonjames.co.uk

Madrid Networking Event
2025-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Madrid)
We’re thrilled to share that on the 7th of May, the very first WiTR+ event in Madrid (Spain) coordinated by Mondelēz International & Avolta, took place successfully!
Thanks to the dedication of Ana Quijada de Arístegui , Nuria Blanco Bernárdez, Ana de Neira de Mendoza and Marta P., over 50 guests joined us for an inspiring afternoon full of insights, idea-sharing, and meaningful connections.
We were also fortunate to count on the participation of four outstanding panelists – Romina Gabarró (Avolta), Beatriz de Otto Méndez (Mondelez), Victoria Soto Hombravella (Coty), and Cathy Rolland (Osborne) – who generously shared their experience and perspectives, both within and beyond the world of TR.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event truly special. It’s amazing to witness how this community continues to grow and thrive!

TFWA Asia Pacific Networking event
2025-05-13 17:30 - 22:00 (Asia/Singapore) | TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge
Come and join women from the Asia Pacific region and beyond! It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Digital Media | High Street Vs Travel Retail
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Speakers

Rachel Ingram – FOLK
Andrew Machin – KOUNTER (part of The Bluedog Group)

Moderators

Gerry Munday

Asutil Networking event
2025-06-03 - 2025-06-06
Date TBC

DFNI Cruise Conference Networking Event
2025-06-18 08:00 - 09:00 (Europe/Madrid) | Melia Barcelona Sky
