ITCA Nice Review
ITCA Nice Review
After three decades the association came to Nice with its brand-new format based around the trade show and an emphasis on all-day networking. Patrick Murray and Jo Austin report
COTE D' AZUR
It’s said that 30 is a dangerous age, but evidently not for ITCA. Virtually all exhibitors and visitors we spoke to were delighted with the business opportunities the new-look event presented, whether on-stand or in the open-to-all lunch and relaxation areas. Longer opening hours and the two early-evening drinks parties just added to the feel-good factor. Throw in the specialist workshops for good measure and it’s no wonder that ITCA president Stephen White was delighted with the success of the event. As our show review confirms, ITCA is the one annual event that uniquely attracts a special band
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www.onboardhospitality.com
of people. Their sole interest is in providing great onboard products for the passengers – from foie gras to pizza, peanuts to caviar, whole meals to single components, and of course water, wine, spirits, beer, tea and coffee – all under one roof. Then there are the host of equipment suppliers, those who pack and put onboard everything from blankets to headphones, cutlery and china and glasses, providers of the latest IT systems, galley specialists and, of course, the caterers. The Buzz stand at ITCA was its usual dazzling
self, from the smiles to the array of kids’ products, luxury amenity kits and more. Buzz’s Leonard Hamersfeld told us: “What’s interesting about ITCA is that airlines are all in different countries and suppliers are all in different countries so for me the event’s importance is paramount, and I’m in shock when companies don’t come here. For me to come here, I spend a huge amount of dollars and I’m saving money. I see all my airlines in one spot. For me this show has been fabulous. It’s a very selected, targeted trade fair. There
is a very large Middle East contingent, which I am delighted to see. We are very strong from a design perspective, and the airline industry has maybe been a bit sleepy design-wise, a bit commoditised, and I guess what we do is add value in this area. And one of the hottest things on the stand is the electronic bag tag, leading edge technology for Qantas premium passengers. If there is any industry in the world that needs a trade fair, then this is it. “ At W.K. Thomas, the company celebrated its
30 consecutive years with the association, and its Mercurys success, with a big birthday cake sliced for them by ITCA president Stephen White. Packaging innovations were to the fore, with its Smartbag and Boxbag concepts, alongside the usual wide range of rotables, comfort and amenity items, plus board and plastic packaging. On the Cuisine Solutions stand chef Jay
From top left: WK Thomas with Stephen White, Gut Springenheide; and Monty’s Bakehouse and Purbeck Ice Cream
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