WTCE Americas delivers inspiration, networking and innovation for the onboard services industry
For two days Seattle will become a hub of discovery and networking for the onboard services industry as the World Travel & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) Americas makes its inaugural appearance alongside Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas on 14-16 October.

With cruise the US’ fastest growing segment of the travel industry, US airline profits expected to hit $18.7bn in 2014, and the region’s rail industry undergoing a ‘second boom’, the show will bring together professionals from across all disciplines to discuss new business partnerships and uncover the industry’s hot topics.

The exhibition, which also includes a pre-show conference that focuses on improving passenger experience, will host new and exciting food, drink and onboard services providers. Its launch follows the success of the Hamburg show that has established itself as an international networking and business forum for the industry.

WTCE Americas offers visitors and suppliers the chance to meet face-to-face. At the show there will be a wide range of onboard services and products on display including patisserie and snacks, galley carts, customised headphones, linen, food trays, packaging and foil containers - giving visitors the chance to source the latest equipment and products. Visitors can also take a break from walking the floor and visit Cabin Space Live. This new interactive zone is organised by WTCE and Aircraft Interiors Expo and will include sessions from key industry contributors. The WTCE sessions - under the Taste of Travel stream - will address current issues in delivering passenger comfort on planes, trains and cruise ships, and delivery of excellent service that will cultivate loyalty and word-of-mouth reference.

Improve the inflight experience

The Passenger Experience Conference, taking place on 14 October, builds on its success in Europe and will investigate the vital strategic issues surrounding cabin innovation, consumer expectations, and strategies for profitability within the cabin.

The full-day programme includes a morning session for all attendees followed by three breakout sessions that will focus on specific areas of interest for delegates. In addition, networking sessions at lunch and at the end of the day enable delegates and speakers to meet and discuss the day’s proceedings - there’s even the chance to gain a sneak-preview of the exhibition show floor before the doors open on the morning of the 15th.

WTCE has its own dedicated stream at the show - Hospitality and Service: Future Evolution for the Americas markets. During this, a series of presentations will shed light on hot topics and growth potential for airline, rail and cruise operators and suppliers.

In an engaging session on Bonding with Airline Brands Stathis Kefallonitis of consultancy Branding.Aero will examine the future for onboard products and services. Attendees will gain a snapshot of the North American market, advice on product design and innovation for the economy cabin, and learn how airlines can work better internally to improve their external service.

Hot on the heels of this a short presentation will investigate how providers can maximise sales onboard and improve the bottom line - key for success in an industry that’s sensitive to customer spending.

Simon de Montfort Walker at onboard technology and software provider eGate Solutions, will then present Big Data: Big Opportunities for Onboard Sales and Customer Experience. In this, he’ll explain how airlines can better anticipate buying trends to more effectively control inventory and purchasing.

Another session focuses attention on Fresh Approaches to Service. Sally Glenn Lee of JetBlue draws on the glamour of the Jet Age to see what the Americas market can learn from this golden era to improve services on planes, trains and liners today.

In addition to these presentations panel discussions will see industry experts debate key topics with the audience able to participate. Networking sessions also mean delegates can discuss what they have heard and learn from each other’s current practices and experiences.

Running alongside the WTCE stream are two sessions which attendees are free to move between: Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity and The Cabin. Designed to offer attendees in-depth information on cabin innovation, these will cover everything from design, technology, app creation and personalisation.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 7th August 2014 | Issue #284
BlueSky - your weekly business and executive aviation news - every Thursday
Follow @blueskybizav on Twitter