World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) is returning to the Hamburg Messe on 6-8 June 2023. The 2023 edition is expected to see a total of 5,000 attendees, including over 750 onboard buyers and around 300 exhibiting companies, with a host of first-time exhibitors.
Attendees from global, regional and low-cost airlines and rail companies will come together as WTCE delivers industry insights, product and service innovations and networking opportunities that will continue to drive passenger numbers, increase loyalty and boost business.
WTCE Event Director, Polly Magraw, commented: “Our return to Hamburg for WTCE last year was met with resounding success and we’re now looking forward to the 2023 edition of the event being even better. We anticipate more exhibitors and more visitors, including some big names who have already confirmed.”
“Alongside some of the show’s interactive features that we know are always popular, I’m looking forward to seeing visitors experience the new initiatives we are bringing to WTCE 2023,” added Magraw.
International caterers including LSG, dnata and SATS Catering will provide insight into how the catering sector is evolving for 2023 and beyond.
Wellness, Sustainability and Creating Memorable Experiences will be the core themes of WTCE 2023.
Confirmed food and drinks suppliers include Bottega Spa, Frankenberg GmbH, Monty’s Bakehouse, Smize Cream and 4700BC Popcorn – all geared towards creating unforgettable experiences for passengers.
There will also be a host of first-time suppliers exhibiting at the event this year. These include premixed cocktail company &Stirred Cocktails, which will showcase its range that features a mix for every spirit, all served in airline-friendly packaging, as well as French drinks brand féfé, which will reveal its premium innovations of ready-to-drink cocktails in the mixology cocktail sector.
Elsewhere, pioneering UK healthcare brand, Sonisk will exhibit for the first time, introducing visitors to its hero product disrupting the oral care industry – The Sonisk Pulse – which it claims is the most portable, affordable and easy-to-use hygienic oral toothbrush.
Invaluable insights
At the centre of WTCE will be the Taste of Travel Theatre, with an inspiring line-up of expert advisors, chefs and consultants forecast to promote the latest trends and advances for catering onboard. Created in partnership with Onboard Hospitality Magazine, the daily sessions bring together a host of experts to help visitors understand the macro trends that will affect their organisation in the coming year and share ideas on how they can build their business and keep up with ever-changing passenger expectations.
The 2023 line-up will delve into important topics including passenger wellbeing, creating memorable experiences and sustainable solutions that are easy to communicate to passengers.
Connect and collaborate
Following the success of its debut last year, the WTCE Connect tool will be available to visitors and exhibitors to help them efficiently arrange meetings with the right people ahead of time. The online tool was described as a “huge benefit” by those at the 2022 show and helped to form new relationships as well as reconnect long-standing ones. The WTCE Connect tool helps visitors to find the products most suited to their needs and arrange meetings with the relevant exhibitors at the event, meaning that they arrive at WTCE with a personalised schedule to help plan their time at the show.
The VIP Lounge will also once again serve as a place for onboard buyers to meet, collaborate and build relationships. It will also provide a place to relax, work or network away from the show floor. Furthermore, VIP attendees will gain access to the WTCE Digital Gift Bag, complete with exclusive offers, plus a physical VIP Sample Bag featuring product samples and giveaway opportunities.
Co-located with the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), WTCE will be found in Halls A1, and A4 of Hamburg Messe. Together, the events will provide passenger experience professionals with a unique opportunity to identify new products and solutions throughout the cabin.
