One month until APEX/IFSA EXPO
Less than four weeks into a new US policy that opens the country to fully vaccinated travelers from around the world, delegates will gather November 30 to December 2 for the long-awaited APEX/IFSA EXPO under California skies in Long Beach.
APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader tells PAX rescheduling the EXPO holds the promise of a meaningful event to signal the necessary travel restart that the group has lobbied the White House for months to achieve.
“APEX/IFSA EXPO timing will allow our entire world to get together at a fully vaccinated event. Effective November 8, fully vaccinated travelers from every country in the world will be able to join us,” Leader says. “The change of date also allows for a much more robust thought leadership lineup.”
This year’s EXPO follows a similar format as previous events but with a few smart changes to improve efficiency and convenience for attendees. The Thought Leadership Conference will happen on Tuesday, instead of the traditional Monday time slot, followed by the Breakout Sessions and Keynote Addresses to help accommodate those arriving in Long Beach on Monday.
Day one includes keynote speakers such as United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby; Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau; Turkish Airlines Chairman İlker Aycı; SAUDIA CEO Captain Ibrahim Koshy and many other “top-notch industry leaders,” Leader says. The APEX/IFSA EXPO Thought Leadership on Tuesday opens will open the show featuring evolving health safety standards, environmental sustainability, insights from the new APEX World Class award, and more. Plus, the APEX/IFSA Board of Governors meeting will happen live and in-person for all to attend for the first time ever.
At press time, airline attendance at EXPO revealed to be pacing significantly ahead compared to a similar number of weeks ahead for the event in 2019. Supplier attendance remained lower than anticipated.
Leader says he encourages anyone considering attending to register now.
“If you have wanted to meet with airlines in one place, then APEX/IFSA EXPO presents an unmissable opportunity. It’s an incredible, power-packed two days on the EXPO show floor on December 1 and 2.”
Wednesday will host the EXPO, happy hour and APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony & Networking events, and be followed by the final day of EXPO on Thursday.
The Long Beach Department of Health will provide free PCR tests for international return travelers. The US is expected to lift restrictions November 8 for fully vaccinated foreign travelers.