In photos: FTE APEX Asia Expo day one
Last updated: Tuesday October 19, 7:42 p.m. SGT. Find updates below, with all timings in local time.
The event takes place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, with this iconic view across the street
FTE APEX Asia Expo 2024 started this morning in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Registration, sponsored by Hughes, opened at 8:30 a.m. local time, with the expo floor officially opening at 9:00 a.m. Future Travel Experience (FTE) CEO Daniel Coleman was in the mix behind the registration desk, helping get attendees organized and into the event, all with a smile on his face.
Future Travel Experience CEO Daniel Coleman in the mix behind the registration desk
This year's FTE APEX Asia Expo's headline partners include Changi Airport Group and Singapore Airlines, among others.
Along with the ribbon cutting, programming on the Premium Conference Stage, open to Premium Pass holders, took off at 9:15 a.m. with APEX FTE Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader and Coleman's welcome addresses.
"Our theme, 'Innovate to grow,' will permeate the discussions over the next few days. To get where we all want to get to, we’re going to get there a lot more efficiently if we all go together," Coleman said from the Premium Conference stage, addressing the crowd of more than 100 people.
The FTE and APEX team at the ceremonial ribbon cutting
Future Travel Experience CEO Daniel Coleman takes to the stage for the Welcome Address on Tuesday November 19
He highlighted the discussions to come, social events for learning and networking, and the bottomless coffee available at the back of the room—which will certainly come in handy for delegates who have travelled from near and far to attend the event—and shared his gratitude for attendees and the 60 exhibitors located in the hall outside the Premium Conference stage room.
"FTE is committed to bringing the industry together to accelerate the industry’s move forward," Coleman said. Before introducing Jayson Goh, Executive Vice President, Airport Management, Changi Airport Group, to the stage, Coleman thanked the Group for being a partner, adding that, "Travel should be enjoyed, not endured."
He pointed out how the airport has become an incredible attraction, saying "Changi Airport has become an entertainment complex that airplanes happen to land and take off from."
Jayson Goh, Executive Vice President, Airport Management, Changi Airport Group
Goh started his speech by sharing his excitement about the amount the attendees at this year's event, saying that there is without doubt more people here than last year. Also highlighting the theme of FTE APEX Asia Expo 2024 as Coleman did, Goh warned, "If you don’t innovate, you don’t capture the opportunities."
While Asia is forecasted to grow majorly (more 2.5 billion passengers expected by 2043), Goh was not shy to stress the challenges ahead for the region; scaling dynamically to meet capacity demand, handling complexity in airport operations, and staff recruitment and competencies development.
He said supply chain challenges and fundamental differences in the workforce post-pandemic must be sorted in order for the region to see sustainable growth.
Ending his speech on a positive note, Goh shared four main aspects that play a significant role in shaping the airport of the future, according to Changi: data analytics, automation, robotics and autonomous solutions, and artificial intelligence.
Panelists on stage for the Aviation Leaders Keynote Panel: Identifying Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation to Support Future Growth Across Asia and Beyond
Next, panelists took to the stage for the Aviation Leaders Keynote Panel: Identifying Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation to Support Future Growth Across Asia and Beyond. The panel (from left to right) is moderated by Suranjana Tewari, BBC News, with panelists including Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA; Changi Airport Group's Jayson Goh; John Simeone, CEO, Jetstar Asia and Jeffrey Goh, CEO, Gulf Air Group.
Here's a look at the exhibit floor on day one:
Duncan de Boer, Chief Commercial Officer, Foodcase International at the company booth
PAX International Managing Editor Jane Hobson (left) with Kaelis' José García Perrotta on the expo show floor
Marisa Pitsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer, FORMIA at the FORMIa x Foodcase International booth
Hughes' Alan Mak and Reza Rasoulian at the one-to-one meeting space
The Expo Stage in the main exhibit area
The En Route International team
Foodfolk Australia
Nicky Slater of ITW Envopak
Offerings from Linstol
The Mirus Aircraft Seating team with PAX International's Jane Hobson (middle)
Procurall Solutions
PAX International Managing Editor Jane Hobson with RMT Global Partners' Dave Heissenbuttel
Spafax's Jean-Marc Thomas
The West Entertainment relaxation area
Zibo Rainbow
The Networking Reception & Awards After Party sponsored by Intel and Aervision Technologies
PAX Tech and PAX International are excited to bring you live updates from the conference and expo floor in Singapore as Media Partners. Stay tuned for more coverage.
