The International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) is an international trade association with approximately 400 company members. The purpose of the IAADFS is to promote the airport duty free industry as an important segment of the international business community; provide activities whereby operators of airport duty free stores and their suppliers can exchange information on products and their duty free market potential; and serve as a collective voice in representing the airport duty free industry on common issues affecting the membership.
As international air travel developed in the years following World War II, the potential for duty free shopping in airport complexes was recognized. Accompanying that recognition was the need for a better understanding of the duty free business by government agencies and officials, as well as the need to provide a forum for the development of communication and business relationships between buyers and sellers of duty free products. In 1968, the IAADFS was formed to meet the needs of the airport duty free industry in the western hemisphere.
One of the association's primary activities is the Duty Free & Travel Retail Summit of the Americas, co-hosted with ASUTIL, that is usually held during the spring in Florida. This annual event provides an opportunity for members of both organizations to meet with buyers from duty free and travel retail stores, to do business, network, and learn at valuable education sessions.
The association also provides other membership services including an ongoing government relations program which monitors activities that might have an impact upon IAADFS members and responds accordingly.
IAADFS' goals and objectives are the following:
- Promote the airport duty free industry as an important segment of the international business community.
- Provide activities whereby operators of airport duty free stores and their suppliers can exchange information on products and their duty free market potential.
- Serve as a collective voice in representing the airport duty free industry on common issues affecting the membership.
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Please mark your calendars for the 2023 Summit of the Americas, which will be held April 16-19, 2023, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. The space request process for 2023 is anticipated to begin in August or September 2022, with registration and housing to open soon thereafter. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions regarding the 2023 Summit of the Americas.
