The TFWA [Tax Free World Association] has moved to reassure exhibitors and visitors that its partners are working to ensure that its upcoming event in Cannes, France, will take place without disruption, despite the devastating floods that struck the city on the weekend.
The TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2015 is due to be held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, on October 18-23.
‘The thoughts of the TFWA board, management committee and permanent staff are with our friends and partners in the city of Cannes as they manage the aftermath of the devastating floods of last weekend,’ the organization said in a statement issued yesterday. ‘We are especially shocked and saddened by the loss of life in the Côte d’Azur region and extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by this tragedy.
‘In the midst of such an event, business concerns are secondary, but with the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference so close, we would like to reassure our exhibitors and visitors that we are in constant contact with our partners in Cannes who are working round the clock to ensure that our event – and others currently under way – can take place without disruption.
‘Indeed, we are heartened to learn that Reed Midem have been able to open the Mipcom exhibition at the Palais des Festivals this morning without major problems. The reaction of the city of Cannes and its partners to clean streets and properties, and to deploy manpower wherever needed, has been remarkable.
‘Thanks to the professionalism of our partners in Cannes and to the rapid response of the city authorities, we have no doubt that the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference will go ahead according to plan.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to express our solidarity with Mayor David Lisnard and his teams, along with our friends at SEMEC, ALTEC, B Network, Creative Spirit and all those working to ensure the city of Cannes enjoys a swift return to normality.
‘TFWA will provide further information and updates whenever possible.’