Harding+ were platinum sponsors for the 2024 DFNI Cruise Conference in Istanbul. The DFNI Cruise Conference is one of the most important dates in the travel retail calendar, bringing cruise retailers, vendors and cruise lines together for two days of panels, pitch sessions, networking and social events.

Harding+ appeared on two panels during the event and hosted a third. CEO Chris Matthews was featured on the State of the Industry panel, which opened the event, and spoke about the prevalence of data and demographic diversification, and how it is shaping the future of cruise retail.

On the second day, Harding+ and Princess Cruises co-hosted a discussion about the Sun Princess, during which CCO Peter Newbould and COO Mark Birnie talked with Sabine Muhlberger, VP Experience Onboard Revenue for Princess, about the amazing retail space on board and how it came to life.

Later on the same day, Category Director Claire McLennan joined Elena Bloothoofd of Brands of Style and Laura Swan of LePrix to talk about sustainability and diversity & inclusion in cruise retail. Claire detailed the ways Harding+ are examining production, supply chain, partnerships and on-site carbon reduction to work towards a more sustainable and inclusive way of working.

Between panels there were pitch sessions and opportunities for the delegates and speakers to interact and see more of Istanbul. There were many interesting interactions and learnings, and some brands were able to exhibit their product ranges in a floor show, enabling retailers and cruise lines alike to see first-hand what they could stock.

The event was a huge success with some important takeaways around the advancement and increasing sophistication of cruise retail. There is plenty to look forward to in the second half of 2024 and will doubtlessly be much more to discuss during the rest of the year’s upcoming events and indeed next year’s conference.