The organisers of World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), have unveiled a preview into the 2025 Taste of Travel Theatre programme–curated in partnership with Onboard Hospitality Magazine and sponsored by En Route International. Next year’s line-up will spotlight several key themes shaping onboard hospitality, including the evolving landscape of AI usage, beverage innovations and culinary creativity, to sustainability, accessibility and retail innovation.
Each session at the show, which takes place 8-10 April 2025, will bring industry experts to the stage to explore the latest trends and challenges in onboard services. Visitors can expect valuable insights and practical strategies on how airlines and suppliers can collaborate to drive innovation without causing spiralling costs.
The human touch versus technology
Taking place on day one of the show, technology and AI leaders will debate how to balance efficiency and the human touch. Amongst other discussions, it will ask the questions: is AI enabling the industry to improve the customer experience or is it all getting too impersonal? Does it all come down to cost? Or do passengers still appreciate that airline crew member who greets you onboard with a smile?
Moderator Jo Austin (former Onboard Hospitality Editor) will be joined by Joe Harvey, Deli Lites’ Business Development Manager, the panel will be made up of: Vimal Kumar Rai, Commercial Excellence Partners at Blue Skies; Antony Carson, Crew Engagement Manager Global at Retail inMotion; Paul Bilham, VP of Sales at Omnevo; and Angie Mullen, Head of Inflight Retail Operations, easyJet.
Innovation vs best price–can airlines and suppliers find the balance?
Day two of the event will see a discussion form on how airlines and suppliers can work together to create outstanding products that deliver both innovation and value. The session will explore strategies for balancing creativity with procurement demands, ensuring the best outcomes for all.
Moderated by Jo Austin and Simon Soni, an industry leading consultant and member of The Hayward Partnership, the panel will be comprised of: Louise Leaupepe, Inflight Experience Senior Manager at Riyadh Air; Paul Hunter, an Independent Consultant; Mir Amer Hussain, Head of Onboard Experience at Air India; and Ali Atkinson, Group Director at GlobalC.
Commenting on the Taste of Travel Theatre, Shona Thomson, Event Manager of WTCE, said: “The WTCE Taste of Travel Theatre is always a highlight of the show, and the exciting line-up of sessions will no doubt inspire and inform visitors looking for the latest in technological advancements and AI innovations onboard. WTCE is the perfect place to gain fresh ideas, enhance passenger satisfaction, and drive operational success, so the Theatre is a must-visit for anyone looking to stay ahead in onboard services.