The digital challenge

The one-day Passenger Experience Conference once again grapples with the big issues, offering delegates the perfect overview ahead of AIX and WCTE.

This year’s event examines the challenges the sector faces in a connected and demanding world, where tech-savvy consumers are increasingly able to compare, examine and criticise the service they receive.

For 2019, the programme is divided into three distinct streams each drawing top names to give their take on how the business is likely to evolve. Speakers include Mariel Brown, director of futures at design research experts Seymourpowell, and Paul Priestmann, chairman at Priestmann, one of the world’s foremost design consultancies.

Experts in medicine, Formula One racing and hotels will bring a further layer of understanding to the debate.

The Competitive Cabin stream will focus on how rail, cruise and airline operators can innovate to improve passenger satisfaction while also increasing revenue. The keynote session – Travellers of Tomorrow – sets the scene by looking at how aerospace businesses must embrace seismic shifts in technology, environment and the global economy to satisfy passenger demands. A Flying For All session is also expected to draw the crowds as it delves into the loyalty potential offered by meeting the needs of travellers with mobility, visual or hearing impairments.

The Revitalising The Journey thread will invite delegates to look at how they meet passenger demands for a seamless, relaxed journey.

Elsewhere, the digital future comes under the spotlight with sessions that wonder how the likes of Google or Apple might design an airport today, plus how brands might use technology to streamline a disconnected booking and travel journey. passengerexperienceconference.com