Latest posts by Martin Moodie (see all)
- Discovering a fresh philosophy in Shenzhen and talking Trinity in Ho Chi Minh City - April 24, 2024
- How I overcame Severe Tire Damage to become the oldest influencer in town - April 20, 2024
- Free as a (Kiwi) bird and flying high in Haikou - April 13, 2024
I’ve arrived in Abu Dhabi for the 2013 Trinity Forum, which promises to be among the best in the event’s ten-year history.
I’ve set up The Moodie Report’s temporary bureau on the second floor of the spectacular Yas Viceroy Hotel, with a wonderful view overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, home to the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
That view is a welcome contrast to the snow and cold in London, from where I departed on Friday night.
Things nearly got off to a disastrous start after I contrived to leave my briefcase at Dubai International Airport, including the laptop carrying all my critical (and, criminally, not backed up) Trinity material. Fortunately luck intervened when I decided to check some papers while in my car en route to Abu Dhabi. No papers, no briefcase… stop the car!!!!!!!!!
A frantic hour ensued, not good for the blood pressure , which shot right off the Richter scale, but illuminating as to how helpful people can be in moments of crisis. I shall be forever grateful to a Dubai International Officer security policeman Mr Ayedh Ahmed Ali who, sensing my desperation, helped get me back airside to search for my bag.
Like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, I tracked the bag down using all the (limited intelligence) at my disposal. Knowing the culprit’s penchant for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which had manifested in a sizable purchase a little earlier, I headed for the Arrivals duty free shop. And there it was, right opposite the Hunter’s and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Reunited. Saved. I always said that wine was good for you.
While in the shop earlier, a Dubai Duty Free sales assistant came over and offered to carry my basket of wines to the counter. I recognised him from my last visit in November when he had been similarly helpful, prompting me to write about him in my Blog. His name is Ali Shah and he’s from Kashmir.
“Hello Ali,” I said, “Nice to see you again. I don’t suppose you remember me?”
“Oh yes Sir, I do,” he replied with a smile. “You’re from New Zealand, aren’t you?”
How about that? With all the thousands upon thousands of customers he deals with, he remembers one at random. And I can’t remember my one and only briefcase…
From Dubai, now with my treasured latop clutched to my breast like a lost child returned to its parent, I headed to Abu Dhabi and a catch-up lunch with Dan Cappell and Graham Keddie of Abu Dhabi Airports Company. Over a leg of lamb soaked in Cognac (in fact so soaked I would say it was Cognac flavoured with lamb) and a glass or nine of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, I chatted with Dan about ‘Ten Years of Trinity’, the theme of this week’s Forum.
It seems hard to believe that it’s a decade since we launched the Trinity concept and Forum. Dan, one of the few people to have worn all three Trinity hats – brand, retailer, airport – has been an ever-present, challenging and positive influence in the shaping of the Trinity debate down the years
It’s an event I’m immensely proud of. It’s not the industry’s biggest conference but I firmly believe it’s the best, and that’s due to the quality of the speakers that attend and the efforts they put in to ensure truly issue-driven presentations and panel discussions. This year’s Forum is no different and I can promise everyone who’s coming that there are going to be some highly significant developments announced.
I probably should have invested in a bullet-proof vest given all the shots that have been taken at the Trinity concept down the years but I remain convinced that the principle of fostering improved partnership and mutual understanding between the three industry stakeholders remains vital.
It seems I’m not alone. Senior executives from 12 of the industry’s top 15 retailers are here, so are the top four food & beverage operators and many of the world’s leading airport and brand houses. I’m looking forward to welcoming them for what should be a great event.
Before you fly, pack something warm for the evening events outside. It’s a very pleasant 24 degrees today but at night it cools considerably as you can see from the choice of attire in the photo below of the Moodie ‘Trinity’, me and my colleagues Jaclyn Wampler (daughter of company investor John Harlan Wampler) and Mandy Sime. Yes folks, once again, The Moodie Report brings you blanket coverage of The Trinity Forum.
