APEX FTE EXPO in Singapore Poised for Success Following Strong Early Exhibitor Uptake
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The APEX FTE EXPO in Singapore from 18-19 November is set to attract approximately 3,000 delegates to the luxurious Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Expo and Convention Center. The 2026 event will mark the first time APEX has hosted its flagship show in Asia for a decade, and the first time ever that APEX’s global event has been held jointly together with FTE outside of the US.
APEX Commercial Director Steve O’Connor explained the manifold benefits of the show’s strategic move to a new region: “We knew that in order to win back member trust and buy-in, we had to do something bold with our headline event. I am delighted to say that exhibitors who have not been on the show floor for a few years are now returning, and that they will be taking part alongside a considerable number of new companies exhibiting at the event for the first time.”
“We are committed to building the world’s largest end-to-end passenger experience event in Asia.”
– Steve O’Connor, APEX
Compelling Exhibitor Offerings Drive Growth at APEX FTE EXPO
O’Connor divulged that one of the reasons for such strong uptake by APEX members is that the economics around exhibiting are markedly more attractive. “Together with Future Travel Experience Head of Operations Sophie Andrews and MBS, we have created some fantastic turnkey solutions for attendees that are significantly more cost-effective than we saw in the US,” he commented. “I’m confident we will save our exhibitors a combined US$100,000 when we compare the cost to exhibiting in Long Beach.”
However, O’Connor was keen to emphasize that the incentives for exhibitors are more than just financial. “We’re not an events company. We’re a member association, and we serve our membership 365 days a year,” he stated. “We already run the world’s biggest in-flight content event, APEX Content Market; and APEX TECH has long been the epicenter of thought leadership surrounding in-flight entertainment and connectivity.
“But we believe that bringing our global event to the Asia-Pacific region – which is the fastest growing in the world in terms of the aviation industry – will allow us to continue delivering on our mission statement, which is to accelerate and advance the passenger experience.”
“The market is responding at a level we haven’t seen in a very long time.”
– Steve O’Connor, APEX
O’Connor added that global airline attendance at the companies’ previous regional event, APEX FTE Asia EXPO, signals the impending success of APEX FTE’s global event in Singapore. With each exhibitor granted access to both the premium conference stages and the show’s networking events, he also highlighted the numerous opportunities afforded to those with a stand in terms of forging new connections with airlines, established suppliers and startups.
Welcoming IFSA to APEX FTE EXPO for the First Time
For the first time in history, the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) is supporting the event with its own branded zone on the exhibition floor, with a number of IFSA member companies already having confirmed their presence. “What this shows us is that Asia really is the place to be. And what a fantastic proposition for our attendees, that they will have access to APEX, FTE and IFSA all under one roof,” commented O’Connor.
With seven months to go until the event takes place, 85 per cent of the exhibition floor has already been sold, with O’Connor potentially looking to secure more booth space. “The market is responding at a level we haven’t seen in a very long time,” he explained.
Furthermore, half of the available sponsorship opportunities have already been reserved, but O’Connor is keen to connect with attendees about some of the remaining options via all communication channels, including email and LinkedIn.
“By moving the show to Singapore, and staying in Asia in the longer term, we are placing our members at the epicenter of passenger experience innovation.”
– Dr. Joe Leader, APEX
Asia-Pacific Commitment Extended Beyond Singapore
Excitingly, APEX is committing to the Asia-Pacific region beyond 2026 with the announcement of its location for 2027: Seoul, Korea. “We are committed to building the world’s largest end-to-end passenger experience event in Asia,” stated O’Connor.
APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader concluded, “With each passing year, APEX is moving closer to building an industry-leading mega-event together with FTE that represents the passenger journey from the moment they begin making their way to the airport until their foot crosses the threshold at their destination accommodation. By moving the show to Singapore, and staying in Asia in the longer term, we are placing our members at the epicenter of passenger experience innovation, where networking and learning opportunities are bound to leave a lasting impression.”
Find out more about APEX FTE EXPO in Singapore, or to register click here.