Pitch Sessions

We’re pleased to be offering brands the opportunity to partake in Pitch Sessions at this year’s conference. These sessions have been an integral part of the conference programme and provide brands a key opportunity to meet leading retailers, discuss their latest product developments and seek feedback on their plans in cruise retail sector.

Whether you’re a new and emerging brand learning more about the cruise channel or a market leader and champion of your category looking to expand your reach, Pitch Sessions provide opportunity for expert advice, new connections, and opportunity to learn.

Meet the Retailers

Development

Get instant feedback from experienced retailers who understand what works in the industry.

Direct Access

Get exclusive focus time with the top decision-makers in the cruise retail industry.

Exposure

Increase your brand's visibility and potential for onboard retail opportunities

Networking

Work on building valuable business relationships with retailers during your pitch session, as well as with other brands during the conference.

80
Facilitated Pitch Sessions
3
Key Retailers

See what past attendees thought of the Pitch Sessions:

 

Mariangela Pichierri 
Director, International Sales & Purchase


"The pitch sessions were a great opportunity to speak and discuss opportunities with some of the relevant cruise companies. For small, new or niche brands and suppliers it gives the rare opportunity to present their offerings directly to decision-makers. The feedback was incredibly insightful, and the connections made open doors to new possibilities."

Stephanie Miano Vice President of Sales

“The Pitch Sessions are an invaluable opportunity to sit face-to-face with the decision makers for at the retail level. To be able to speak to our product in person with real time feedback and discuss potential market opportunities was the most beneficial. Attending the conference has opened the door to an exciting sector with amazing people and the reason we are returning for a second year!"


Jaqueline Lampert Creative Director & Founder

"DFNI provided the foundation for PeppaRose to launch successfully - offering not just knowledge and insight, but also a sense of community that made all the difference. It gave us a deep understanding of cruise retail - and to keep growing from there.”


Elena Bloothoofd Founder


“The pitch session provided a rare opportunity to engage directly with key buyers. The most valuable experience came from Starboard Cruise Services— their team was highly professional, provided detailed feedback, and took the time to understand the scope of our portfolio of over 35 sustainable, innovative brands. Their clear communication and thoughtful follow-up helped us better align with their needs, while also giving us the tools to deliver constructive insights back to our brand partners. These sessions are invaluable when there’s genuine follow-through.”

Pitch Sessions aim to offer brands an opportunity to meet a senior representative of the buying team on a 1-1 basis from the leading retailers in the cruise sector. These sessions are available for brands who do not currently operate with the retailer, intended for new business ventures and connections.

These sessions are the platform for brands to;

  • Gather feedback on their product or plans to operate in the cruise retail sector
  • Pitch a new product or concept – this could be brand new entirely for cruise or product that has performed well in other retail channels
  • Build connections of a senior level at leading retailers and bolster your network

  • Sessions extended from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to allow more time for discussion
  • Introduction of an app to support bookings management and post event follow ups
  • Enhanced briefing material, bespoke to each retailer, guiding you on preparation for your pitch

Session times are allocated for 15 minutes and will begin and finish promptly. If you are there to speak about a product, make sure you bring it with you. Don’t bring a whole product range or variety of different products, focus on your star product.

If you are to prepare some slides/collateral to showcase, keep it minimal, don’t use too much text and try and keep it visually appealing to aid your conversation.

You may decide to bring some printed information with you to leave with the retailer – make sure it aligns with what you are pitching and its’ on topic so it can serve its purpose when they review this at a later date, reiterating the key information on your product.

For further guidance on specific preparation for each retailer, head to our retailer briefing guides here.

If you have already booked your delegate ticket for the event, you will be contacted by the events team and asked to submit a request for a pitch session. We have over 80 facilitated pitch session slots available.

First Release ticket holders will be contacted first, followed by Second Release tickets and so on.

If you have already booked your ticket but haven’t heard from our events team to submit your requests, contact our Senior Event Executive, Kinza Abbas at kinza.abbas@emap.com.

If you haven’t yet booked your delegate place, book now to avoid disappointment! Click here to book or for further booking enquiries, contact our Delegate Sales Manager, Wayne Boys at wayne.boys1@emap.com