F&B@Sea, the sister event to Seatrade Cruise Global, that was launched last year, returns in 2024 on April 10-11 in double the space and in a new venue at Miami’s Mana Wynwood Convention Center.
Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest cruise event, will be held concurrently on April 8-11, 2024, in the Miami Beach Convention Center. [And make sure to mark your calendars for the IAADFS Summit of the Americas which will be held April 14-17 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.]
F&B@Sea, which launched earlier this year and was attended by over 1,500 F&B, hospitality and guest experience professionals, was deemed very successful. Quite a few prominent travel retail brands were in attendance, with many more expected at the 2024 event.
About F&B@Sea
As passenger bookings exceed 2019 levels and vessel supply chains grow increasingly complex, cruise lines are hungrier than ever for partners who can meet their unique needs and keep pace with the market’s meteoric growth. F&B@Sea is a direct response to the demand for a South Florida-based gathering of cruise lines with innovative suppliers at the intersection of F&B, entertainment and sustainability.
Developed in close collaboration with cruise lines, suppliers, associations and culinary leaders across cruise and hospitality, F&B@Sea brings to life the holistic cruise drinking and dining experience in an immersive setting – all just minutes away from Seatrade Cruise Global, say the organizers.
The 2-day celebration will place attendees in the passenger POV as they navigate a thriving marketplace of curated vendors, witness live demos from flair bartenders and top chefs, and become fluent in F&B trends via diverse, interactive content sessions and activations.
New feature experiences
The vendor marketplace will be twice the size in 2024. The venue will also feature The Bistro, which doubles as a central bar/lounge where attendees will gather for catered experiences, live demos and other networking events; The Product Pavilion, which showcases non-food and beverage products related to the culinary world, from cutting-edge technology to equipment and dining ware; and The Main Stage, where renowned cruise chefs and bartenders push the boundaries of culinary excellence via captivating demonstrations.
Inaugural Awards competition announced
New this year is the first 2024 F&B@Sea Awards. The competition is open to any individual, team or organization within the restaurant, hotel and cruise industry with a product or initiative undertaken between March 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024. Submissions are open from Dec.1, 2023 – March 1, 2024, and voting will take place between from March 2 – March 15, 2024, at which time the shortlist of finalists will be announced. The awards ceremony will take place on April 11, 2024.
Categories include the Best Beverage Program and Best Restaurant Program for Cruise lines, Most Sustainable Product – Suppliers, Most Sustainable F&B Program – Cruise lines, F&B Maverick of the Year – Cruise lines and Best Vendor Booth/Setup Onsite –Suppliers.
This final category will be voted on by attendees via the app, and the award will highlight the outstanding presentation, engagement, and overall excellence of a vendor’s onsite setup at F&B@Sea. This accolade celebrates the vendor that effectively showcases products or services, engages attendees, and creates a memorable and immersive experience within the dynamic environment of an event.
For more information, please go to https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com/fnbsea/en/buyers/buyers/register-interest.html
