There was a quiet but industrious feeling at the 2024 IAADFS Summit of the Americas held in West Palm Beach, Florida, from April 14-17, with a vast majority of the exhibitors praising the quality and seriousness of the buyers in attendance.
In addition to more buyers from the major duty free operators than in the recent past, there appeared to be quite a few more representatives from Canada and the Caribbean.
But the biggest news of the week was announced during the plenary session that officially opened the event, when IAADFS Chairman Rene Riedi announced that the Association would be moving the Summit of the Americas to Miami in 2025.
Riedi also announced that going forward the organization – one of the pioneers in the industry –would have a new name: The Duty Free & Travel Retail Association of the Americas.
The moves are being made “in the spirit of evolution” said Riedi, as the Association is “transitioning for the future.” The recent addition of the four new supplier members and Lisa Bauer as a leader of the retail cruise sector, are all indications of the Association’s “more comprehensive representation.”
IAADFS President & CEO Michael Payne, speaking with TMI’s Lois Pasternak prior to the official announcement, said that the announcements would underscore inclusivity.
The changes will “secure the future of our industry,” said Riedi during the plenary remarks.
With 81 official exhibitors – compared to 74 in 2023 – and 1,207 registered delegates as of Tuesday afternoon – compared to 1,177 in total in 2023, the show was not appreciably larger than last year. Nevertheless, there were quite a few unique jewelry, accessories and beauty brands that were generating a lot of attention (details to come in a future issue).
For the second year, the Association also provided a Networking Lounge in the midst of the trade market floor, so that non-exhibitors could meet with buyers as well, that was filled throughout the event.
The two education sessions were also very well-attended, generating positive feedback.
The Monday morning plenary session, a panel discussion entitled ‘The Americas – Change and Promise’ featured Puig Travel Retail Americas General Manager Felipe Grant; Pernod Ricard General Manager TR Americas Greg Ford; Lindt Americas Sales & Market Manager GTR Markus Suter and ARI Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Nuno Amaral, who shared insights and observations about the industry, and expectations for the future.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Association held a special workshop on cruise retail, organized with DFNI. Moderated by DFNI Special Projects Editor Chris Madden, the workshop began with an excellent, in-depth report from Clara Susset, COO of Swiss research firm m1nd-set on the huge opportunities still ahead for retail on cruise ships.
Susset was followed by a lively panel discussion with Lisa Kauffman, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Starboard Cruise Services; Emily Lively, Head of Cruise & Airlines, Diageo Global Travel; and Estelle Baumann, Managing Director, Denizen.
Miami 2025
Discussing the plans for 2025 at the closing press conference, IAADFS’ Michael Payne said that the venue and dates for the event in Miami have yet to be finalized, although they plan to announce a contract soon. The venue will most likely by a hotel, although the trade floor may offer a different, more flexible configuration.
“We want to bring that central hub back together. I think that will be really helpful,” he said.
Payne said they are also looking a more content sessions and workshops, as well as exhibitions opportunities and networking. There could also be an educational element and even a wider social program.
The Miami location will not only provide easier, more direct travel options, but could enable many of the local companies to send staff for the day and to attend specific sessions.
“We don’t know exactly how the mix is going to work, but it’ll a combination of networking opportunities, business to business, some exhibits and more content,” he said.
Summing up this year’s event, the Association’s Executive Director, Steven Antolick, noted:
“Overall it was a very positive experience…people have been very complimentary about the event and the business that they were doing. We are pleased with the event and looking forward to 2025.”
