Although 2014 has been described by many as a ‘strange year’ in the Americas, and 2015 sees the region facing record currency slides, the mood at last night’s IAADFS Opening Cocktail was jubilant to say the least.

 

Before the Cocktail, the IAADFS Board invited first-time exhibitors to an informal ‘welcome’ gathering. More than 35 exhibitors are making their first appearance or returning following an absence to the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas this year.

 

And at one of the best-attended Opening Cocktails in some years, it was so busy that it was difficult to manoeuvre oneself between clusters of people. TRBusiness spoke to several first-time exhibitors at the event who were excited about the show and upbeat about the business prospects in store for them this week.

 

The Cocktail followed Saturday night’s President’s Evening – hosted by IAADFS President Alberto ‘Pancho’ Motta Jr. – where a small gathering of IAADFS board members, retailers and industry veterans came together for a relaxed evening, on the 28th floor of the Orlando Marriott World Center hotel.

A full programme of social activities took place on Sunday and apart from the usual golf and tennis tournaments, this year IAADFS hosted a Fun Run/Walk on Sunday morning.

 

For each person who participated in the 3km Fun Run/Walk, IAADFS said it would donate $50 to Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC), with a minimum contribution of $3,500.

 

TRBusiness Commercial Sales Manager, Ben Webb was the fastest male in the race. Essence Corp’s Brenda Cortes was the fastest woman.

The trade market floor will open officially this morning at 08.30am with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.