The International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) and the Asociacion Sudamericana de Tiendas Libres (ASUTIL) have opened registration for the combined Duty Free & Travel Retail Summit of the Americas, 18-21 March, 2018.

As originally reported by TRBusiness in March and via its Twitter feed, the show will take place in Orlando at the Marriott World Center following an agreement between both organisation to merge their respective events from 2018.

In a joint statement, IAADFS President and CEO Michael Payne said: “Agreement has been reached by ASUTIL and IAADFS to keep the 2018 Summit of the Americas in Orlando for the immediate future, but beginning in 2019 there will be a new location for the Summit.”

ORLANDO ‘BEST CHOICE FOR NOW’

Both organisations had undertaken detailed preliminary assessments to assess the dynamics of hosting a ‘single event’, which is confirmed in the joint statement.

Commenting on what has been a ‘thoughtful’ and ‘extended’ look at alternative venues to host the summit involving close consultation with supplier members, Payne added:

“After evaluating a number of factors including exhibit and labor rates, other fees associated with the event, and convenience for travel and proximity to the rest of the Americas and Europe, Orlando is the best choice for now.

“Both organisations will continue to assess other venues, including locations outside of the United States as appropriate.”

ASUTIL Secretary General José Luis Donagaray added: “A new location will provide more flexibility for the event including expanded private meeting rooms, a more intimate exhibit area, and better options for educational sessions. The new location also provides easy access to nearby restaurants, shopping, and other entertainment options.”

ENHANCED CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Canada’s Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) had initially been linked to collaborate with the other associations to host the ‘single show’, but it is understood that those plans were shelved following internal discussions.

Speaking to TRBusiness during this year’s IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas, Payne revealed that the drop in visitor numbers to 2,076 was expected, given the economic challenges facing South and Central America.

As reported at the time, the general sentiments relayed to TRBusiness from visitors and exhibitors were for changes to the show.

“They want to see the changes, they’re tired of the venue. We know all this,” added Payne.

Plans are well underway to meet exhibition space requests, in addition to finalising what is expected to be a more comprehensive series of executive conference sessions scheduled for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, added the statement.

In addition, delegates will enjoy the usual mix of quality networking opportunities, including one-to-one meetings between member buyers and suppliers unable to obtain exhibition space.

Further information about the executive conference sessions and speaker lineup are due to be announced in due course.

The 2018 discount registration deadline is Friday, January 26, 2018, after which the registration fee will increase by $150 per attendee.

For more information, visit www.2018summitoftheamericas.org or contact the following:

Michael Payne, President and CEO, IAADFS: +1-202-367-1184

José Luis Donagaray, Secretary General, ASUTIL: +598-2-623-1842.