The International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) is continuing to collaborate with industry experts from the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and

counterparts in Europe to address the effects that the liquids ban is having on airport retailing worldwide.
Executive Director Michael Payne said in a statement today that IAADFS continues to be highly focused on working closely with concessionaires, government officials and aviation authorities in their collective effort to develop tamper-resistant bags that meet TSA and EU approval and other actions to help remedy the increasing problem of passengers in transit having certain duty free purchases seized.
He said this initiative has been a primary focus of the IAADFS since August, 2006 when the liquid ban first surfaced and will continue to be the major emphasis in the next term. Meanwhile the association is also preparing to host the 2007 IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas (between April 22-26) at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. This will be the show?s third year at this facility, and with much positive feedback, the association is looking forward to another successful show.
Commenting on the show, IAADFS said: ‘The Duty Free Show of the Americas Trademarket floor is sold out, with all of the 76,000 net square feet of exhibit space already reserved or requested. The show is the primary source of funding for the advocacy of the IAADFS. Following the traditional Sunday through Thursday schedule, we are excited to announce that several companies are expanding the size of their previous booth space.
‘We are also pleased to welcome a number of new and returning companies, including Hugo Boss, Diageo, Egana/Goldpfeil, Bonardo Travel Retail, Fossil, and Scorpio Group, among others. A link to our interactive exhibit hall floorplan showing the most current layout and list of exhibiting companies can be found on our website at www.iaadfs.org.
‘In addition to the exhibit hall featuring a wide variety of exhibitors, the show also offers numerous social events in which attendees can interact in a more relaxed atmosphere, as well as a number of private social events, product launches, and receptions that also contribute to the excitement of the show.
‘For 2007, the Welcome Picnic is moving to the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, with an outdoor waterfront location and a canopy to protect guests from any inclement weather. Club Americas will also be relocated to the Panorama Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six.’
IAADFS said it is also pleased to report that this year?s pre-registration totals are up compared to 2006, with overall registration up 13% as of February 6, 2007, and total buyer registration up by 9% to date. Hotel bookings for 2007 are running ahead of 2006 figures.
Pre-registration for the show will continue through April 6, and on-site registration will open on Saturday, April 21 on the third floor of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Attendees may find complete information about the Show on the IAADFS website, www.iaadfs.org, under Duty Free Show of the Americas.