AMERICAS. Gustavo Fagundes, President of Asociación Sudamericana de Tiendas Libres (ASUTIL), has urged the regional industry to come together to support the Summit of the Americas – A Virtual Experience, on 5-9 April. In addition, exhibitors joining the line-up have hailed the opportunity presented by the virtual showcase (see below).
As reported, the all-digital Summit of the Americas is being organised by the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) and ASUTIL in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report (which organised the successful Virtual Travel Retail Expo from 12-16 October).
In a recording addressed to industry stakeholders in the Americas and beyond (see video above), Fagundes issued an upbeat note about the future, saying: “We are sure that 2021 will be the year of recovery in the industry, with the spread of vaccinations in the region and the easing of border restrictions.”
He added: “We can discuss all the most relevant aspects of the industry. Key speakers and networking time will allow us have a common view of where we are and how we can proceed in this phase. We count on your presence.”
As reported, for exhibitors there are multiple options to display products, deliver brand and product presentations, offer virtual tours of their facilities and showrooms, and connect with buyers. Event sponsorship options are also available through our team.
Visitor registration (free to all travel retailers and airport companies) is open at the official event website, which is now live.
Partners that have signed up recently have praised the opportunity to connect with buyers from across the region and worldwide.
Oribe Hair Care General Manager Sid Katari said: “We are proud to be a part of the first virtual Summit of the Americas and to showcase Oribe’s commitment to providing a best-in-class experience for the travel retail consumer. We’re focused on finding the right partners who share the brand’s values and unwavering dedication to excellence in performance, packaging, and the consumer experience in order to grow our presence within this segment.”
Loacker Head of Duty Free & Travel Retail Juan Miguel Cabrera said: “Covid-19 has taught us that virtual encounters are a great way to continue engaging with our partners during these days. This event will give us the opportunity of keeping up this engagement. 2020 will be remembered for our missed social gatherings around the globe. For Loacker 2021 is a very important year. To be present at this event will help to show our colleagues in travel retail our exciting news for 2021.”
Another partner, Delaviuda Confectionery Group, will take part with its El Almendro and La Confitería Delaviuda brands. The company said: “As part of our international expansion strategy Delaviuda CG is delighted to announce its participation in the virtual event, Summit of the Americas. We are confident that this event will represent a great opportunity for us showcase our travel retail exclusive portfolio to existing and potential customers. Our range fulfils every occasion, should you need an affordable gift, to share some chocolates or reward yourself after a hard day’s work. These are the result of a continued R&D process which is the heart of our business.
“We are ready to take our national travel retail successful business model to the next level and there is no better platform that the Summit of the Americas.”
McCormick Distilling Company has participated in the Summit of the Americas since 2014. The company stated: “We have successfully established distribution for our range of premium spirits in numerous markets in the Latam region through participation in this trade show. This year we aspire to showcase our new brands and expand our distribution footprint in the region by inviting all Latam distributors and importers to visit our virtual booth.”
Personal protection brand SaniGo stated: “Here at SaniGo are delighted to be exhibiting our complete range of safe travelling solutions. We are committed to delivering the best quality products to keep you, your family and colleagues safe during your travels in these challenging times.”
Casa AGP, which will show its mezcal lines, said: “We are very glad to participate in this year’s Summit of the Americas, as we will be launching our three Mezcal brands, Zignum, Señorío and El Recuerdo. While we had an obvious hiatus in 2020, we still pushed forward with our plans and both the IAADFS and ASUTIL play an integral part in this forward movement.
“We are looking forward to meeting our clients and our future clients at the show. Our travel retail team is ready for action and eager to learn how to navigate this ‘new world’.”
Click on the video above for an explanation of how the virtual Summit of the Americas event works for exhibitors and visitors
The Summit is open to airports and all other landlords from travel-related sectors; retailers, food & beverage operators and other commercial service providers; brands, agents & distributors; media and other relevant parties.
The event has attracted the commitment of many leading travel retailers to attend including: 3Sixty Duty Free, Aer Rianta International, Carisam/Samuel Meisel, DFS, Dufry, Duty Free Americas, Harding Retail, Heinemann Americas, Hudson, IGL Duty Free, International Shoppes, Island Companies, Lagardère Travel Retail, Marshall Retail Group, Motta Internacional, Neutral by Luryx Duty Free Shop, Paradies Lagardère, Provimex, Rouge Duty Free, Shopping China, Sineriz Free Shop, SMT Duty Free, Starboard Cruise Services, Stellar Partners, Top Brands International and Zeinal Hermanos, among others.
Contacts
To learn more about this opportunity, please download the 2021 Virtual Summit Information Briefing. For virtual stand reservations or media, please contact Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
For general questions about participation in the Virtual Summit, please contact Steven Antolick for further assistance.
