On Location at the Summit of the Americas in Orlando : Moodie Davitt Report

USA. Welcome to our coverage of the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) Summit of the Americas in Orlando, Florida, in which we bring you our choice of the event’s highlights in words, images and videos.

Around 1,000 delegates from the regional industry and around the world are expected to attend across the event dates of 28-31 March at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel and convention centre.

31 March

**Blue Caterpillar Co-Founders, CEO Michael Gebrael (left) and COO Christoph Henkel walk us through the company’s growing spirits portfolio in the Americas**

As reported, Barton & Guestier marked its 300th anniversary last year. Pictured from left: Export Manager LATAM & Caribbean Claire Bigot-Cordova and Sales Director Audrey Clos reflect on the French wine company’s enduring heritage and the role of travel retail in its growth strategy.

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30 March

6.30pm Networking Cocktail Reception

**The Gatlin Terrace plays host to an evening of networking as the day’s discussions give way to informal exchange**

**From pasta to pastries, the food stations prove a popular stop as the evening unfolds**

GMAX Travel Retail Founder Garry Maxwell (right) speaks to The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada about product innovation, highlighting (pictured below) Palmaráe Gin Premier Cru, Ardnamurchan The Midgie and the travel retail-exclusive Ardnamurchan Fascadale

Cosper Distribution’s Manish Kalathil (left) and Dhiren Vasa (right) introduce The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla to Absolu scents, currently listed with select duty-free retailers in the Caribbean and Latin America

**Crislu CEO Bryan Crisfield emphasises the Los Angeles brand’s mission to create “demi-fine” jewellery to suit all occasions and budgets**

Pöschl Tabak Head of International Sales Rafal Rembowski (left) and Area Sales Manager Andreas Attenberger (second from right) speak to The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla (second from left) and Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada about the company’s global push for Pueblo in travel retail this year

1.00pm Education Session: Converging Channels: Exploring Blended Duty Free, Food and Beverage, and Essentials Partnerships

Hybrid meets human: The final panel discussion at the Summit of the Americas features (from left) Avolta Executive Vice President Duty Free North America Kate Herzig, Lagardère Travel Retail Peru CEO Miguel Ruiz, Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig and The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada

Blended retail and food & beverage concepts may not be new to travel retail, but their relevance is intensifying as passenger expectations evolve, delegates hear during the “Converging Channels” panel.

Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig observes, “In my 28 some years in this industry, I talked about this very same topic 20 years ago, and again 10 years ago, so I ask myself, is everything old is new again?”

Yet today’s traveller mindset is different. Avolta Executive Vice President Duty Free North America Kate Herzig says, “Travellers today, they don’t think anymore in categories, they think I have 20 minutes and these are the moments I would like to enjoy.” That change drives a convergence of retail and hospitality, where experience – not transaction – takes centre stage.

Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig (left) says, “You’ve never had a captive audience. You’ve had captive travellers, but you need to turn them into engaged shoppers and diners. Time, emotion and moments create spend – blend retail and hospitality, and it becomes commercial.”

For Lagardère Travel Retail Peru CEO Miguel Ruiz, success lies in adopting a broader, ecosystem-led approach. Rather than viewing passengers as single transactions, operators must “truly understand the passenger journey”, enabling flexible formats and faster experimentation.

This shift is also commercially driven. As Herzig adds, increased dwell time directly impacts spend, with experience-led environments encouraging higher basket sizes.

However, the transition is not without challenges. Panellists point to the need for a change in mindset, alongside structural barriers such as regulatory constraints and capital investment requirements.

The panellists discussed how the integration of business channels can drive innovation and offer lessons from hybrid experiences to date, with implications for dwell time, penetration and conversion in the airport world

The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada (right) leads one of the key conference sessions of the week, on the theme of converging channels and hybrid retail-to-dining concepts. A top-quality industry panel includes (from left) Lagardère Travel Retail Peru CEO Miguel Ruiz, Avolta Executive Vice President Duty Free North America Kate Herzig and Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig.

**The B&S Group team at the Summit, as the company advances its Americas strategy with a focus on multi-category expansion**

**B&S Global Sales Director, Duty Free & Travel Retail Luke Maga (centre) in animated exchange with The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla (left) and Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada**

From left: King of Reach Head of Americas Global Travel Retail Tijn Oomens, The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla, B&S Global Manager Brand Partnerships Robert Posthumus and The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada

**Bear with me: The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada reaches for a win at the King of Reach claw machine**

Quality quartet: Attending the busy conference programme today are The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla (right) with (from left) Avolta COO North America Jordi Martin-Consuegra, IAADFS Chair Rene Riedi and Avolta Global Public Affairs Director Pedro Castro

A post-session moment at the Summit brings together (from left) Avolta Global Public Affairs Director Pedro Castro; The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla; Avolta Category Director Liquor & Tobacco Catherine West; Avolta Vice President Operations, North America James Van Rassel; Avolta COO North America Jordi Martin-Consuegra; and Avolta Vice President Travel Trade & Promotion, North America Elaine Xu

8.30am General Session: Sea’s the Moment – How to Win in Cruise Retail

The first session of the day focuses on the vast opportunities in cruise retail and the strategies brands need to succeed in this fast-growing channel. The panellists include (from left) Starboard Group President and CEO Lisa Bauer; Harding+ Senior Vice President Client and Business Development Pat Molloy; Citizen Watch America EVP, Caribbean and Travel Retail Sales Fernando Sanchez; Diageo Global Travel Account Manager Cruise Retail Amy Del Gatto; and Carnival Cruise Lines Senior Director Brent Jenkins.

**DFNI Frontier Digital Editor Jill Sayles (left) begins proceedings with an introduction to the panel**

Carnival Cruise Lines Senior Director Brent Jenkins (right) highlights what onboard revenue departments look for in retail partners and emerging cruise brands. He says, “I think it’s important for brands to understand the guest profile. Almost 70% of the guests are skewing on the younger side so we must think what that guest is looking for. The more you can personalise a product onboard the ship, the more likelihood that the guest is going to purchase it. I know that Starboard and Harding+ are taking great strides from everything from embroidery to pressing.”

Harding+ Senior Vice President Client and Business Development Pat Molloy addresses brand representatives attending the session: “I would really implore you all, if you’re interested in the channel, to do your homework. Come to us and be specific, for example, these are the ships that we would like to be on and here’s the reason why – we know the guests from this demographic and why it works with them. When it comes to the actual listing on board, help us execute the product best.”

Starboard Group President and CEO Lisa Bauer adds, “One of the most important things within the liquor category is regionally relevant products. A lot of our ships are serving the Caribbean and rums are a big part of that – it is an opportunity for the guests to try something local. And we have a lot of ships heading to Mexico, so tequilas and mezcals are all very popular. The first 36-48 hours are key with a captive audience. With the brand support, we can train our ambassadors to really engage with the guests early in the voyage. We do liquor sampling to get them in and build rapport, and then that ultimately converts into sales.”

7.30am General Session Breakfast

**Breakfast is in full swing, with delegates exchanging early insights before the opening session turns the spotlight on cruise retail**

29 March

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6.30pm Networking Cocktail Reception

**The Panzacola Foyer buzzes with conversation as delegates unwind with cocktails and canapés**

**An interactive station invites attendees to roast marshmallows and pair them with chocolate and biscuits**

**Striking the right note: A live performer brings a touch of serenity to the evening**

**Tonight’s bar is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka**

WorldConnect – Skross Duty Free & Travel Retail Manager Rodolfo Müller (centre) reconnects with The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla (left) and Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada amid the bustle of the exhibition in the Panzacola Ballroom

**Loacker Business Director Travel Retail and Duty Free Juan Miguel Cabrera presents the brand’s travel-inspired ‘Around the World’ packaging concept**

JP-GTR introduces two fast-growing US spirits portfolios expanding beyond the domestic market: Virginia Distillery Co and Chicken Cock Whiskey. From left: Virginia Distillery Co Director National Chains & Export Jeff Katayama, JP-GTR Founder Jean-Philippe Aucher and Chicken Cock Whiskey Head of Sales & Marketing Tyler Rothenberg.

**Virginia Distillery Co Director National Chains & Export Jeff Katayama talks about the evolving spending habits of American shoppers in the single malt category**

**Head of Sales & Marketing Tyler Rothenberg highlights the “true historical touchpoints” that form the backbone of Chicken Cock Whiskey’s brand identity**

**República del Cacao’s Victoria Arenas (left) and Santiago Salinas take us on an adventure through Ecuador’s history with cacao**

**IZIPIZI’s CEO – North America Jonathan Crespo (left) and Key Account Manager – USA Samantha Siragusa outline recent developments across the eyewear portfolio**

The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla (third from right) joined the Duty Free Global (DFG) team for a moment of industry camaraderie; (below) cocktails created with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Italian Fig & Laurel steal the show at DFG’s happy hour

4pm Education Session: Decoding Generational Trends in Airport Food & Beverage and Travel Retail

m1nd-set Owner and CEO Peter Mohn leads the second session of the day, titled ‘Decoding Generational Trends in Airport Food and Beverage and Travel Retail’. He delves into generational preferences and the shifting dynamics influencing airport dwell time and spending within North America.

Mohn says: “Gen Z strongly favours the mixed opportunity to have shops and F&B facilities together throughout the terminal. By 2030, Gen Z are expected to represent 70% of business travellers and the fastest-growing consumer segment in tourism. They care a lot about travelling, much more than about owning a car or any other materialistic possessions. Travel is what they would like to spend the most on.”

The Hershey Company Commercial Lead Americas Melissa Benner talks about the strategy for Americas’ business growth, focusing on three key pillars: winning in top airports, portfolio rebranding and strengthening capabilities. Stay tuned for our full interview.

(From left) Flor de Caña Area Supervisor – Caribbean & US Duty Free Anthony Gonzalez, LATAM Travel Retail Sales Manager Yaosca Baldovinos and Global Travel Retail Manager Rodrigo Bazan speak to The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla and Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada about the Nicaraguan rum brand’s growth ambitions in the channel

Ghirardelli Senior Sales Manager Global Travel Retail Mohammed Aldahabi (centre) speaks to The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada (left) and Publisher Irene Revilla about the geopolitical climate shaping traveller demographics in the Americas

**OMM Collection Co-Founder & CEO Mellina Soheili highlights the growing footprint of wellness-focused travel**

Pictuted: Strange Nature General Manager and Co-Owner Rhys Julian at the Haleybrooke International booth. As reported, Haleybrooke International manages the New Zealand gin brand’s duty-free distribution throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

Heaven Hill Brands Managing Director of Global Travel Retail Salvador Blanco (left) and Americas Director William Kerry take us through the company’s diverse portfolio – from classic bourbons to vodkas, tequilas and liqueurs

Avolta Chief Operating Officer North America Jordi Martin-Consuegra (right) begins his week at IAADFS by meeting industry colleagues and fellow IAADFS board members (from left) Harding+ SVP Client and New Business Development Pat Molloy and 3Sixty VP Business Development Mark Mariani. See more at Martin-Consuegra’s LinkedIn post here.

9am Education Session: Geopolitical Shifts in the Americas and Associated Impacts on Airports and the Overall Travel Sector

Americas Market Intelligence Director John Price (left) and ACI North America Executive Vice-President Matt Cornelius share critical insights about the Americas economy and how business may be impacted by geopolitical changes

Cornelius says: “When an airport goes about designing its concessions programme, they are taking inputs from the best in class. That includes airports in the USA and Canada, but it also includes international hubs such as Singapore, Dubai International and so on. Airports, particularly in the USA, because they tend to be public entities, really are a reflection of the local landscape. They’re very tightly connected to their communities and it’s important for the commercial offerings to reflect sense of place.”

Americas Market Intelligence Director John Price opens the programme with the ‘Geopolitical Shifts in the Americas and Associated Impacts on Airports and the Overall Travel Sector’ session, offering insights into Latin America’s political and economic forecasts, including elections and growth trends

“Latin America is the fastest-ageing region in the world. People have more disposable income, which has driven a lot of the consumer boom in the region over the last 20-30 years,” says Price. “And what do they want to do? They want to travel. So there’s a whole different segment of growth in the Latin American travel sector.”

8.30am Opening Remarks

IAADFS Chair Rene Riedi sets the scene for the Summit with a broader look at how global forces are shaping the Americas. He says: “It is impossible to discuss this summit without briefly addressing the current state of the travel retail market in the Americas and beyond. The recent political tensions in the Middle East underline, once more, just how sensitive and fragile our industry is. In such moments, demonstrating that even issues arising far from us have far-reaching consequences that extend to our own operations, communities and the Summit itself.”

Riedi highlights that global air traffic has largely rebounded, however spending levels have not matched this recovery. He said: “The passenger spending remains flat or is even trending downward. Although traveller volumes have rebounded, consumer behaviour has shifted, particularly among Gen Z entering the market space. Passengers are now more price conscious, spend less time in airports and increasingly expect digital engagement, which still many facilities lack today.”

“The industry can set standards and drive meaningful change, regardless of external governmental pressures or support,” says Riedi as he talks about #KickCancerThon. “In the same spirit of embracing positive change in community impact, IAADFS was honoured to partner with Go2 for lung cancer in support of the KickCancerThon event, a landmark fundraiser and awareness campaign launched by Sinead Moodie, daughter of Martin Moodie, Founder and Chairman of The Moodie Davitt Report and after Sinead was diagnosed with an ultra-rare, aggressive form of cancer, she became a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire travel retail community. And although she passed away on February 1 this year, her legacy continues to inspire us all.”

7.30am Opening Session Breakfast

**An early start as delegates convene for the Opening Session Breakfast**

**The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla (left) and Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada bring a dynamic dual presence to the show**

28 March

**Fresh off the press: The Moodie Davitt Magazine March-April hard copy is available to delegates at the Summit of the Americas (and to readers worldwide via our digital format)**

**SEVA IBP Managing Director of Duty Free & Travel Retail Laura Klingeman (left) enjoys a warm reunion with The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla at the Opening Cocktail**

**A live performer sets the background score for the evening**

**From left: República del Cacao’s CEO B2B Juan Diego Valdivieso, Santiago Salinas and Victoria Arenas pose for The Moodie Davitt Report camera with The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla**

**The evening unfolds in the opulent Panzacola Foyer at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel**

**Haleybrooke International’s Manon Lledo (left) and President Patrick Nilson speak to The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla about exciting opportunities in the spirits & wine category**

(From left) The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla catches up with Beauty Super Brands CEO Kenneth Segovia, Henkell Freixenet Head of Sales LATAM Fernanda Rezaque and Henkell Freixenet Head of Sales Global Travel Retail Ramon Olivé Altès

Women in Travel Retail+, which has done such a magnificent job in simultaneously championing women’s interests in our industry and raising money for good causes, hosted an enjoyable late afternoon gathering today at the show

*Travel Markets Insider* Publisher Lois Pasternak, an inspirational figure in her long personal battle with cancer, delivered a powerful and poignant address at the Women in Travel Retail+ event, highlighting the group’s official 2026 charity, Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation. She also spoke about #KickCancerThon, the travel retail visibility and fundraising campaign for cancer research founded by the late Sinead Moodie, former Chief Operating Officer at The Moodie Davitt Report.

**The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla with The Bluedog Group CEO Nick King (centre) and Operations Director (also Kounter Managing Director) Andrew Machin**

After several years in Palm Beach and Miami, the Summit returns to Orlando, the city that hosted the event for many years.

**Click the image to open The Moodie Davitt Magazine for March-April**

The Moodie Davitt Report is represented by Publisher Irene Revilla and Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada, who will lead our coverage in the days ahead, starting with the Welcome Cocktail tonight.

Ameesha will also lead one of the key conference sessions, on converging channels and hybrid retail-to-dining concepts, on Monday at 1pm.

Speakers include Avolta Executive Vice President Duty Free North America Kate Herzig, Lagardère Travel Retail Peru CEO Miguel Ruiz and Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig.

This session will discuss how the integration of business channels can drive innovation and offer lessons from hybrid experiences to date, with implications for dwell time, penetration and conversion.

Meanwhile, the latest issue of The Moodie Davitt Magazine (click on the image right for access) turns its spotlight firmly and fittingly on the US market.

This dual digital and print edition (with hard copies available at the Summit) is anchored by two on-location reports from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, where a sweeping US$19.5 billion redevelopment is reshaping both infrastructure and the traveller experience.

We cast the spotlight on the latest developments at Terminal 4 and Terminal 8, with more to follow; watch out for a special edition of our Spotlight eZine series dedicated to JFKIAT-run T4.