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FCCA hones San Juan event for greater interaction

FCCA event
A record 150 member cruise line representatives — including 11 presidents and above — attended the 2018 event PHOTO: FCCA
New features at this year's Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Conference & Trade Show are aimed at optimizing conference participants’ and exhibitors’ interactions with cruise line representatives, and fresh workshop topics are being considered.

Registration is open

Registration has opened for the 26th annual event, which returns to San Juan, Oct. 21-25.

'Last year’s record attendance of more than 150 member line representatives — including 11 presidents and above — again displayed the cruise industry’s interest in not only working directly with destinations and stakeholders, but also listening to their needs and understanding how to develop long-term mutual success,' FCCA President Michele Paige said.

For the 2019 event, she promised enhanced opportunities to interact with member line executives. Already confirmed are decision-makers from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., TUI Cruises and Virgin Voyages.

Workshops

Conference participants get access to four workshops led by cruise executives and other experts on topics ranging from satisfying the needs of diverse customers to providing supplies and crew for ships.

While the workshops are still being finalized, at least one round table of high-level cruise executives and a workshop led by the FCCA Operations Committee are planned. Topics under consideration include procurement and, perhaps, employment. The FCCA has made great strides working with governments to implement and reform laws to open employment opportunities for seafarers, and member lines are liaising with destinations to facilitate hiring. The Operations Committee recently created a Human Relations Subcommittee, whose members are expected to have a strong presence at the October event.

One-on-one meetings

Pre-registered delegates can select cruise executives for one-on-one meetings; nearly 100 member line executives were scheduled for these in 2018. Delegates also get access to the VIP Lounge, where cruise executives often gather, and event transfers.

New shore excursions meeting in the trade show

The trade show enables displays of products, companies or destinations, and pavilion options are available to increase the impact with grand sizes, prime locations and the ability to showcase a destination or company as a team. Introduced last year, the pavilions will again include space for private meetings coordinated by the FCCA.

Not only are more C-level meetings planned but, delivering on the requests of past pavilion holders, a dedicated three-hour session of meetings between shore excursions executives and pavilion holders is planned for Oct. 21.

Networking

Puerto Rico Tourism Co. is selecting sites, entertainment and cuisine to ensure the nightly networking events give an authentic taste of the destination. Tuesday evening's (Oct. 21) traditional Extravaganza will take place in the trade show.

Information/registration: www.F-CCA.com/Conference. To inquire about a trade show booth, contact [email protected].