Josh Weinstein to keynote FCCA conference, kicking off in Mazatlán

The event kicks off Wednesday with the keynote, followed by a Presidential Panel featuring Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line; John Padgett, president, Princess Cruises; and Rick Sasso, chairman, MSC Cruises USA. The discussion will be moderated by FCCA President Adam Ceserano.

Besides a heads of government forum, one-on-one pre-arranged meetings between delegates and cruise line executives, a trade show and numerous networking opportunities. the event includes three workshops.

'Port Operations & Destination Partnerships' workshop

Wednesday's 'Port Operations & Destination Partnerships' features Bryan Attree, director, worldwide port operations, Royal Caribbean Group; Carlos Estrada, director of commercial homeport operations, Carnival Cruise Line; Juan Kuryla, SVP port development & construction, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Albino di Lorenzo, SVP port operations & government relations, MSC Cruises; Chris Martin, director, port operations, Holland America Line and Seabourn; and Juan Trescastro, VP global destinations, Virgin Voyages. The session is moderated by Alexander Gumbs, CEO, Port St. Maarten.

'Care Team Training' and 'Itinerary Planning/Destination Experience'

Thursday's workshops are 'Care Team Training: How to Provide Emotional and Logistical Support During a Crisis,' and 'Itinerary Planning & the Destination Experience.'

The Care Team session features Stacy Pallot-Shweky, manager Care Team, Carnival Cruise Line: Allie Jennings, VP guest experience, Norwegian Cruise Line; Vladimir Lindor, family support training specialist, Carnival Cruise Line; Lizette Nicolau, corporate public relations director, Costamed Medical Group, Mexico; and Virgin Voyages' Trescastro.

The Itinerary/Destination workshop includes MIke Bush, product manager shore excursions, Holland America Line and Seabourn; Paul Chapple, head of land development & operations, Azamara; Hein Erasmus, senior manager, port adventures & recreation, Disney Cruise Line; Emilio Freeman, VP itineraries & destinations, SeaDream Yacht Club; Jennifer Marmanillo, director, itinerary planning, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Sandra Neffgen, head of shore excursions, AIDA Cruises; and Ugo Savino, director, deploynent & itinerary planning, Carnival Cruise Line. The session is moderated by Natasha Chatwell, marketing director, British Virgin Islands Ports Authority.

Social program

The social program includes 'A Taste of Mazatlán' in the city's historic district and 'Mazatlán Carnival' at Shekina Beach Club, plus exclusive FCCA Platinum member gatherings.

Seatrade Cruise News is reporting from the event.