welcome messages
10 T h e F C C A C r u i s e C o n F e r e n C e & T r A d e s h ow
thIs year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show. What began in the early 1990s with a handful of participants has grown into this must-attend industry event you see today with an estimated 1,000 attendees. The conference has taken us across the region where we’ve experienced the similarities that unite us, as well as the characteristics that make each destination unique. This year’s conference takes place in beautiful Cartagena, Colombia, a city known for its rich history, beautiful colonial architecture, warm people and attractive tourism locales. This will be the fourth annual Conference I have attended since becoming Chairman in 2010 and at every conference, it has been wonderful to see the opportunities for cruise lines and industry partners to come together to foster new relationships and exchange ideas. Attendees regularly comment that the time spent is invaluable to helping build mutually beneficial relationships. I am sure this year will provide even more opportunities. From the trade show to the CEO Roundtable and one-on-one meetings, this event delivers on many different levels. I would like to thank Onboard Media for compiling this commemorative book. It is great to look back on the last 20 years of these conferences and reflect on how much the cruise industry has evolved over the past two decades in the Caribbean and Latin America. On behalf of past Chairmen Micky Arison and Rick Sasso, we appreciate you joining us in Cartagena and look forward to continuing the tradition of our Annual Conference & Trade Show well into the future.
I cOULD nOt be prOUDer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Conference. It is almost a parent’s pride, as I have nurtured it and watched it grow over the years. I remember when the Conference was nothing but a twinkle in the eyes of the cruise executives as we brainstormed for ideas to form partnerships with the destinations, along with an understanding of all parties’ needs and concerns. The humble beginnings of 400 attendees still brings back nostalgia, and I have formed the same kind of attachment with many of them, as they have grown with us over the years and attended most—if not all—Conferences. And I experience the same kind of pride when I see these attendees interact with cruise executives comfortably and profitably, knowing that 20 years ago this prominent cruise industry partner may have actually resented the industry as a whole. While these developments are undoubtedly the most significant impact of the Conference, it is also fulfilling to look at how the Conference has grown. Of course, the current attendance that has averaged about 1,000 over the past few years is one of these progressions, but the true testament is that we continue to tailor-fit the Conference to their individual needs, despite the growing number. This is why many of the Conference & Trade Show’s features developed, such as the trade show itself, the honing of one-on-one meetings, workshop sessions, the Highlights Issue and more. This is also something that will continue in the years to come. The cruise industry is certainly one that understands the importance of movement, so we refuse to let the Conference & Trade Show remain stagnant. We will always aim to address the specific needs of every attendee. Fortunately, this is possible because we now have the partnerships and communication in place to voice these needs, and our cruise executives have shown their dedication to fulfilling them. They have also proven their devotion to the Conference & Trade Show, and I would like to personally thank them for their continued support. It is only through their participation that the Conference & Trade Show has grown and achieved such resounding, mutual success for both the destinations and the cruise lines. Here’s to the next 20 years!
Regards, Sincerely,
Kevin Sheehan Chairman, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line
13FCCA WELCOME ONE.indd 10
Michele M. Paige President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
8/27/13 2:41 PM