The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s Oct. 18-21 conference in Panama City, Panama, has confirmed 40 cruise executives, a revamped format focused on networking, workshops and a robust destination showcase.
‘We are beyond grateful to all those involved throughout Panama for stepping up to the plate to host our keynote event,’ FCCA President Michele Paige said. ‘This year will not only have added significance for so many throughout our partner destinations who rely on cruise tourism’s economic contribution, but also for anyone who has an interest in doing business with cruise lines.’ She pointed to 2019’s record attendance of member line presidents and above as well as the most meetings ever as showing the cruise industry’s commitment to the event and its platform for working directly with destinations and stakeholders.
One-on-one meetings
A revamped format will put the event’s long-standing one-on-one meetings on the main stage. Registered delegates will have the opportunity to preset 15-minute sessions with participating executives to present goods and services, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will be additional opportunities for delegates to meet with cruise executives during networking functions scheduled throughout the event, which will showcase Panama’s highlights for cruise visitors and for provisioning and homeporting ability.
Presidents, CEOs, chairmen
The 40 cruise executives already confirmed include six presidents and above.
In ‘Top of the Lines Showcase,’ presidents, CEOs and chairmen will give a current overview and a future view of operations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America. Planned panelists include Michael Bayley, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Carol Cabezas, president, Azamara; Christine Duffy, president, Carnival Cruise Line; Tom McAlpin, president & CEO, Virgin Voyages; Rubén Rodríguez, president, MSC Cruises USA; and Rick Sasso, chairman, MSC Cruises USA.
Workshops
Delegates will also have access to workshops led by cruise executives. ‘Destination Jubilation’ will gather executives from the FCCA Operations Committee to highlight how the resumption of cruises is returning economic benefits to destinations, the protocols and communications leading the way, and opportunities for homeporting, longer stays, multi-port calls and increased sourcing and employment throughout the regions.
With ‘More on Tours,’ members of the FCCA Shore Excursion Committee will share recent developments, trends and updates in tour operations.
Information/registration: www.FCCAConference.com.
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