US. IAADFS has reported “excellent progress” in its preparations for the Duty Free Show of the Americas’ return to Orlando from 21 to 24 February, with over 55,000sq ft of space requested to date.
The organisers of the show said it was “particularly gratified” that a number of major companies in the fragrances and cosmetics sector had taken space, including Estée Lauder, P&G, Sodepac, Coty Prestige, Essence Corp and Elizabeth Arden, with discussions under way with several others to finalise space.
Most of the previous year’s exhibitors are returning, including Pernod Ricard, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Beam Global Brands and Philip Morris.
Badge registration and room reservations will open within a week with an easy website process available for attendees, the organisation said.
Commented IAADFS Executive Director Michael Payne: “A full array of business and social opportunities are planned for what promises to be a well-attended and dynamic show. IAADFS will retain the three-day trade show format for 2010 but with extended hours to ensure ample time for all appointments to be met. While we are still four months away from the show, all indications are very positive and we are encouraged by the strong early level of interest.”
IAADFS fights the WHO proposals
IAADFS, under the direction of the association’s Board of Directors, continues its advocacy work fighting the WHO proposals linking duty free sales to smuggling activities and thus attempting to restrict the duty free sale of tobacco products.
The association was present in Geneva during the most recent round of negotiations and is visiting both Brussels and Geneva in the coming weeks to meet country representatives and delegates to explain the duty free position regarding the WHO proposal. IAADFS is also contacting members and duty free operators globally to help raise awareness and fight against the unreasonable proposals.
“We have been working closely with ACI, ETRC and other organisations for many months to help ensure that the duty free industry is not unfairly singled out and unduly restricted by potential WHO actions,” said Payne. “The Board is committed to doing whatever we can to address this potential threat to the industry.”
Working to improve the restrictions on the sale of LAGs remained a high priority, he added, and IAADFS had continued discussions with TSA and other entities to ease the restrictions and address the problems affecting transfer passengers.
MORE STORIES ON IAADFS
IAADFS show bids farewell to Fort Lauderdale – 01/04/09
IAADFS trade show kicks off in Fort Lauderdale – 23/03/09
IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas to return to Orlando in 2010 – 22/03/09
