Americas show move will save costs, says IAADFS

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The new Fort Lauderdale location for the Duty Free Show of the Americas will prove more cost-effective for delegates, once it becomes effective in 2005

International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) executive director Michael Payne told DFNI the board had made the decision to move following feedback from members about the costs of attending and exhibiting at the Marriott World Center in Orlando. Last year, many tradefloor exhibitors complained of the spiralling cost of services at the hotel. The show will be held at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center from 2005.

Payne said: "Cost is a factor, particularly during this economic cycle. It will be more cost-effective for a lot of our members to be in the Miami area. They can land at the airport and not have to change planes to go to Orlando. There's a lot of the industry based in Miami already and that should save them some money.

"We should also be able to negotiate reduced prices with the convention centre itself, and there are different pricepoints for rooms which is a factor for some delegates. Many find the rooms expensive at the Marriott, where prices have increased steadily over the years."

Aside from reasons of cost, Payne said that there was strong backing for a change of venue from members.

"After 15 years it will be time for a change. People are a little tired of Orlando, from the feedback we're getting, and this takes the show closer to the industry in Miami. It's also time for us to move away from the separation of tradefloor and suite. There will still be the opportunity to have suites but it won't be as much of a factor as it is now. Another factor is that the buyers are sick of the elevators and being late for appointments all the time."

• This story was broken by DFNI E-Mail News Flash on January 21.