Page 12 - TFWA World Exhibition and Conference 2025

INSIDER

IAADFS returns to Orlando for 2026 Summit of the Americas

The International Association of many Orlando-area attractions.
Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) While the date pattern for 2026 –
has announced that the 2026 Summit of the with an opening of the exhibit area and
Americas will be held March 28-31 at the education sessions on Sunday instead
Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. of the traditional Monday start – is not
Last year’s Summit took place in the Summit’s preferred pattern, it was
Miami at the InterContinental, after necessary to go with this pattern to ensure
spending several years in Palm Beach. The sufficient space to accommodate exhibitors
show returns to Orlando for the first time and attendees for the full event.
since 2019. The IAADFS team is working on its
The Rosen Shingle Creek was selected plan to create an attractive program that
as the venue for 2026 after the association will provide strong value to attendees,
conducted a thorough site search that exhibitors, and sponsors of the event.
considered proposals from venues from “We are excited to be hosting the
Miami up through Orlando. IAADFS says 2026 Summit of the Americas at the Rosen
the hotel offers an ideal selection of exhibit Shingle Creek in Orlando,” stated Rene
space, conference space, sleeping rooms, Riedi, IAADFS Chairman.
and amenities for the 2026 Summit. In part, “We are confident that this new
the selection of the Rosen Shingle Creek facility and the city of Orlando will be
helps address a key concern highlighted in Rene Riedi, IAADFS Chairman at the a perfect home for our 2026 event, and
the post-Summit surveys from 2025: the 2025 Summit of the Americas we thank our attendees, exhibitors, and
desire for a more affordable venue. Rooms sponsors for their continued support.”
in the official block will be $239 per night outlets, a full-service spa and fitness The space request process for the 2026
plus tax, a savings compared to the 2025 center, an on-property championship Summit will open shortly, with registration
room rate. golf course, four swimming pools, and and room reservations opening in late
The Rosen Shingle Creek is a courts for pickleball, tennis, basketball, October or early November. Attendees are
large resort-style convention hotel, and volleyball, among other features. It encouraged to wait until the official room
with robust event facilities and many is a short 15-minute drive from Orlando block is open to take advantage of the
amenities: multiple food and beverage International Airport and is convenient to negotiated room rate.

Michael Payne to step back from key role at IAADFS

The International Association of Summit of the Americas.
Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS)
announced that Michael Payne will be IAADFS transition period
stepping back from his role as President “I feel this is a really good solution as
and CEO of IAADFS. we go through this transition period,” said
“Michael will continue to serve as Michael Payne.
a chief advisor to the Board on matters “This conversation started back
relating to advocacy, governance and before COVID, which of course changed
program content, but will continue to move everything, and it clearly wasn’t a good
away from the day-to-day operational time to make any major staff adjustments.
activities dealing with membership We now have an energized Board with a
services, budget items and related areas,” number of new members from both the
said IAADFS Chairman Rene Riedi. supplier and operator side who have an Michael Payne transitions to a new role
“As we go through some of our appreciation and understanding of what with IAADFS.
scheduled strategic changes and redefining changes need to be made to better serve our
our scope as an organization, we want to members and reflect the rapidly changing will continue to manage the operational
be able to take advantage of his knowledge nature of our industry. It’s a perfect time requirements for the association, including
and relationships and are pleased to have for new leadership and new thinking.” membership development, budgets and
his continued involvement and support,” “I’m grateful for the opportunity to Summit meeting requirements, according
added Riedi. stay involved but recognize it’s time to to Riedi.
Payne will be actively participating welcome a fresh approach,” he added. “This activity will be handled through
in Cannes to focus on his areas of Steven Antolick, who was promoted our management firm contract with
responsibility and promote the next in 2023 to the Executive Director position, Smithbucklin where Steven is employed.”

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