Seatrade Cruise Global Gets Cracking in Miami

Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry's leading annual business-to-business event, is featuring 200 new exhibitors at this year's record-breaking event. Marking its 35th year, Seatrade Cruise Global has come back to Miami at the newly renovated Miami Beach Convention Center on 8-11 April 2019.

The sold-out show floor, organized in sector-specific neighborhoods, connects over 11,000 buyers and sellers and host a newly imagined program.

Highlights on the floor include The Promenade, a new pavilion featuring ground breaking innovations and must-haves in hotel operations and concessions, which will host cooking demonstrations and receptions.

Also new for 2019, the Safety & Sustainability Theater will bring the latest in cyber, port and tour security systems, as well as access control, monitoring and life-saving technologies; and the Cruising Innovations Theater provides access to industry influencers showcasing ideas, strategies and experiences that set today's modern cruise lines apart.

Also new for 2019, an increased number of new "Seatrade Talks" passes the mic to industry leaders as they share their perspectives on cruising's hottest topics from innovation to sustainability.

Featured speakers will include Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line; Josh Leibowitz, Senior Vice President, Cunard North America and Chief Strategy Officer, Carnival Corporation; Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing Officer, Silversea Cruises; Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises; and Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten.

With the new Promenade stage at the heart of the hotel operations and concessions neighborhood, attendees can experience live demos, tastings and receptions in addition to hearing from the hospitality industry’s top leaders. Featured exhibitors include TarHong, Scandia, Whittaker’s and Nassau Candy. Culinary sessions at the Promenade will include the 'Cruising Culinary Corner,' 'Food Network Culinary Trends' discussion and a special Hotel Operations and Concessions Reception, all on April 9.

Cruise Lines International Association will host a Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage Forum (April 10) for suppliers of hotel operations, food and beverage products and services. The forum will address key industry topics and build business connections with relevant cruise line decision-makers.

As advances in technology continue to reshape the landscape of cruising, Seatrade offers the opportunity to discover the latest cutting-edge tech to bring businesses to the next level. Attendees can learn from exhibitors like LG Electronics, Oracle Hospitality, Lufthansa Industry Solutions, Cisco, Speedcast and Global Eagle.

Artificial intelligence sessions and technology panels will also be available, including 'Enhancing the Guest Experience with Technology' (April 9) with participants from MSC Cruises, Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, Sourcetoad and Global Eagle. Also scheduled is 'Technology Infrastructure Powering the Future of Cruising' and 'Artificial Intelligence: What’s All the Buzz About, both on April 10.

Attendees are invited to travel around the world and discover the distinguishing cultures of both sought-after destinations and hidden gems. The hottest trends in shore excursions and ports will take center stage, from India, Shanghai and Hong Kong to the destinations of MedCruise, Ports of Spain, Cruise Britain and the Caribbean.

Program highlights include 'Transforming Shore Excursions To Deliver Authentic And Exclusive Experiences' (April 8) with Hannah Sampson, senior editor, Skift as the moderator and a 'Caribbean Spotlight … The Future Is Bright' (April 11) with panelists from Silversea, MSC Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.

Showcasing thought-provoking insights and best practices, the safety and security neighborhood will present attendees and cruise lines with the resources needed to achieve a responsible and safe cruising experience. Exhibitors will range from Survitec, Smiths Detection and ZKTeco USA to Fire Aid and RiskBand. In addition, workshops and panels will include the featured session at the Safety & Sustainability Theater, 'An Interview with Tom Strang,' SVP maritime affairs, Carnival Corp. & plc (April 10). Attendees can also network with fellow professionals at the Safety & Sustainability Reception the same day.

The ship equipment and shipbuilding neighborhood will feature an impressive lineup of exhibitors including Fincantieri, German Pavilion, Danish Export Association, Siemens,

Wärtsilä and Meyer Werft. From ship fittings, electrical and ship operating systems to talent acquisition, the equipment neighborhood is the place for the latest products and solutions, as well as specialty programming like 'The Future of Shipbuilding And Design' (April 10).