The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) 23rd annual Gala again lived up to its legacy as the FCCA’s keynote event of Seatrade Cruise Global, gathering over 50 cruise line executives, presidents and CEOs with 400 attendees looking to optimize a unique chance to increase their cruise tourism business during a reception, silent art auction and private dinner with a decision making executive.
“The FCCA Gala facilitated networking between Member Line executives and cruise tourism stakeholders, while contributing to a good cause-the FCCA Foundation,” told Michele M. Paige, president of FCCA. “Of course it is crucial to link anyone doing business in the cruise industry with decision makers from the cruise lines, which is the best way to build understanding and business relationships, but even better is benefitting the citizens from Latin America and the Caribbean.”
“The FCCA Gala offered a unique and invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to closely interact with the cruise industry’s key players to develop understanding, relationships and business,” said Adam Goldstein, President and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Chairman of the FCCA. “I was honored to host a table and listen to ideas and developments while benefitting a good cause.”
The evening began with a 90-minute reception and silent art auction with a collection from Park West preceding the dinner. This gave attendees a chance to mingle with all the executives in attendance, including presidents and CEOs such as Goldstein, along with Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line; Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Arnold Donald, CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc; Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO, Celebrity Cruises; Jason Montague, President & CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.; and Andy Stuart, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line.
The audience then made its way to their tables, ones they had pre-selected based on the best executive, department and brand to help their business, as each ticket included not only dinner, but also a side of productive talks and relationship building. Plus, select executives, including the presidents and CEOs, hosted private tables so a company or destination could maximize the opportunity.
All proceeds benefitted the FCCA Foundation, the non-profit, charitable organization that funds humanitarian causes in the Caribbean and Latin America, including disaster relief, funding for institutions like hospitals and orphanages, and annual projects benefitting educational and children’s causes. Most recently, nearly 9,000 underprivileged children throughout 43 destinations had something to celebrate because one of the Foundation’s annual events, the Holiday Gift Project, delivered presents, festivities and smiles.
