1 7 6 REPORT A happy return Elite Exhibitions hosted Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America in June 2022, bringing together stakeholders across the industry to discuss sustainability, new products, the future of interiors and more Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America (CSI) returned in June to showcase businesses, trends and products from across the entire cruise ship interiors supply chain. The event began with an opening party which saw the industry’s leading cruise lines, design studios, shipyards, outfitters and International Maritime Organization (IMO) suppliers reunite at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. Aros Marine, Bolidt and Welbilt sponsored the party, which had a ‘Miami Vibes’ dress code to pay homage to the city at the heart of the cruise industry. “It was an amazing networking event, uniting the industry’s leading cruise lines, design studios, suppliers and outfitters,” says Mantas Dubavičius, vice president of business development at Aros Marine. “It was a very rewarding exhibition experience and gave our team a chance to showcase our turnkey service.” On day one, Elite Exhibitions’ CEO Toby Walters welcomed attendees to the show floor, where more than 300 exhibitors displayed their products and services. Cruise Conversations Live – the event’s leading conference – also took place on day one, with CSI advisory board chairman and Holland America Group design director George Scammell highlighting the importance of in-person events in keeping the industry connected in a post-pandemic world. Attendees also recognised the value of networking in person. “It was great for the community to come together again,” says Karen Argue, business development manager at The Deluxe Group. “The team enjoyed seeing clients face to face to discuss upcoming projects and learn about exciting new products.” Fabian Brombach, operations manager of marine glazing at Brombach + Gess, was similarly positive. “It was great to see the industry active and feel the positive energy for the future,” he says. “Elite Exhibitions did an amazing job of bringing everyone together.” During the Leader’s Debate – moderated by Lawrence Rapp of Seawise Consulting Group – speakers from Holland America Group, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean Group and Hurtigruten Expeditions discussed the current challenges and opportunities facing the cruise interiors industry. “As a rather new company, the trade show is very helpful in facilitating casual and business conversations with customers that we might not otherwise have reached,” says Mathias Roberts, USA area sales manager at Almaco. “Another benefit is that we get to meet with new suppliers to the industry. It’s beneficial to both the sales and procurement ends of the business.” Daniela Herget, principal consultant at Cruise Quality Consult, agrees: “It was especially great for me to meet so many new suppliers and see and hear what is going on in the industry.” Sustainability also played a key role at the event, as the overarching theme of day two. CSI launched its new sustainable show route at the event, giving visitors a Forbo Flooring’s team celebrate a successful two days exhibiting IMO-certified flooring products at the event
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