Taking place on 19th and 20th June at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Miami welcomed more than 2,800 attendees to its launch event.
This was the world’s first event dedicated exclusively to interior design, architecture, and outfitting in the cruise industry.
The inaugural event opened its doors to industry delegates from 43 countries. Some 23% of the attendees held C-level job titles, while 20% were lead architects or designers.
Attending companies included Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fincantieri, Holland America Group, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The event received 120% re-bookings on-site, the organisers claimed.
Shores Global’s CEO, Susan Sadolin, commented, “The quality of visitors on day one was extremely high. We saw everybody we wanted to see and, as a result, we are developing an entire new collection for cruise lines.”
Kick starting the event on 18th June at the New World Center in Miami, VIPs and exhibitors came together for an evening of networking, complimentary drinks, and live painting by James R Hahn at the official launch party, sponsored by Bolidt, Global Marine Travel, Janus et Cie, and Somec Group.
The following day saw 250 plus marine interior brands on display.
“This event is something that we need. The market is changing and for the interiors industry there is nothing else like this,” said Antonio di Nenno, lead architect, MSC Cruises
Delegates also gathered for the first conference session, ‘Cruise Industry Outlook: Leaders’ Debate,’ where speakers from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and MSC Cruises were introduced by chair & associate professor of interior architecture at Florida International University, Newton D’souza.
Day two highlights included international president of NEWH, Cindy Guthrie presenting Brennan Broome with a design scholarship sponsored by Cruise Ship Interiors Expo. Even more networking took place at Studio DADO’s VIP breakfast and, later in the day, at Trimline’s exclusive party.
“There is a definite need for this show. That seems to be the excitement from everyone involved,” said Petu Kummala, senior director of interior design and architecture, Carnival Cruise Line
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Miami will return to the Miami Beach Convention Center next year under the name Cruise Ship Interiors Expo North America, between 16th -17th June, 2020.
