“This event is something that we need. The market is changing and for the interiors industry there is nothing like this.”
Antonio di Nenno, Lead Architect, MSC Cruises
After a successful night of networking the night before, Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas kicked off today with a bang as attendees flooded through the entrance at 9.30am!
Boasting an unprecedented turnout of more than 2500 attendees, the expo hall quickly filled up with cruise lines execs, senior interior designers, shipyard and outfitting experts, and IMO certified suppliers.
As early risers filled the hall, exhibitors got ready to showcase their most innovative products. The booths on display were certainly impressive, with Frameworks making quite the impression on attendees with its digitally printed fish, showcasing the brand’s expansive ability to print on any polymer.
“The show is really exciting. I’m so glad there’s one focused on interiors.”
Paris Swann, director of newbuild architectural design, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Kicking off the two-day event, Newton D’souza, (chair and associate professor of the department of interior architecture, college of communication, architecture and the arts, Florida International University), opened up the conference with his opening remarks and welcome.
Hundreds of delegates gathered for the first conference session of the day, ‘Cruise Industry Outlook: Leaders’ Debate’, where speakers from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and MSC Cruises were welcomed to the stage by a standing-room-only audience
While many attendees opted for a day of learning with the Cruise Ship Interiors Conference, others chose to get a taste of our exhibitor’s most exciting innovations at the live product demos. Taking place at the exhibitors’ booths, attendees were invited to enjoy 15-minute sessions. Attendees gathered round in awe as Marmi Vrech’s master sculptor showed how to carve a marble statue.
“I think we have a newborn here which will grow into a very interesting and mature event”.
Paolo Sitia, architect, MSC Cruise Management UK Ltd
With so much going on, it’s hard to believe attendees found time for any recreational activities… Those looking for some light-hearted networking convened at the back of the hall where Adventure Golf Services was hosting its three-hole putt competition. If you partook, be sure to return for day two to find out who will be going home with a prize for best and worst attempt!
After a busy day of conference sessions, live product demos, and exhibits, guests were able to kick back and relax once again with the Wednesday Happy Hour. Taking place in the expo hall, guests, exhibitors, and speakers all united to unwind after a busy day with complimentary beer and wine.
Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas day one was certainly a success as far as attendees, exhibitors, and speakers were concerned. Join us again for day two at the Miami Beach Convention Center for another day of productive connection-making, conference sessions, exhibits, and more.