Conference Highlights
IFSA Global Leadership Conference–Latin America & The Caribbean
San Jose, Costa Rica

The International Flight Services Association has just completed their second networking and educational conference in Costa Rica and is again receiving rave reviews. The IFSA Global Leadership Conference—Latin America and The Caribbean, held in San Jose, Costa Rica February 24 – 26, 2007 was host to informative education sessions, with leading industry participants that were the focal point. All attendees had an excellent opportunity to share relevant and timely information firsthand and make valuable business contacts!

IFSA Chef's Competition Winner - Chef Carlos Gonzalez, Gate Gourmet

Congratulations to Chef Carlos Gonzalez of Gate Gourmet, the winner of the 2007 IFSA Latin America & The Caribbean Chef's Competition! Chef Carlos' Aztec Chocolate Cloud Cake with Jalapeno Crème Anglaise and an Orange/Vanilla Sugar Dusted Churro took top honors at this engaging event. As the contest winner, Chef Carlos received a commemorative crystal award and monogrammed chef's coat. The other finalists who competed for this honor were Chefs Jan Kuska and Armando Navarette, both of Goddard Catering Group based in El Salvador. Each of the finalists also took home lovely crystal awards. Six impressive entries were narrowed down to three finalists to compete on-site. Thanks to all the chefs, judges, moderator and attendees who made this a truly exciting competition!

	Chef Carlos' Winning Aztec Chocolate Cloud Cake with Jalapeno Crème Anglaise and Orange/Vanilla Sugar Dusted Churros.
Chef's Competition Judges (left to right) Hermann Stalder, Casa Proveedora Phillips; John Long, Flying Food Group; Richard Martinez, Continental Airlines; Chef Bob Rosar, Gate Gourmet (2005 Chef's Competition Winner) and Moderator Erika del Toro, Grupo Sarabia.
	Attendees Had the Opportunity to Sample the Desserts of the Competition.

Conference Highlights

Conference attendees from 18 countries were treated to a conference that featured an exceptional combination of education, networking, and culture, in beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica.

Guest of Honor and Vice President of TACA Airlines, Mr. Fernando Naranjo, Offered an Intriguing Presentation stating "the key is air transport; it is vital to Central America and will help us intensify growth in the next few years."

Interactive audience sessions or "Hot Topics" included the following:

• Standardization in food safety and hygiene audits, presented by Mr. Zev Chernilo, Quality Assurance Catering Manager, LAN Chile
• Distribution in Central and South America, presented by Mr. Jorge Barreto, Managing Director, Gate Gourmet
• Onboard Service Trends, Ms. Tania Escobar, Logistics & On Board Service Manager, TACA Airlines

Professor Crist Inman, Conference Keynote Speaker and Allen Lainez, Onboard Services Director, Copa Airlines and IFSA Board Member.

In 2005, Professor Crist Inman, CEO of LaPaz Group based in Costa Rica presented a thought-provoking presentation regarding trends in the region. Due to the popularity of Professor Inman, he was invited to present the Keynote Address this year and again provided attendees with very relevant information on providing the customer with a unique experience with a focus on conservation. He also assured the audience that there is a consistent business climate in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Attendees experienced an evening out at the historic Pueblo Antiguo. Guests were treated to a tour of historical Costa Rica as well as cultural dancing and performances.

Attendees had the opportunity to take in Costa Rican culture in the form of dancing and entertainment.

A comprehensive session titled "Catering: Controlling Costs" consisted of the following panelists: Mr. Stewart Massiah, Goddard Catering Group; Ms. Donna Coles, Gate Gourmet; Mr. Jeremy Clark, Inflair Software, Ltd.; and Mr. Alfred Rigler, LSG Sky Chefs and was moderated by Mr. Ken Samara, AMI Inflight, Inc.

Ms. Robin Swenson, Northwest Airlines, presented the Updated IFSA and AEA (Association for European Airlines) World Food Safety Guidelines. The document is now available for download at www.ifsanet.com.

To view archived conference information or the Schedule of Events on the IFSA Global Leadership Conference—Latin America and The Caribbean click here. For presentations from the event visit our members only site.

The location and date for the next IFSA Global Leadership Conference - Latin America & The Caribbean is in development. Look for an announcement to be issued in the near future. If you have any suggestions or comments on the conference please contact IFSA at ifsa@kellencompany.com.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

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