Post Conference Review
Great reviews are coming in for the just concluded networking and educational conference, IFSA Global Leadership Conference—Latin America and The Caribbean, held in Panama City, Panama on December 4 – 6, 2005. Informative educational sessions, with leading industry participants, made up the heart of this conference and all attendees gained relevant and timely information firsthand and made valuable business contacts!
Here’s what some had to say:
“Excellent program…the conferences and Chef Contest were totally innovative. The facilities and meals were great.” Enrique Valverde |
“Really great job and nice environment. This conference gives you the ability to meet and get to know your customers!" Michael Marchant |
“In my opinion the event was very illustrative of the actual Airline Industry situation of the Region, I have enjoyed it and think it has been a success.” Mauricio Solis y Martin Docampo |
“There were several educational and interesting sessions at this conference. The delegates were able to meet each other and share information.” Stewart Massiah |
“Even as a member of the planning committee, this first Latin America and Caribbean Conference surpassed my own expectations. The educational sessions were very interesting; there was great interaction between the speakers and the audience, as well as among all participants. The Chef Competition was a fantastic way to recognize these artists of our industry.” Jorge Ferro |
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Chef Bob Rosar, Gate Gourmet |
Congratulations to Chef Bob Rosar of Gate Gourmet, the winner of the IFSA Latin America and The Caribbean Chef Competition! Chef Bob’s award winning Sugarcane Spiked Chicken w/Guava Marmalade Glaze took the top honors of this first-ever IFSA event. In addition to receiving a plaque and chef’s coat, Chef Bob was also awarded two round-trip business class tickets on TACA Airlines. The other finalists who competed for this honor were Chefs Gerry McLoughlin, Continental Airlines and Robert Makowski, Goddard Catering Group. Thanks for a great showcase, Chefs!
The success of the Chef Competition was illustrated by the entry of 16 chef contestants with a variety of submissions! The 16 entries were narrowed down via an online process that was completely anonymous by 8 judges. Once on-site in Panama, 6 judges were presented the actual dish to judge plate presentation, flavor and creative use of Latin/Caribbean based ingredients. Thank you to our expert panel of judges, too!
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Chef Competition Judges (left to right) Michael Marchant, M.C.S.; Siegfried Lang, Continental Airlines; Dieter Kutteman, Gate Gourmet; Donna Coles, Gate Gourmet; Adriano Capra, LSG Sky Chefs; Hans Bukow, Retired. |
To view archived conference information or the Schedule of Events on the IFSA Global Leadership Conference—Latin America and The Caribbean click here: English Spanish. For presentations from the event visit our members only site.
Locations and dates for the next IFSA Global Leadership Conference-Latin America and The Caribbean are being finalized, and an announcement will be issued in the near future. If you have any suggestions or comments on the conference please contact IFSA at ifsa@kellencompany.com.
Sights from the Event
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Conference attendees representing 10 airlines, 10 caterers and 15 suppliers from 18 countries were treated to a conference that featured an exceptional package of education, networking, culture and accommodations, in the truly incredible host city of Panama City, Panama. |
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Trends in Onboard Service in Latin America and The Caribbean, one of the extensive panel discussions, was addressed by regional experts including (from left to right): Josef Stirnimann, Moderator, Vice President Sales & Customer Service, Gate Gourmet;Luiz Barreto Amaral, Marketing & On Board Services Director, TAM Brazilian Airlines; Herman Anbeek, Chief Commercial Officer, LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG; Jose Dolabela, Director Passenger Services, Varig Brazilian Airlines; Allen Lainez, Copa Airlines; Stewart Massiah, Vice President of Operations,Goddard Catering Group- Latin America; Marva Roach-Doyle, Manager, Flight Services Costing & Control BWIA West Indies Airways Limited |
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Attendees experienced a true “Bridging of the Americas” while enjoying an evening out for dinner and entertainment at the Miraflores Lock at the Panama Canal. Guests were treated to a tour with a historical presentation of the canal. Pictured back row left to right: Martín Docampo, Cocina Docampo, Allen Lainez, Copa Airlines Front row: Mauricio Solis, Cocina Docampo; Eugenia Perez, Copa Airlines; Ricardo Arredondo, Dester; Arianna Destro, Copa Airlines |
Thank you to the following contributors:
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Pete Garcia, Conference Keynote Speaker and Vice President Sales & Customer Service, Continental Airlines and Rodrigo Decerega, Conference Chair and Director Sales & Customer Service, Gate Gourmet |
Latin America and The Caribbean Conference Planning Committee:
Rodrigo Decerega, Gate Gourmet, Conference Chair
Allen Lainez, Copa Airlines, Board Liaison
Andrea Arakaki, LSG Sky Chefs
Bruno Barrientos, Goddard Catering Group
Marilena Cartagena, TACA International Airlines
Erika del Toro, Aviacsa Airlines
Jorge Ferro, Varig Brazilian Airlines
Yvette Garrido, Copa Airlines
Ofelia Keller, Casa Proveedora Phillips
Top Caliber Sponsors:
Platinum
Casa Proveedora Phillips, S.A.
Copa AirlinesGold
Continental Airlines
Goddard Catering Group
LSG Sky Chefs
TACASilver
deSter
FedEx Services
Felipe Motta
Gate Gourmet
Motta InternationalBronze
Tradex
