Miami Beach Convention Center
Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
March 11-13, 2008
Seatrade Cruise Shipping is the largest and most important trade fair for the cruise industry. This year, the event held in Miami Beach was once again a complete success in terms of visitor numbers alone. The 5,000+ visitors attending last year were surpassed by 11%.
Over 1,000 exhibitors presented their products for cruise shipping. Lufthansa Systems took part for the third time as an exhibitor, presenting the Mobile Infotainment Solution on its 40 m² booth.
One of the features demonstrated at the booth was how the Mobile Infotainment Solution allows the installation of systems while the ship is at sea. A simple and cost-efficient way of implementing such an advanced solution – on board the ship itself or at the shipyard.
Further highlights during the trade show took place on 12 and 13 March. On Wednesday evening, Lufthansa Systems hosted an evening event – in addition to networking, the focus was on addressing the topics discussed during the day in more detail. The invitation was accepted by 50 visitors who then concluded the day in a relaxed atmosphere with sushi and drinks.
On Thursday, the panel discussion "IT and Communications at Sea" with Douglas S. Diggle, our Cruise Line and Hospitality Industry Representative, covered precisely those topics that Lufthansa Systems stands for. The session focused on a survey into how the cruise industry may benefit from smart technology in terms of both improved passenger services and increased onboard revenue options now and in the future.
Visitors and exhibitors summed up by saying that with each year, this very special trade show with its unique atmosphere gets bigger and more mature. Seatrade Cruise Shipping is definitely the No. 1 for this industry in the USA – and among the top 10 worldwide. Seatrade 2009 – which will mark the trade fair's silver anniversary – is therefore awaited with eager anticipation!
