FDFA Convention 2011 Wrap Up and Thank You
The FDFA is extremely thankful to all of our members who recently attended the FDFA's 26th Anniversary Convention this past November 2011 at the Hilton Hotel in Niagara Falls. As most of our members are aware, this year marked the first year of a three year convention contract with the Hilton Niagara. We were extremely pleased with the attendance record for the 2011 show, which exceeded our supplier numbers from our 25th anniversary.
 Niagara Hilton Hotel – What to expect for 2012
Given that the hotel hosted the FDFA for the first time in 2011 as part of a three year contract, there were some issues that the Convention Committee has requested to be reviewed and improved for our upcoming 2012 Convention. The hotel is very reasonable and has assured the Convention Committee that any challenges we experienced at our last show, will be addressed and resolved for our upcoming shows. So, if you have an opinion on what can be improved at our next show, we want to hear from you – simply contact Laurie Karson or Allison Boucher and we will ensure to address each and every concern.
What you had to say about the Convention
Each year, the FDFA distributes our annual post convention evaluation form to each of our core member categories i.e. operators, suppliers, media/guests. The consolidated results are reviewed by the FDFA Convention Committee and Board to determine amendments for next year's show and what to continue for future conventions. For the 2011 show, the results indicated that our members would like to see improvements in the logistics for the trade floor, overall hotel food quality and better placement for the keynote speaker. All of these core points are being addressed in order to continually improve each of our delegate's convention experience.
The FDFA will also be identifying an incentive program to encourage more of our western operators to attend future shows. However, the FDFA often is asked why we host our show at the same location and why is the show located near Toronto. The fact remains that the majority of our supplier members and land border duty free stores are located near the Toronto area and our member survey's have resulted in the majority wanting the show in the Niagara vicinity. We host a multiyear show at the same location, simply because we can garner the best hotel rates for our delegates by hosting a show with a multiyear contract that maximizes our delegate's concessions and overall amenities i.e. free delegate internet, free parking, etc.
2012 Convention – What to consider
Next year's convention is being held from November 11th to 14th, 2012 at the Hilton Niagara. If you would like to secure the same hotel suite as last year's or were not happy with your suite or trade floor position in 2011, then this is your opportunity to secure or change your location. Allison Boucher, the FDFA Convention Manager, will be happy to begin speaking with any of our convention delegates to ensure your needs are met – it's not too early to call Allison. The formal convention registration will be distributed in May 2012 – both online and hard copy.
Looking back at Convention 2011
If you haven't seen the FDFA Convention photo galleries or Gold Standard winners and their submissions, then don't hesitate to go to the FDFA website, and log in to the members only section to view all the Convention 2011 highlights. Simply go to www.fdfa.ca and log in. The log in is your first initial and last name – and the password is your company postal code with no space. If you have any technical difficulties logging in – please contact Allison Boucher or Laurie Karson.
Thank You!
Again, a big thank you to all of our members who attended the 2011 convention and our dedicated sponsors for their ongoing support and dedication to the industry.
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