NATPE Unveils Logistical Changes for 2012

LOS ANGELES: Addressing some of the logistical difficulties from this year’s NATPE Conference and Market, the event’s organizers have unveiled some changes for the 2012 edition, including adding additional exhibition meeting room options and spreading out the exhibitor suites at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami.

NATPE’s debut outing in Miami this year saw a 20-percent increase in exhibiting companies, with the overall attendance up by almost 1,000, the organization said. However, many attendees expressed frustrations with having to wait extended periods of time to get on an elevator. "Our strategy for 2011 was to keep as many sellers together as we could," said Rick Feldman, president and CEO of NATPE, in an e-mail to NATPE attendees and members. "While this seemed workable, the practical reality fell short. Missing meetings was not a good thing for you, or us."

For next year’s edition, slated for January 23 to 25, half of the exhibitor suits allocated in the Tresor tower will be allocated to other buildings in the hotel. "Spreading the exhibition inventory throughout the hotel footprint will relieve the elevator backup considerably," Feldman’s letter notes. Plus, there will be additional exhibition meeting room options in the Versailles tower, and more space will be opened up by moving the Digital Theater off the show floor. Miami marina and yacht companies have been contacted by NATPE so that organizers can offer up rentable slips at the dock across the street from the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc. Also in the works are new lounges and designated meeting spaces.