The regional event got off to a flying start on Tuesday with the launch of the ‘big debate’, which heard a panel of executives discuss the challenges and trends of the region, from the impact of Brazil’s ongoing economic recession to the issue of staff retention in North America, articulated by Menzies’ John Redmond.
Alongside Redmond, panellists included Javier Martinez of ACI, Gustavo Di Cio from Abiax Air Aviaiton and American Airlines’ Olga Svirskaia, who pondered some of the industry’s most pressing questions, put forward by delegates themselves. "Would you pay more for a handler with ISAGO certification?" "How do we work together to address consolidation and the way this restricts competition at airports?" asked delegates. By far the most controversial was the question of increasing liability limits by airlines. "Handlers are asked to accept more and more of the risk - is this fair?" A question which stimulated lively debate and divided the panel – and the room – in their opinions.
By day two, delegates were enjoying a packed conference schedule, covering various topics from financial and market overviews to going electric at the airport and a panel on workplace regulations.
Throughout the event, networking opportunities have been plentiful, owing to a dynamic table-top exhibition together with GHI’s famed one-to-one meetings. With 800 meetings already having taken place, a new record has been set at the GHI Americas conference - and the number is to grow further still by the close of the event.
Following a lively delegate dinner yesterday evening at the waterfront venue, Briza on the Bay, the exhibition room is already a-buzz this morning as the final day gets under way.
