2026 Summit of the Americas

2026 Summit Conference Session Program

The 2026 Summit of the Americas brought two days of powerful conference sessions on Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30. These sessions were designed to give attendees sharp insight into today’s business landscape and, more importantly, practical strategies to grow, boost sales, and build stronger partnerships.

 

 

8:30 - 10:00 a.m. 

Opening Remarks

Rene Riedi – IAADFS Chair

Geopolitical Shifts in the Americas and Associated Impacts on Airports and the Overall Travel Sector

John Price, Director – Americas Market Place Intelligence
Matt Cornelius, Executive Vice-President – ACI North America
 

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This session examined the 2026 and 2027 geopolitical changes facing the Americas, including a review of US policy trends that could enhance or threaten travel throughout the Americas. The session also addressed Latin American political and economic forecasts including upcoming elections, economic growth leaders and major outbound markets in Latin America. Recent trends including pre- and post-Covid market share winners and losers as well as changing travel motivations and patterns were discussed. The presenters provided a deep dive focused on the affluent traveler in Latin America and important domestic tourism investments including airport infrastructure. Attendees gained critical insights about the Americas economy and how business may be impacted. John Price and Matt Cornelius will welcome your questions during a Q&A session.

 

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

Decoding Generational Trends in Airport Food and Beverage and Travel Retail

Peter Mohn, Owner and CEO – m1nd-set 
 

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This insightful panel session explored the distinct shopping behaviors of different generations within the North American Food and Beverage and travel retail market. Featuring representatives from diverse age segments, the discussion highlighted and debated the unique needs, expectations, and preferences that shape the modern airport dwell time.
 

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. 

Sea’s the Moment – How to Win in Cruise Retail!

Lisa Bauer, President and CEO – Starboard Group
Amy Del Gatto, GT Account Manager Cruise Retail – Diageo 
Brent Jenkins, Senior Director – Carnival Cruise Lines
Pat Molloy, Senior Vice President Client and Business Development – Harding+
Fernando Sanchez, EVP, Caribbean and Travel Retail Sales – Citizen Watch America
Moderated by DFNI
 

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If you are currently involved in the cruise sector, trying to expand your engagement or get involved for the first time, this a must attend session for you. Join this panel of industry leaders and experts for an interactive discussion directed at the vast opportunity and approaches to become part of the growing and increasingly important part of the duty free and travel retail sector. This session covers three main topical areas:

 
What we’re looking for: A presentation and overview on what cruise line onboard revenue departments are looking for, from their retail partners and new to cruise brands – featuring Brent Jenkins.
 
Success stories at sea: Cruise retail operator representatives Lisa Bauer and Pat Molloy share their perspectives about which brands have worked across different cruise lines and why, in this interactive audience session. 
 
How to evolve your offer: Hear from brands who have succeeded in the cruise retail market, featuring Fernando Sanchez from Citizen Watch and Amy Del Gatto from Diageo. What’s the recipe to success, what points of difference are needed for cruise, and how is cruise retail unique?
 


1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Converging Channels: Exploring Blended Duty Free, Food and Beverage, and Essentials Partnerships 

Kate Herzig, Executive Vice President Duty Free North America – Avolta
Miguel Ruiz, CEO – Lagardère Travel Retail Peru
Andrew Weddig, Executive Director – Airport Restaurant & Retail Association
Moderated by Ameesha Raizada, Managing Editor – The Moodie Davitt Report
 

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This session discussed how the integration of business channels can drive innovation and offer lessons from hybrid experiences to date, with implications for dwell time, penetration and conversion. It also discussed how progressive partnership models can work, as well as offering insights into how hybrid experiences come to life when done well, plus how blended retail and F&B can drive consumer loyalty and satisfaction.