News & Events:
Americas Food & Beverage Show Marks 28 Years of Remarkable Growth
By: Enrique Sori, WTCM Communications
The World Trade Center Miami’s Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference (AF&B) has come a long way since its inception, evolving from a simple trade show into a premier international event that draws thousands of industry professionals from around the globe. The size and scope of the show’s twenty-eighth edition last week brings cause to reflect on the journey of this remarkable event.
In 1996, the AF&B Show & Conference was founded with the vision to create a platform for food and beverage professionals to connect, share knowledge, and discover the latest industry trends while focusing on small to medium sized businesses.
Today, AF&B is recognized as a leading event in the industry, attracting over 12,000 registrants and featuring more than 700 exhibitors in over 900 exhibitions, including more than 20 different country pavilions.
International participation has expanded significantly, highlighting the show’s global influence and importance in the food and beverage sector. Attendees traveled from 120 nations to form part of our global audience. Among the 22 exhibitor pavilions was our 2024 Country of Honor, Morocco, as well as A Taste of the States, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Thailand, and Taiwan; just to name a few.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) partnered with the WTCM to host its largest pavilion ever at the 2024 AF&B Show, featuring 173 companies and 12 state agriculture departments. The “A Taste of the States: Miami” pavilion showcased diverse U.S. products to international buyers. According to NASDA, “In collaboration with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service posts, we brought over 400 buyers from 40 countries to the event. Initial surveys indicate 88% of exhibitors expect sales increases, with projections showing 33% of these sales as international and 43% of international sales ranging between $100-$500k USD.”
We also received countless testimonials on the value of the Show including one from exhibitors from the Dominican Republic. 
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This year, AF&B spanned across 3 halls at the Miami Beach Convention Center, as we welcomed Informa’s Food Hospitality LATAM for their first edition co-located within the AF&B Show. This collaboration offered attendees a diverse range of services, equipment, and offerings that truly represented the evolving landscape of the industry.
Next year, we expect even further expansion of the show and will commit to all 4 halls of the convention center. Planning is already in the works. More information and visuals from this year’s show are available on our website at: www.americasfoodandbeverage.
See you all once again at the 2025 Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference!
A Note of Thanks…
Thank you to all World Trade Center Miami Board of Directors who continuously support all our efforts and programs during the course of the year. Additionally, thanks to Board Members who attended the Americas Food & Beverage Show and Conference this year. In attendance were WTCM Board Chair Manny Mencia of MAM International Consultants; Immediate Past Chair Virginia Sanchez of American Airlines; Vice Chair Gary Goldfarb of Interport Group of Companies; Board Member Olga Ramudo of Gray Dawes | Express Travel; and Board Member Barbie Pimentel of Specialized Freight Carriers, who volunteered her time staffing the Beverage Stage. A special “shout-out” to Board and Executive Committee Member, Deborah Stern of Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg, P.A., who participated as a speaker at the AF&B Show Conference. Deb presented “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! – TOP RULES FOR IMPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS INTO THE U.S.” before an audience of show exhibitors and attendees.
Thank you all for your support!
Messe München Acquires Air Cargo Americas from WTCM
In a joint press conference with WTCM on September 16, Messe München of Munich, Germany, and organizer of the globally popular transport logistic trade fairs, announced it has acquired the renowned Air Cargo Americas Conference & Exhibition from the World Trade Center Miami. While Messe München is taking over the trade exhibition and conference, the WTCM will remain on board as a strategic partner for a future three editions and will also support the Munich team in operational matters. The strategic acquisition strengthens the collaboration between two major forces in the trade show industry, paving the way for a comprehensive logistics platform that covers all modes of transport. The first co-located event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center on November 11-13, 2025.
WTCM 2024 International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards, Annual General Membership Meeting & Holiday Reception Event Scheduled for December 4!
The WTCM Annual Signature Event, the International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. In keeping with its mission to promote and enhance trade and commerce, the WTCM created this long-standing event to herald those companies, entities and individuals who share the vision to grow international business in our community. This year, the event will be preceded by the WTCM Annual General Membership Meeting. Following the Awards Ceremony, the evening will continue with the WTCM Annual Holiday Reception. Full event details, Registration and Sponsorship opportunities will soon become available.
For details on registration and event information: CLICK HERE
WTCM Presents Newest Endeavor: Aerospace Defense Americas
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Early in 2025, the World Trade Center Miami will present Aerospace Defense Americas. This new event aims to empower the aerospace and defense industry and explore solutions for safeguarding supply chains. Over three days, attendees can engage in B2B meetings, explore an exhibition, and participate in networking opportunities, special events, and discussions that highlight the importance of supply chain resilience across the Americas.
Join us at Aerospace Defense Americas from February 11-13, 2025, in Miami at the Biltmore Coral Gables and in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as we welcome professionals from the aerospace, defense, security, and space sectors. This premier international gathering is organized in collaboration with ADS, The Aerospace Alliance, and Space Florida. For more information, visit our WEBSITE.
Keeping Things Cool! From our colleagues at the Journal of Commerce by S&P Global. Scan the QR Code for details on the TPM Cold Chain25 Event.
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Diana Cobos | Hadda Burgoa Law, P.A. | Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
2024 📅 Upcoming Events
Trading After Hours Networking Reception
October 24th, 2024: 5 PM – 7PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅To RSVP, CLICK HERE
Trading After Hours Networking Reception
November 21st, 2024: 5 PM – 7PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅To RSVP, CLICK HERE
SAVE THE DATE
February 11-13, 2025: Aerospace Defense Americas Summit
Location: Miami & Cape Canaveral, Florida
NEW! Join us in exploring solutions for strengthening and safeguarding aerospace and defense supply chains. For more information, visit our WEBSITE OR CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
2025 International Women’s Day Achievement Awards – SAVE THE DATE!
March 7, 2025 – Miami Airport Hilton Blue Lagoon, Miami, Florida
