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TESTIMONIALSThe energy and excitement at the 2009 ARN Conference & Exhibition was palpable. ARN received many testimonials from attendees about the high level of productivity they achieved both in networking with current and potential business partners and gaining new knowledge from the informative sessions. Below are some comments from show participants.
"I very much enjoyed the ARN conference. I want to thank you and your staff not only for the Director of the Year Award but for a very timely and topical discussion of the key issues confronting airport commercial revenue generation. Where else can you hear from some of the nation's top airport directors on their prognosis for the economy and airport traffic, from the CEO of Dunkin Donuts on his highly successful brand development efforts, or from other strategic thought leaders and best-selling authors all in one place while also networking with key business partners? You really gave 'one stop' new meaning."
"Once again, the show was a great success for Villa. In light of these challenging economic times, it is a testament to the industry and the conference to be so well attended and upbeat. The networking and breakout sessions were extremely valuable, and we accomplished everything we set out to do. Not only did we renew old acquaintances, but it's always great to meet new people in the industry and share common successes and discuss some of the ongoing challenges with one another. We'll be back next year."
"ARN combined compelling speakers, a well-constructed program, an innovative exhibition hall and a terrific venue to deliver a conference more than worthy of the investment to attend.
Already looking forward to ... next year."
"The 2009 ARN conference was fantastic! The programs and speakers were infor-mative and engaging. The conference hotel was very good and the proximity of facilities was a big positive. However, I continue to be most impressed by the quality of the attendees year after year."
"As a first-time attendee to the ARN Revenue Conference & Exhibition held in Orlando this past February, I would like to compliment the organizers for providing such a meaningful and relevant program. The presenters were experts and well-recognized professionals in airports, concessions and other airport-related fields. The agenda topics addressed current concerns and the presentations were top-notch and very well attended. I particularly enjoyed the schmooze sessions, as well as meeting the vendors one-on-one in the exhibit hall. Thank you for providing this wonderful forum for the airport industry."
"The show went well. The idea of having all meals in the exhibit hall was great and made the Branded Works team wish we had set up an exhibit. The room provided great opportunity for networking. I think the schmooze time could be extended and my only suggestion is that you perhaps provide a larger room next year. I know the amount of work necessary for such an event and want to congratulate all the ARN team. You are truly a CLASS ACT."
"The 2009 ARN Conference gave all of us in the industry an opportunity to reflect on the past successes, discuss the present challenges we all face, and most importantly allowed us the opportunity to begin open, honest dialogue on the need to work together to build a brighter future. It is said that where there are challenges, there are opportunities, and as we ride out this downturn, we should be planning for the upturn. How we respond will be how we are rewarded."
"Hats off to the entire ARN team for a terrific conference. Your teamwork and attention to detail, coupled with thorough planning and execution, once again created the 'must attend' conference of the airport industry. The exhibit hall with its central seating facilitated networking in a unified environment, and the sessions and speakers were informative and thought provoking. In these turbulent times, it was both rewarding and challenging to be amongst those in the aviation community who passionately work to provide great services and products to the air traveling public in a united effort to continue to improve best practices. Yet again, the exhibit hall was an effective and valuable platform for Vino Volo to tell our story, as well as for your attendees to discover our great wines and learn about Vino Volo's attention to top-notch quality and customer service. We look forward to another first-class experience next year ... as well as applying our insights from this year as we grow!"
"ARN continues to raise the bar! The conference was first class and offered a great balance for networking and informational opportunities. We look forward to next year's conference."
"The 2009 ARN conference provided us with an unparalleled opportunity to access some of the best and brightest minds in our field. The trend sessions, roundtables, exhibits and schmooze sessions introduced us to concepts and strategies that we are excited to introduce at our airport. This conference is a must for anybody seriously engaged in airport concessions development and management! Thanks for your masterful efforts in putting together this event."
"The 2009 ARN conference proved to again be a fantastic event. The sharing of ideas about generating non-airline revenue was particularly poignant given today's difficult economic realities. The ability to interact with industry leaders, concession-aires and airport colleagues proves to be invaluable as we assess the effectiveness of our own concession program. The conference is an excellent opportunity to learn more about best practices and how to implement them in our market. I look forward to next year's event."
"Given the pressure airports are under to continue to grow revenue and considering the current state of the economy, rather than doom and gloom the conference had a really positive atmosphere. All participants brought passion and enthusiasm to rise to the challenge that lies in the year ahead. The commitment to our business and creating a positive customer experience remains paramount even in this difficult time. A genuine and collaborative environment was created thanks to the conference setup, which lent itself to networking at all times. The speaker topics were engaging, which sparked interesting discussions well after the sessions had ended. Kudos to the ARN team!"
"I feel this year's conference was the best yet. It was full of exciting speakers and moderators that kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This conference definitely affords the best opportunity for networking. The schmooze-time portion was very well orchestrated and proved to be very efficient and rewarding for both the airports and concessionaires. As in the years past, you and your ARN staff excelled at perfection and created an 'over-the-top' feel for this year's conference."
"Congrats on another GREAT program! The general sessions were timely, informative and stimulating. The one-on-one meetings with the vendors in both the exhibit area and at breaks provided a venue that was relaxed and productive. Look forward to next year!"
"This was my second ARN conference and, again, I was not disappointed. The sessions were very informative and provided the opportunity to hear how other airports across the country are dealing with the effect the economy is having on air travel. The exhibit hall was great and we returned with fresh ideas on how to grow our retail business at the airport."
"I thought this year's ARN conference in Orlando was the most focused of all the previous four I have attended, in that the topics discussed were today's topics, not a repeat of previous discussions. There was additional value in listening to my peers, who are facing the same challenges we are, and what how they are addressing these challenges. Overall, it was an excellent conference in Orlando."
"I would like to congratulate the staff at ARN for producing another great conference. The sessions were diverse and appropriately chosen to be more meaningful in today's environment. And what a great venue.
I think the Omni ChampionsGate property was a perfect fit for this conference and the staff was very accommodating. I always feel I benefit when attending the ARN conference and this year was no exception. I'm looking forward to next year's conference."
- Giorgio Kolaj, co-founder and executive vice president, Famous Famiglia
"The ARN conference is a unique opportunity to get connected in an in-depth, personal way with the movers and shakers in the airport world."
"ARN continues to raise the bar! The conference was first class and offered a great balance for networking and informational opportunities. We look forward to next year's conference."
"One positive aspect of the conference was the number of airport decision-makers that attended. That adds real value to us. The show encouraged networking with other concessionaires, and the sessions were geared around retailing and generating revenue in airports. ARN is a fantastic opportunity to interact face to face with key contacts in the airport industry and really have an enjoyable time."
"This was the first time Taxco Sterling has attended the conference as an exhibitor. We appreciated the opportunity to participate and to introduce Taxco Sterling to the airport community. The conference was fantastic and the networking opportunities even better. I was so impressed by the level of organization and the professionalism of the exhibitors and attendees. I was very honored and humbled to receive an award. The airport industry really is a community that I am so proud to be a part of. Thanks so much and I am already planning for next year."
"The ARN conference is always a highlight of the year for our airport initiatives. This year was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the golf tournament on Sunday afternoon - a good chance to network and relax, too. The best part of the conference for me is the opportunity to meet with key partners in the business: developers and airport personnel. I always anticipate the opportunity to schmooze with these folks on the last afternoon. I wish that time could be longer!"
"The 2009 ARN conference was the silver lining on a somewhat dark economic cloud. Those who took the time to attend or exhibit clearly recognize that there remain great opportunities and deals in this time of uncertainty and that ARN's annual conference in the place to move those opportunities forward."
"The ARN conference is an excellent vehicle for interfacing with existing and potential new concessionaires, as well as networking with colleagues throughout the country. The managers-only meeting allows for open and direct dialogue regarding specific issues airport managers are faced with in their day-to-day activities. The 'speed dating' sessions provide for a unique opportunity to interact with concessionaires on a one-on-one basis and discover the latest trends in food and beverage and retail concessions concepts and trends. The ARN conference is an excellent venue for airport managers to roll out and market new opportunities at their respective airports."
"I have always found the ARN conference to be a good event that provides excellent networking opportunities and offers informative sessions covering many current issues of the day."
"I had not attended a revenue/retail/concessions conference for a couple of years prior to this last ARN conference. I was very pleased to find that the conference sessions were both current and topical, and the exhibit hall offered several exhibitors that were germane to areas of interest to Vancouver Airport Services airports in Nassau, Bahamas, and, potentially, Midway. It was also a great venue to rekindle old acquaintances and strike up new contacts. Nassau Airport Development Co. will be represented again at next year's conference as we continue forward with the major expansion and redevelopment of the Lynden Pindling International Airport." |
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