CSEC Conference 2017:
Once Again Confirming Curaçao as a Top Event Destination
With raving reviews and congratulations still rolling in several weeks after the conference, the 16th annual Caribbean Shipping and Executives Conference, (CSEC), hosted by the Curaçao Ports Authority, (CPA), was such a huge success that many of the delegates from the port and shipping industry, were awe-struck and even perhaps a little envious. TEXT BY FARAH DIBAH AYOUBI
The Caribbean Shipping and Executives Conference, (CSEC), is an annual event held by the Caribbean Shipping Association, (CSA), that is currently based in Jamaica. Every year key shipping industry executives from all over the Caribbean, and the Northern and Western hemispheres gather at a different destination in the Caribbean to discuss matters pertaining to their industry. Aside from the many insightful lectures and discussions presented, it is the networking opportunities during the evenings’ social events that are most valued by the participants. CPA won the bid for hosting this 16th annual event for the third time around; previously hosting in 2006 and 2010. In true CPA fashion, a top-notch organizing team was installed and headed up by its Port
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and Land Development Officer, MiIaika Capella-Ras, a CPA events veteran. CapellaRas rolled out her vision of how to best showcase what Curaçao can offer its participants during the 5-day CSEC event, by bringing together a dream team of professionals, of both in-house employees and external suppliers, that could make this happen exactly the way she had envisioned it.
Elements of CSEC
This 16th CSEC consisted of 5 days of sessions. One day was reserved for CSA’s Board of Directors to discuss internal and strategic matters. The other days were filled to the brim with insightful sessions delivered by international and local speakers from all spheres of the sector. With topics ranging from the
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current state of the Caribbean cruise industry, to port security and safety issues; all topics pertaining to the advancement of the shipping sector were covered. CPA also utilized this golden opportunity to introduce their future plans for Curaçao’s ports, and in particular, the Waaigat Development Project, to many of their valued clients in the shipping and cruise industry. They invited all delegates on an exclusive harbor tour to showcase Curaçao’s unique harbor and all of its facilities. To heighten the delegates’ opportunities to make the most of their time to network during the conference, a special conference app was created to keep everyone actively involved in all the proceedings and to enable them to communicate directly to other delegates. The CPA team created three exquisite social events. The first evening offered a casual relaxing Welcome Reception that was a postcard perfect event around the Renaissance Hotel infinity beach pool. On the second night, Kompania di Tou Kòrsou, (KTK Tugs), hosted a historical Cultural Evening that transported guests on a historical journey with a walking tour from the Riffort Fountain to The Gouverneur
