TFest pulls in the best: above, event MD Christy Kuplic and her boss, Peter Gould, Chairman of Worldwide Events, which he started because he was convinced of a new, and fun way of doing business.
If the business of TFest were not worth it, there would not be the high number of repeat exhibitors year after year. On a one-off basis, there are companies like Iceland Luxury Expeditions, and Madrid Tourism, coming regularly because they meet the top travel agents, bringing interested travelers to see that beautiful country and the many things it's got to offer. Marriott now takes two separate rooms for its tables. Other rooms were dedicated to tables selling groups, and areas of the world, Accor/Ennismore, Hyatt, Leading Hotels of the World, Relais & Châteaux, Marriott Bonvoy, Mexico-Caribbean, Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Leading Trains of the World,, nothing to do with Leading Hotels of the World but a conglomerate launched by Paolo Barletta to combine signature trains, including La Dolce Vita Orient Express, treasure of one of his own companies, Arsenale S.p.A., took one of four very-public open-sided cabanas, as did Virgin Galactic. Those who want to get through to a fun crowd of travellers who are affluent enough and way above norm when it comes to interest in valuable, meaningful destinations, was there.
Afternoons at TFests are always dedicated to doing business in a different way. Pathways allows individuals across the spectrum, from supplier through to buyer, to choose, say, kayaking, or learn to make ceviche, or how about sound therapy? You and others who have chosen this half-day excursion really get to know each other, and then, if and when you meet at a cocktail later in the day, you feel you already have rapport. Alternatives included Power Hour, five minute talk-anything-but-work speed-dating, and happenings or just lazing poolside at the Beach Club. All help break the ice and thus help business.
The final night event was thrown by the main host hotel, Fairmont Mayakoba. This was GM Gonzalo Guelman’s first TFest. He had seen for himself what other properties, Banyan Tree and then Alila, could do on the entertainment side, and he was determined to do even better. As well as a psychedelic music center, he deployed drones, goodness knows how many of them, to dance in the sky. See the video below. And on the last day, people worked through lunch and then headed for Cancun airport, 40 minutes' drive north. Transportation was meticulously arranged by TFest partner Dantia Luxury Service. Some took off with paper bag lunches to go, their choice of veggie or not. Others, like Gerlahad, enjoyed a poke bowl in the off-lobby, open-sided Hicks Bar restaurant of the Fairmont. And honestly, all must already have in their diary the date of the next, eighth TFest, 24th to 27th of October 2027.
