5th World Candle Congress of Candle Manufacturers and Suppliers Trade Show
Puerto Rico
April 4-8, 2016
When we started organizing the most recent world candle congress of candle manufacturers and suppliers trade show 2016, we planned great objectives and ambitious goals. We knew that we could meet them because there was an overflow of enthusiasm, hence, great effort was already a guarantee.
Today, we can say that the seed of enthusiasm was planted on fertile grounds in this growing industry. Our efforts were fructiferous. The spectacular Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Puerto Rico, was the center of this reunion with about 486 participants and 51 exhibitors from over 32 countries. About a third of the participants (137 to be exact) were new to the event, these are exciting news which provide a sign of the increasing interest in our sector.
We are sure that for all of them the experience was worthwhile due to its rich content. The presence of our keynote speaker, Steven West, from Wedo Wicks, spread a special sparkle to the presentations, also our members were able to enjoy the interesting workshops from Michelle Lamb, from the Trend Curve; Bruce Campbell, from Wicks Unlimited and Lisa Wallick and Danille MacDonald, from Symrise.
Furthermore, the technical presentations of Jeb Head, from Atkins and Pearce; Greg Adamson, from Givaudan; Tom Vetterly, from Mayzo; Bogdan Cominita, from Market Chemical and Jacqueline Martinez, from Candle Packaging USA, awakened great interest amongst the congress participants. We are confident that the experiences and teachings from these experts will translate to new capabilities and great tools for the candle manufacturers and suppliers that came to the enchanted island.
The suppliers trade show, another important Project for the World Candle Congress, also reported excellent results. The 51 exhibitors show cased cutting edge proposals and revealed the trends that dominate the candle market around the world. We witnessed the products that are frontline in containers, dyes and colors, fragrances, labels, machinery, lab testing, UV stabilizers and antioxidants, wax, and wicks. The exhibited proposals represent great opportunities for our industry.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.“
Winston Churchill
This 5th World Candle Congress left deep footprints. One of them was the Luminiaria project, thanks to the committee under William Muench’s leadership and the support and generosity from all our participants, $6,800 dollars were collected. This money was handed to the first foster home for abused kids administrated by a local municipality in Puerto Rico, Casa Cuna de San Juan.
On behalf of the world candle manufacturing industry, the presidents of the host associations: Nancy Sedlar from NCA and Alfredo Ocampo from ALAFAVE presented the donation check to Casa Cuna; the orphanage that houses and guarantees an atmosphere of love and respect to the new born and kids under three years old.
“It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place this world is when one is playing golf.”
-Robert Lynd
Irish writer
Since its initial plan, the 5th World Candle Congress and supplier’s trade show 2016, had reserved some time for fun, recreation, and networking. Without a doubt, this point of reunion was cordially embraced.
The golf tournament, directed by Tom DiCanio and his efficient committee, was very successful 39 of our members participated.
Congratulations to the winners: Milton Hull, from IFF; Sean Fales, from Darby Trading; Scott Tarbell, from IGI Wax and Mathew Peng, from AM Wax!
The World Candle Congress in Puerto Rico met its objectives, reached its goals and undoubtedly, it’s already raising expectations to make WCC 2019 astonishing. All of these reasons allow us to proudly and faithfully say that this MISSION has been ACCOMPLISHED.
