XVIII ALAFAVE Congress

Growing as a Family!

Atlanta, main and capital city of the state of Georgia, USA, was the gathering place for the family of regional candle manufacturers. Four intense days of exciting reunions, learning and multiple experiences, characterized the XVIII Congress of Latin American Association of Manufacturers of Candles (ALAFAVE for its acronym in Spanish).

Participants from Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Chile and even of the United States, Germany and Malaysia, familiarized themselves with this years’ trends, enjoyed a showcase of brands and met with global suppliers. From July 12-16th, participants were given strategic information and established contacts to improve Latin market through innovation.

In addition to the outstanding and moving participation by the well-known marketing and communications expert, Rodolfo Rubio, all participants were invited to listen to the interesting technical talks by two experts. Enrique Zavala from Am Wax, Inc., global supplier of wax products, presented “Paraffin mixtures – vegetable waxes derived from palm oil, a practical approach”. Another of the technical contributions of the Congress was by Jesus Collantes, Latin America Director of IGI Latam, a company focused on the development and marketing of wax products and emulsions and who’s “Analysis on cost-benefit, advantages and disadvantages on the ready to use mixtures vs. homemade mixtures” broaden our horizons and provided us with valuable tools that we’ll surely use in favor of our businesses.

Consulting sessions were a novelty at this ALAFAVE Congress. Through a new format, participants had the chance to meet supplier members and learned the newest trends of production processes of candles. Innovating supplies and raw materials such as additives, vegetable waxes, colors, containers, scents, wicks, paraffin and pigments; as well as the latest equipment and machinery were presented at the sessions. These meetings were the perfect occasion for the ALAFAVE Congress’ participants to get direct answers to doubts and comments.

At previous supplier’s expos, halls were set up where participants could look at the products and formulate questions but at this edition we tried to change dynamics. Consulting sessions of 15 minutes were given with the purpose of providing a better service to manufacturers and strengthen business bonds. As a result of this experience, we’ve decided to alternate this system with the traditional suppliers expo in addition to optimizing processes that guarantee a good organization and timeliness of appointments to achieve optimal results.

We had another novelty at the XVIII Congress edition, since the event took place at the same time as the AmericasMart® Gift & Home Furnishings Market, an expo that looks to bring consumers closer to main brands in the world. This enabled manufacturers and suppliers to enrich Congress’ experience and multiply benefits. With their temporary stands and permanent showrooms, the well-known gift show as a stage to familiarize with the season’s trends and proposals from other US manufacturers.

An expo filled with colors, packaging, scents, new ideas and style.

COLLAGE

The idea of linking ALAFAVE Congress to AmericasMart® expo was well welcomed. According to a survey, 75 % of the participants were pleased by this joint initiative.

The interesting events and numerous activities of our gathering in Atlanta ended with an exquisite dinner and a festive closure ball at the Hard Rock Cafe of this iconic city.

The final result was highly positive. Learning, experience, innovation and inspiration. What a wonderful way to grow as a family!

MiquelRoura_eng

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