Miami – Professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean along with local based business owners gathered at the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC) to share technological solutions, security advances, as well as build and expand trade opportunities in the air conditioning and refrigeration, facility management, and cyber and electronic security industries.

Topics such as making secure cities, drones becoming a fundamental security tool, case studies of solutions manufacturers have incorporated in equipment design and refrigeration systems as a result of climate change implications, and utilizing big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit the management and operations of parking garages were only a few of the developments covered during the mega conference.

During the two-day conference, attendees also had an opportunity to browse the 40,000 square foot exhibition hall where 150 exhibitors representing all the major industry brands presented their goods and services and the latest in refrigeration, automation, energy efficiency, and security.

“We are thrilled that our first time hosting this mega conference in Miami was so successful. Over 1,500 people attended from 15 countries, said Max Jaramillo, Latin Press CEO and conference organizer.

A highlight of the conference was the address of UK-based, Stephen Gill, Founder of World Refrigeration Day. Gill gave insights on his 10-year journey to arrive on a consensus for a date and recognition for the industry from trade associations and professional bodies from around the world, as well as the backing of the United Nations. The global celebration will take place each year on June 26 and the entire industry across the planet is encouraged to participate and acknowledge the important contribution the industry makes to society in business, health, agriculture, and the world economy.

“What an amazing response from an inaugural event. I had modest expectations for the first one based upon other similar initiatives. What a perfect end to my World Refrigeration Day, making wonderful new friends at the RefriAmericas Conference,” said Gill.

Attendees also witnessed their peers get recognized during an award ceremony that distinguished the top professionals. In the refrigeration category, the Trajectory Award, for designing projects for over 45 years, went to Ernesto Sanguinetti Remusgo, manager of the engineering division of Cold Import S.A. of Lima, Peru.

In an effort to showcase the work of facility management professionals, Mario Alberto Marin was presented with the Facility Manager of the Year Award. Marin, has successfully worked for more than 15 years in property administration, taking his company, AM Management, to be the market administration leader in the state of Antioquia in Colombia.

In the security management arena, awards were presented for work in the public and private sectors. In the public sector awards were presented to: Mi teleferico by SCATI, TDB, Telefericos Doppelmayr of La Paz, Bolivia; Plataforma escudo Chihuahua by Commissioner Gilberto Loya Chávez, director of public safety management for the municipality of Chihuahua, Mexico; Anillo Digital de Seguridad by Danaide S.A. of La Plata, Argentina. In the private sector, Centro de Monitoreo de Camaras Termicas by Totem of Guayaquil, Ecuador; Transforming security into an electric power distributor by Alarmas y Sistemas de Seguridad S.A. of Guatemala, Guatemala; Security behind the scenes by Seguridad Computare of Mexico City, Mexico were also recognized.

The group also enjoyed some downtime during the after party, better known as Alegria,

La Fiesta Latina, which was held at Ball and Chain in Little Havana on Calle 8. Over 400 people danced to Latin rhythms, sipped on Mojitos and other local popular cocktails and savored Cuban-inspired appetizers and Paella.

About Latin Press:

Latin Press Media & Events provides management and consulting services to international associations, societies, and industry groups wishing to expand or maintain a presence in Latin America. Since 1992, Latin Press has provided communications and events solutions