The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) celebrated its 10th year as the premier conference for Caribbean hoteliers, developers and associated industry partners this month. Held from November 10–12, 2021, at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, members of BRON were able to connect with current, past and future clients as they all discussed the future of the region post COVID-19. The conference was the first in-person event of its kind attended by many of the attendees since the pandemic shut down the world in March of 2020. First Bahamian Coastal Engineer and Bron Managing Principal Carlos Palacious, and Kelli Armstrong, First Bahamian Climate Change Professional and Bron Project Manager shared their experiences in an interview.
1. How was it connecting with others in person after the social distancing requirements of 2020?
Carlos: As a full-service development consulting company involved in the construction industry, we had the opportunity to work through most of the pandemic, yet, the way we worked changed because the protocols simply did not allow for large gatherings. It really was a joy to be able to see so many of our colleagues and clients again and to connect with potential clients even though the fist bump has replaced the handshake in many instances.
Kelli: Nothing compares to face-to-face interaction. Being people-people, and fully vaccinated, it was refreshing to take off my blue-light glasses behind a computer screen and be physically present in a conference room with persons who match our energy and excitement for the comeback of the hospitality industry.
2. What made this conference stand out?
Carlos: CHICOS stands out because decision makers are present. We interacted directly with the regional heads of various organizations from airlines to hotels and in some instances founders and presidents themselves. The knowledge gained and networking experienced was second to none.
Kelli: This conference is focused on Caribbean markets and trends in hospitality investments and operations, and therefore attracts many of our clients and colleagues in development consulting in the tourism and hospitality industry. As countries reopen their borders and economies start to bounce back, it is important to continue engaging with these persons who demonstrate that they understand and are doing what it takes to keep that progress going.
3. You interacted with the competition at this conference, where does BRON stand and what makes us stand out?
Carlos: At BRON, we make paradise possible. That’s not just cool words to put on a business card, it’s our truth. By hiring, growing, and maintaining the top experts in every field related to development, we continue to be a sought after one-stop-shop that can manage business on all scales efficiently in our region. Our stellar team has also worked on every major project in the country in the past 10 years and those results speak for itself.
Kelli: BRON is an interdisciplinary development consulting firm based right here in Nassau, Bahamas. While interacting with attendees at the conference at The Baha Mar Convention Center, we had the privilege of pointing right outside to the world-famous Cable Beach and Baha Bay Water Park, which our team of coastal engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, architects, environmental scientists, and GIS officers were involved in from inception. Our offices in Florida, Turks & Caicos Islands, and St. Kitts & Nevis complement our work on projects like these and others across the region. With a full-time staff of about 60 technical and administrative professionals we have become one of the largest interdisciplinary development consulting firms in the English-speaking Caribbean.
4. What was your biggest takeaway from this conference?
Carlos: The Bahamas and the region at large will continue to attract tourists and those who want to develop properties for tourists. Our proximity to the USA continues to benefit us greatly. It is up to us as a people to do all we can to build sustainable even as climate change continues to threaten us. In so doing, we continue to secure the future for our children’s children.
Kelli: Tourism business models need to to be more flexible and sensitive to culture in their respective locales. For example, luxury markets including yachting and all-inclusive resorts are on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, conscious and strategic efforts must be made to adapt these models so they consider and ensure benefits for Small Island Developing State (SIDS) economies. As The Bahamas continues to focus on climate resilience and building back better, BRON remains in a prime position to advise clients on sustainability commitments for superyacht marinas, mega resorts, mixed use condominiums, remote islands, and everything in between.
