FOTO GALLERY

 

 

80 delegates and a total of 125 participants from Europe, Asia and the Americas enjoyed a perfectly organised Consulegis meeting in sunny and lively Miami Beach.

 

Hosted by member firm Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., Fort Lauderdale and Miami the 2003 Consulegis fall meeting was opened Thursday 16 October with a cocktail reception in Becker Poliakoff’s most impressive and widely admired administrative office in Fort Lauderdale. Gary A. Poliakoff, President, welcomed the guests and proclaimed letters received from Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Bob Graham and Senator Bill Nelson sending their best wishes for a successful and enjoyable meeting in Miami Beach. Guests and hosts alike were impressed by the proclamations personally offered by David Dermer, Mayor of Miami Beach, Mara Giulianti, Mayor of Hollywood (Florida), and Diana Wasserman-Rubin, Mayor of Broward County. Consulegis for the first time since its existence received symbolic keys to the City of Hollywood (Florida), Miami Beach, and Broward County! Last but not least Gary quoted an intervention made by Hon. Peter Deutsch Congressman, at the 108th congress, first session, who declared among other things: (quote) "not only am I proud of the respected law firm in my district, Becker & Poliakoff, which has proven worthy as a member of Consulegis to host this crucial conference, but I am encouraged by this organization’s efforts to bridge gaps in the international community." (see Congressional Record, Proceedings and debates of the 108th Congress, first session, Vol. 149, October 2, 2003, No. 138). On Friday, October 17, the formal conference began with short reports presented by the chairman of the Board Howard Palser, and Roland Ermini, Managing Director, followed by the traditional welcome and introductions of guests and new members. From a presentation and ensuing discussion on the pivotal role Florida payed in the 2000 U.S. Presidential election, delegates were given little known details about an election system which seems in many instances difficult to be handled. Participants felt on safer ground when discussing issues regarding global business, trade and legal issues occurring accross international borders. Of special interest were the informations given on the campaign of creating in 2005 the FTAA, Free Trade Area of the Americas, a trade pact encompasssing 34 nations with 800 million people and a collective product of more than 14 trillian US$ annually. Concern caused the information that according to a new U.S. Bioterrorism law any company involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, transporting or distribution of food and beverages must comply with onerous control requirements by December 12, 2003. After a panel discussion with outside general counsels from two international corporations and a short question and answer session the conference was adjourned at 16.30 h.

After this long day's session everybody was happy to unwind during a poolside Caribbean themed cocktail event followed by dinner parties at different places in Miami Beach.

The traditional specialists groups: International Litigation and Arbitration, International Corporate and Tax, Business Generation and International IT met on Saturday morning. For details please contact the group-coordinators.

Around 11 a.m. people left either for the golf tournament or for a visit to the Florida everglades, or for simply enjoying the beautiful hotel pool and the nearby sand beaches.

A true highlight was the concluding gala dinner aboard the magnificent Lady Windridge yacht where Consulegis members and partners enjoyed an elegant "diner dansant" while the yacht was cruising under a breathtaking subtropical nightsky along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway.

Looking back, every participant will confirm that this conference was an outstanding experience. The perfect organization by Becker & Poliakoff, the elegant Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the well balanced programme; all this left no wishes open. Members and guests alike felt welcome and enjoyed a very good time in sunny Florida. Old friendships were renewed, new contacts established and some important business talks were taken up.

Thank you Gary Poliakoff, and thanks to all who have contributed to make this event a success!


Dr. Roland Ermini