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The industry’s most powerful executives in Latin music helped kick off Night 1 of Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 with the invite-only Latin Power Players Event — and the influence was undeniable. 

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The two-hour affair, which was presented by the first-ever Lexus TX with 3 row seating, celebrated Billboard’s annual list honoring executives across every sector of Latin music. Taking place on Monday, October 2, at the chic Pao by Paul Qui eatery, the industry’s biggest tastemakers gathered for the intimate night of networking, speeches and award presentations. Inside of the affair, Billboard leadership, including Mike Van, President, Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer, Leila Cobo, Chief Content Officer of Latin-Español and Hannah Karp, Editorial Director, helped shepherd festivities with some opening remarks before giving the spotlight to the honorees.

The night’s biggest accolade went to Nelson Albareda, CEO of Loud And Live, for Executive of the Year, who was introduced by hitmakers El Alfa and Silvestre Dangond. Meanwhile, Walter Kolm, Founder & CEO of WK Entertainment, took home a special honor with the People’s Choice Award, while Noah Assad of Rimas Entertainment accepted Top Latin Album Label of the Year and Esteban Geller of Sony Music U.S. nabbed the Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year Award.

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While attendees gathered at the event, consumers experienced a glimpse of Amazing with the first-ever Lexus TX, which was displayed outside of the Faena Forum across the street. With its 7-passenger seating available, the display allowed attendees to get a close-up of the car with its quiet in-cabin atmosphere, spacious third-row and generous cargo space.

Atmosphere at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Atmosphere at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Atmosphere at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Atmosphere at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Walter Kolm at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Melody Timothee for Billboard

Dana Droppo at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Melody Timothee for Billboard

Noah Assad, Leila Cobo at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Silvestre Dangond, Nelson Albareda, El Alfa at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Hannah Karp, Ingrid Fajardo, Griselda Flores, Mike Van, Leila Cobo, Sigal Ratner-Arias, Isabela Raygoza, Jessica Roiz and Luisa Calle at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Christopher Polk for Billboard

Julianna Agreda and Walter Kolm at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Christopher Polk for Billboard

Nelson Albareda at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Christopher Polk for Billboard

While attendees gathered at the event, consumers experienced a glimpse of Amazing with the first-ever Lexus TX, which was displayed outside of the Faena Forum across the street. With its 7-passenger seating available, the display allowed attendees to get a close-up of the car with its quiet in-cabin atmosphere, spacious third-row and generous cargo space.

Atmosphere at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Atmosphere at the Power Players Cocktail Reception held at Pao at Faena Hotel as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 2, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.

David Cabrera for Billboard

Celebrated for more than 30 years, Billboard Latin Music Week is the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, and coincides with the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be broadcast live on Telemundo on Thursday, Oct. 5, from the Watsco Center in Miami.