 The recent International Inflight Food Service Association 40th Annual conference and exhibition in Tampa, Florida was a time of reflection. The highlight of the President's Banquet was two-fold. First, the list of IFSA Past Presidents was truly amazing and even more phenomenal was the attendance of many of these leaders at the conference. Secondly, the caliber of the IFSA / ITCA President's Award nominees was very telling of the careers and contributions within our industry. This year's nominees included Robert Arnold, CA1 Services; Hans Bukow, Retired American Airlines; Al D'Agostino, Consultant to Bunzl Distribution; Ron Howard, Retired Continental Airlines; Chang-Young Lee, Asiana Airlines. While this continues to be a challenging time for our industry, it is also an exciting time with many opportunities that will define the next 40-years of both our industry and IFSA.
IFSA has a truly global representation with one of the most active and strongest Boards in its history. Newly elected or re-elected to the Board during the conference were Tony King, British Airways; Michael Stubbins, US Airways; Donna Coles, Gate Gourmet; Paul Platamone, Harvey Alpert; David Loft, Flying Food. The entire Board has worked very hard to solidify a Mission Statement to "Lead, develop and represent the global business interests of the onboard service industry" with clearly defined supporting goals and objectives.
This year Global Leadership conferences are planned in both Asia and Latin America. The Asia Pacific conference is scheduled for August 30 to September 1 in Tokyo, Japan. An exciting schedule of events with many networking opportunities is already being finalized. In addition, the first ever conference in Latin America will be held from December 4-6 in Panama City, Panama. This event will provide the opportunity for the many regions to come together in one forum to strengthen and build on industry partnerships. Both of these events, in addition to the main conference and exhibition, which will be held in San Diego in 2006, further strengthens IFSA and provides the membership truly global opportunities.
IFSA continues to support the industry through the IFSA Foundation providing scholarships to deserving individuals that are interested in pursuing a career in our industry or continuing on a path of higher education. This worthwhile program continues to identify future leaders that are so crucial to the success of our industry.
Communication to IFSA membership continues to be a focus with the real-time Onboard IFSA e-letter. The e-letter provides up to date information including upcoming conferences, committee updates and latest industry news. Today's membership is connected via the web and the e-letter enables IFSA to keep up to date with current events and provide useful information to its readers.
Committees involving active member companies continue to provide a key support to IFSA, enabling the association to strengthen through participation of its membership. The knowledge and expertise is invaluable and by having key contributors involved, it supports the future of the industry. The Government Affairs / Education Committee is extremely active in representing the membership in all government and regulatory arenas. Educational seminars are also a key focus by providing our membership the information and tools needed to comply with constantly changing regulations and standards. The recently introduced standard Audit Form based on the ITCA / IFSA World Food Safety Standards provides the industry a common measurement tool.
IFSA is truly positioned to continue to grow its membership and establish the association as a global forum. The commitment to continue to provide the membership with valued support and services is stronger than ever, and judging by the past 40-years, exciting times are ahead for the next 40-years. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve as the IFSA President for the next two-years and am looking forward to working with the membership, the Board and our association management team to bring IFSA to the next level.
|
