IFSA Annual Conference & Exhibition Review
September 2007

These are just a few of the many rave reviews lauding the success of the IFSA Annual Conference and Exhibition held in Houston, Texas earlier this month.  Attendees experienced southern hospitality during the 3-day Conference and enjoyed great educational sessions, many networking opportunities, varied social events and much more. 

Take a closer look at Conference highlights:

Exceptional Keynote Address Given by Larry Kellner, CEO, Continental Airlines
Attendees listened with intent interest to Larry Kellner as he provided the Keynote Address during the General Session. During his morning keynote address, Mr. Kellner took the audience through the turbulent recent years of the airline industry, since he took over the top spot from CEO Gordon Bethune. From Continental's attempts to turn around its performance in the rocky years following the 9/11 tragedies, he stressed repeatedly the importance of management's relationship with its employees. As the airline again returns to profit, he discussed its plans for expansion into China and the modernization of the fleet with Boeing 787 aircraft.

Tradeshow Extravaganza

Education and Networking Opportunities

• Industry analyst, Mo Garfinkle, Chairman and CEO, GCW gave attendees a "Mission Mandatory" of Recognizing Change, Adapting to It and Starting All Over Again or otherwise known as "How I Learned to be a Corporate Chameleon."  You can view Mr. Garfinkle's presentation on the Members Only page of the IFSA Web Site.

• The IFSA Government Affairs and Education Committee, Chaired by Neil Ylanan, presented a lighthearted look at all the facets, which need to take place in order for a flight to be catered.  This session included a video presentation of all elements needed to cater a flight and provided a wide scope view of how a flight operates and the numerous departments involved.

• Many attendees took the great opportunity to meet with industry experts to discuss "hot topics" and with airline representatives to get an overview of specific processes and procedures. 

Fun Night
Some of the best tall-tales (aka networking) took place during Fun Night.  This kick-off social event is always the biggest hit of the Conference and this year was no exception!  President Sandra Pineau welcomed attendees to her hometown of Houston in a most unusual fashion....on the back of a longhorn named Alamo!

The Ballroom of the Americas at the Hilton Americas Hotel was transformed into a wild-west town, reminiscent of the old streets of Deadwood with Pete the piano player, trick ropers, dancers, a casino and much more!  Many cowboy hats and boots were donned, but the best costume contest award went to the En Route International cowgirls from Windsor, UK!

President's Banquet Highlights

Ken Samara, John Long, President's Award Recipient, Sandra Pineau

• John Long, Chief Marketing Officer of Flying Food Group, was presented the IFSA President's Award by Sandra Pineau and IFSA Vice President Ken Samara.  Mr. Long was recognized for his 37 years in the industry and his timeless effort and leadership of IFSA, during his many years on the Board of Directors, and during his time as President-guiding IFSA through 9/11 and Chairman of the Association. More details on this award may be viewed on the IFSA Web site.
• Foundation Board President, Vicky Stennes, announced the recipients of the Jenny Poole Scholarship (underwritten by Gate Gourmet), J.J. O'Neill Leadership Development Award, Harvey and Laura Alpert Scholarship Award, and the Delta Dailyfood (Canada), Inc. Scholarship Awards.
• Congratulations to Tim P. Zandbergen of TFK Corporation in Narita, Japan as the recipient of the J.J. O'Neill Development Award underwritten by LSG Sky Chefs.
• Generous IFSA member sponsors provided all the components to make up the most spectacular banquet menu!

Welcome New and Returning Board Members:
Elections were held and five positions were filled.  Congratulations to the new and newly re-elected Board Members. 

• Bill Braun, Chelsea Food Services
• Dave Campbell, Strictly from Scratch
• Angie Dahman, Bunzl Distribution, Inc.
• Simon Soni, British Airways
• Cameron Woodward, Qantas Airways

Sandra Pineau turned over the gavel to incoming President Ken Samara, whose term will run until 2009.  Ken is the first-ever Supplier member President of IFSA.

Executive Committee Members:

• Ken Samara, AMI Inflight Inc. - President
• Vicky Stennes, JetBlue Airways - Vice President
• Pam Suder-Smith, Pourshins, Inc. - Secretary
• David Loft, Flying Food Group - Treasurer
• Sandra Pineau, Continental Airlines - Chairperson

Thank you to the 2007 Annual Conference Planning Committee

Jim Ball, Flying Food Group, Chair
Dan Day, AMI Inflight, Inc., Co-chair
Jim Armstrong, Continental Airlines
David Colella, Harvey Alpert and Company
Simon Soni, British Airways
Ernst Walder, Gate Gourmet
Pam Suder-Smith, Pourshins, Inc. - Primary Board Liaison
Angie Dahman, Bunzl Distribution, Inc. - Board Liaison
Dave Campbell, Strictly from Scratch, Past Chair

We look forward to seeing you again in Orlando, Florida for the 2008 Annual Conference and Exhibition. 

IFSA Annual Conference & Exhibition Saturday, September 13 - Monday, September 15, 2008 Orlando, Florida Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

More detailed information about the 2007 Annual Conference & Exhibition and other IFSA Conferences will be available in the September edition of the members only Onboard IFSA. If you are not already a member, click here and start experiencing all the benefits of an IFSA membership!  Or simply renew your membership, to continue receiving Onboard and other member benefits.