April 2006

This quote could very well sum up the overall response of the International Flight Services Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition held in San Diego, California earlier this month!  This year Conference attendees experienced some refreshing changes implemented by the Annual Conference Planning Committee and the end result was an extraordinary success!  In addition, the membership voted on a new name for IFSA and new Board members. 

Please continue on for a look at Conference highlights...

IFSA Members Vote in Favor of New Name for the Association:
At the recommendation of the Board, the membership voted on and approved an Association name change to the International Flight Services Association. The acronym “IFSA” remains the same, yet this update reflects our direction toward a broader membership base, vibrant Association and our ever-growing presence.

Tradeshow Extravaganza
95 exhibitors filled more than 130 booths during the 2-day Exhibition!	Lunch for both days was provided by a variety of IFSA member sponsor-exhibitors. And generous gifts were also provided as raffle prizes for conference attendees.
Exhibitors had the opportunity to showcase their products with live cooking demonstrations in the Demonstration Area while attendees looked on.	Flying Food Group was awarded “Best of Show” for their innovative booth concept tied closely to this year’s Conference theme.

Exceptional Keynote Address Given by Dave Barger,
President and CEO, JetBlue Airways
Attendees packed into the General Session to listen to Dave Barger speak frankly about issues currently facing the industry including financial challenges, fuel costs and the importance of branding and superior customer service in the ever-changing environment.  All in attendance were able to take something away from this valuable session.

Keynote Presentation (pdf)

Education and Networking Opportunities
The opportunity for attendees to meet and discuss “hot topics of the industry” and meet with airline representatives was introduced for the first time this year.  And, Dr. Lori Abrams, Department of Strategic Management at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, spoke on the importance of communication and managing change in the work environment.  Mr. Dean Davidson, from the Food and Drug Administration returned for a second year to provide an update to the Food Code and impact on the inflight industry.

Some of the best networking took place on the USS Midway during Fun Night.  This kick-off social event is always the biggest hit of the Conference and this year was no exception!  Attendees got to experience flight simulators, tour a variety of aircrafts as well as the carrier, check out or participate in karaoke performances and dance to the sounds of a DJ as well as sample a variety of tantalizing menu items ranging from sushi to cheesecake.

President’s Banquet Highlights

• Industry veteran, Roy Moed, CEO of Pourshins PLC was presented the IFSA/ITCA Presidents’ Award by Sandra Pineau and Khalid Al Duwaisan.
• Foundation Board President, Vicky Stennes announced the recipients of the Jenny Poole Scholarship, J.J. O’Neill Leadership Development Award, Sophia Cardoso Scholarship Award, and the Delta Dailyfood (Canada), Inc. Scholarship Awards.
• Congratulations to Sarah Klatt-Walsh of Swiss International Airlines as the recipient of the J.J. O’Neill Development Award.
• 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 by new and newly re-elected Board Members.  Congratulations on your new 3-year terms:

• Pat Berkelbaugh, LSG Sky Chefs
• JC Cook, Delta Air Lines
• Hideo Miyabe, TFK Corporation
• Pam Suder-Smith, Pourshins, Inc.
• Jaime Arturo Viola, Philippine Airlines

Thank you to the 2006 Annual Conference Planning Committee:
Dave Campbell, Strictly from Scratch, Chair
Jim Ball, Flying Food Group, Co-chair
Paul Platamone, Harvey Alpert & Company, Board Liaison
Pam Suder-Smith, Pourshins, Inc., Board Liaison
Dan Day, AMI Inflight, Inc.
Susan Manfredi, AirTran Airways
Jesús Parrilla, Gate Gourmet
Kathe Anderson, Gate Gourmet, Past Chair

More detailed information about the 2006 Annual Conference & Exhibition and other IFSA Conferences is available in April’s 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.