As Affiliates prepare to meet in Osaka, FIDI President Cédric Castro gives us a preview of the advances that will be discussed and furthered during the 2026 FIDI Conference – including changes to the FIDI Academy, FAIM auditing process and FIDI Netting
As I write, the sense of anticipation for the 2026 FIDI Conference in Osaka is building. After two previous attempts to bring this event to the city, we are especially excited to be preparing to gather there in just a few weeks’ time.
Japan is a country rich in history, culture and innovation, and it has a reputation for quality – all of which make it the perfect setting for our flagship annual meeting. For those of us who are travelling from colder climates towards a warmer destination, it also provides a nice metaphor for coming together as an industry.
The FIDI Academy is continuing to evolve in response to the needs of Affiliates, and it has now opened up some of its content to the wider moving industry, as part of a drive to make this essential institution sustainable for the long term (see feature, pages 76-77). Another important decision is that the well-respected Leaders in Moving forum will soon take place in a new destination. We are looking forward to announcing further details about this in the near future. The Academy has played a key part in the education and development of individuals, the businesses in which they work and, indeed, the moving and relocation industry as a whole. FIDI is committed to keeping it dynamic, accessible and essential to the needs of our membership.
At the same time, we are entering a new chapter for our quality standard. With the launch of the FIDI-FAIM 3.4 Standard, we switch to remote audits as the standard approach for all Affiliates. This is a significant shift in how audits take place – increasing efficiency and flexibility, but maintaining the rigour and credibility that are at the core of FIDI-FAIM. By modernising the process for everyone, we plan to reduce disruption to the businesses involved and ensure that delivery of FAIM across the world is kept appropriately up to date, while maintaining its reputation as the leading global standard for the moving sector.
The financial collaboration between Affiliates facilitated by FIDI Netting is also progressing incredibly well and bringing sizeable reductions in costs to those who are using it. The number of transactions processed through the system is growing, improving efficiency, supporting good cash flow and protecting users from online fraud. As the system has passed its one-year anniversary, we have reached two milestones on participation and savings, as Jesse details on page 23.
FIDI has never stood still and will continue to develop during the coming year. You will hear more about these and other developments in Osaka, where there will be an opportunity to discuss these changes in person, share feedback and contribute to the direction we take in the future.
I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Cédric Castro, FIDI President