F IDI N E WS A newcomers view of IAM Atlanta FIDI Affiliates and movers from around the world gathered at the IAM annual meeting and expo in early November. Publishing director of FIDI Focus Sophie Hewitt-Jones was there for the first time and rounds up some of the events key themes T Sophie Hewitt-Jones, publishing director of FIDI Focus Delegates revelled in the opportunity to meet industry colleagues and friends in person and discuss business and issues of shared importance and make new connections, too he story of this years annual IAM meeting, held in Atlanta in early November, was: The Next 60 Years. The intention was to encourage the sector to debate the challenges and opportunities ahead. As a newcomer to IAM, I was struck by the genuine joy from delegates, who revelled in the opportunity to meet industry colleagues and friends in person and discuss business and issues of shared importance and make new connections, too. The FIDI booth was buzzing every day, and I was interested to meet new Affiliates, as well as those for whom FIDI has been an essential partner to their business for many years. Conversations between Affiliates and the FIDI team ranged from how peoples FAIM audits were progressing, to news of family members, insights into new strategic partnerships, and significant sector issues. I was especially pleased to be introduced by Lydia Cope to members of the FIDI 39 Club, knowing that these are the movers and shakers of the sector not just now but, crucially, for the years to come. They will be the ones tackling such topical and essential issues as sustainability and diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). Both these were prominent discussion points at IAM, in the exhibition hall, at the bar, and in the formal seminar sessions. So, what were the biggest topics covered in Atlanta? One conference session saw global moving leaders sharing their take on the current state of the industry. The following took part: l Yann Blandy, CEO, Santa Fe Relocation l Jennifer Harvey, CEO Americas, Crown Worldwide Group l Marc Smet, CEO Gosselin Group, NV l Wiebe van Bockel, Chief Commercial Officer, Voerman Group First, they were asked what impact COVID has had on their organisations. Flexibility and smart thinking Jennifer Harvey said that, postCOVID, she realised that you dont have to do everything the same way everywhere, nor stick to doing things as they have always been done. In one region, we may not need to own and operate our own businesses. Be smart and flexible. She said that caution around fixed overheads was key, and that had prompted Crown to seek more partnerships and be open to flexible models. We dont have to do things just as weve always done. Yann Blandy said: We learned that there is no roadmap, so you have to figure everything out as the issues present themselves. Failure is not an option. Uncertainty and instability is affecting us all and it will be around for a long time. Political and economic uncertainty means we have to be even more conscious and careful in our decision-making. Pricing and rising costs Salary rises, the impact of the war in Ukraine, energy costs and general inflation were cited as factors affecting everyone in the business. Bravery about decisions and FIDI toasts new Affiliates on its IAM stand in Atlanta 18 FF308 Dec-Jan 23 pp18-19 FIDI News IAM.indd 18 05/12/2022 16:40