Personal Perspectives on the Energy, Impact and Outcomes of the Industry’s Largest Gathering

The First Hello

By Nicola Collett, Data and Finance Manager

For most of the year, my view of our members is as numbers in a spreadsheet, entries in a database, as I work behind the scenes to manage and analyze the data that IAM uses to gauge how well we are serving the membership. Until we arrive onsite for the Annual Meeting & Expo, this is the only view of it I have: how many companies are coming? What regions are coming in fastest? How many first-time attendees will be there? But every year, more names become familiar, and the data starts to mean more than just numbers.

Then, suddenly, on the first morning of the Annual Meeting, all those numbers disappear and turn into the living breathing people that truly make up the association. Tired from travel as many of them (of us!) are, I love to see the energy at the registration desk, where long-time attendees greet old friends and first-timers start to realize what the Annual Meeting is really all about.

Even from behind the desk, I am a part of the action because you all make me a part of it. A first-time attendee from last year remembers me and says hello, before heading off more confidently into this year’s conference. A young attendee, here for the first time in their first adult job, fills out an application to become a YP member and relaxes a little when I tell them that it’s the best way to meet their new industry colleagues. A long-time member just needs to know where Meeting Point A is, but stays to chat before their next meeting. These are the moments, small as they are, that remind me why we are all here.

For me as well as all of you, registration really is the “first hello” of the conference, where the event starts to take shape. Even as the numbers tell me how our community is shifting all the time, it’s the people who make it all real, and I am so grateful to be able to have this perspective and be part of the moment.

Conversations, Collaboration and Momentum

By Brian Limperopulos, President

The Annual Meeting & Expo in New York City marked an important moment for IAM. After nearly a year of listening to our members, studying their feedback, and working closely with the Executive Committee and staff leadership, we unveiled IAM’s new strategic plan during the Annual Meeting General Session on October 25. The plan focuses on three ambitions: elevating the industry’s reputation and reach, strengthening the business environment for our members, and reinforcing IAM’s long-term resilience and sustainability. These priorities position IAM to lead our industry through a period of significant change and uncertainty.

The theme of sharpening our focus guided the entire week in New York City. We introduced new formats and experiences, inviting members to help shape the future of the Annual Meeting as we align more closely with the direction of our strategic plan. One of the most memorable moments came at the Closing Celebration, where we honored five remarkable individuals who demonstrate leadership through consistent action and commitment. It was a privilege to welcome Orphee Beinoglou, Ron Smith, and Mike Richardson into the Hall of Honor. We also recognized Wes Stewart with the Excellence in Leadership Award and Christina McCarte with the Rising Star Award. Their achievements reflect the strength and dedication found throughout our global community.

The week also brought a milestone for IAM. Following the Premier Member Elections on October 27, Stephan Geurts Jr., of Government Logistics NV, became the first IAM Chairperson based outside the United States. IAM’s regional diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths, and it is now increasingly visible within our leadership structure.

New York set the tone for the work ahead. The conversations and collaboration that began there will shape how we bring the strategic plan to life. The momentum from this year’s meeting positions IAM for meaningful progress as we move into the next chapter of our association’s growth.

Sharpen Your Focus: Discover. Innovate. Lead.

By Julia O’Connor, Vice President, Membership & Communications

The theme asked our members to do something rare: come to one of the busiest cities in the world, pause, and fully lean into four days of the Annual Meeting. It was an invitation to discover new partnerships, sit in sessions that sparked fresh ideas and innovative solutions, and immerse themselves in the whole experience. The hope was simple: return home ready to lead with renewed clarity, purpose, and intention.

And our members did precisely that.

No Brown M&Ms: Why Accountability Lives in the Details

Sponsored by Netensity

Presented by Julia O’Connor (IAM), Kay Kutt (Silk Relo), Macarena Scalia (NEDRAC), Kim Drangstveit (Golden Services LLC), and Tahir Mansoor (UTM Services)

What does Van Halen’s “No Brown M&Ms” clause have to do with leadership? More than you might think. Hidden in a concert contract, it was a small test with big meaning: a reminder that accountability begins long before the spotlight turns on.

This session grew out of a webinar earlier in the year with the Leadership Alliance Council and IAM-YPs, where attendees were invited to look at leadership through that same lens. Where do details slip? In unclear instructions, silent agreements, and assumptions that never make it to alignment. The challenge was simple: be the person who checks the bowl.

With humor and real-world scenarios drawn from daily operations, the group brought Captain Accountable and Reactive Randi to life; two sides of leadership that every mover recognizes. One models follow-through and clear communication, while the other reacts after things go wrong. The contrast hit home. The small, consistent actions that prevent mistakes, uphold standards, and strengthen teams are what define professionalism in our industry.

Modernizing Moving Business Development

Presented by Rachael Fischer Lyons (Next Destination Marketing), Georgia Angell (Trellis Vine Consulting), and Anu Dattani (Universal Relocations)

Selected by their peers for its forward-thinking perspective, this session reimagined sales in the moving industry as a discipline built on relationships, not reach. The presenters challenged attendees to stop chasing every lead and instead focus on building the kind of business they truly want: one grounded in trust, intention, and fit.

Through practical tools, they demonstrated how AI can enhance prospecting, streamline outreach, and bolster credibility through consistent, authentic engagement. It was a clear-eyed look at how modern technology and timeless professionalism can coexist and even elevate each other.

For many in the room, the message resonated deeply: the future of sales isn’t about moving faster but about moving smarter.

From Boxes to Big Time: How to Make Your Moving Brand Famous (Without Spending a Fortune)

Presented by Simon Hood (John Mason International)

Simon Hood took the stage with one goal: to prove that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to tell a story that sticks. Through sharp humor and real-world examples, he showed how movers can turn everyday operations into moments that capture attention and hearts.

From the viral “99p eBay football club” stunt to the power of behind-the-scenes storytelling, Simon reminded attendees that the stories worth telling are often hiding in plain sight. His challenge to the audience: What’s your goldfish? Meaning, what’s that small, unexpected detail that draws people in and keeps them watching?

He broke down the modern rules of attention candor. Video is no longer optional; it’s where your customers live. But success isn’t about expensive equipment or perfect polish, it’s about authenticity, consistency, and energy. As he put it, “People share emotions, not camera specs.”

The session hit home for movers looking to modernize their marketing. With practical takeaways including start small, post often, and repurpose creatively, Simon turned what could have been a daunting digital challenge into something accessible and energizing.

From the Perspective of a First-time Attendee OBRAR’s First IAM Annual Meeting was a Meaningful Milestone

By Ghita Banouni, Business Development Manager, Ocean Bridge Removals & Relocations

This year, our team at Ocean Bridge Removals & Relocations attended the IAM conference for the first time; not to discover the industry, but rather to meet the people who shape it.

From day one, one thing stood out: this conference isn’t just a networking marathon; it’s a reality check. Instantly, you get to know the direction in which the industry is moving, who drives innovations, and how global partners work on the other side of the world. And for us, that was something priceless. Morocco is a small but strategic market, and by being there, we had the chance to place ourselves with clarity: an experienced local team, with strong operation roots, ready to collaborate on serious shipments.

The exchanges we made reminded us why connecting in person is different from emails. People speak more openly, and that’s exactly the kind of dialogue we’re here for.

What also hit us was how many companies were interested in Morocco. Some had operated here before, others were looking for a reliable partner. That gave us a clear mission: to represent our market well, set realistic expectations, and bring confidence in a team that truly knows its terrain.

We left New York with something more valuable than a list of contacts: clarity. Clarity on the partnerships that we want to build, the solutions we can bring to the table, and the role we can play within the IAM community.

Focus on U.S. Government, Military and Domestic Moving

By Daniel J. Bradley, Vice President, Government & Military Relations

This year’s military-related sessions at the IAM Annual Meeting had a different feel, as the ongoing U.S. government shutdown prevented military representatives from attending. Fortunately, IAM committee chairs and members stepped in to deliver insightful, engaging sessions that kept attendees learning, laughing, and collaborating.

Sessions kicked off Saturday morning with a lively DP3 rules trivia contest hosted by Lakelan Fennell of SGS Move Management. Competitors battled for both bragging rights and a “WWE-style” championship belt. In the end, Jake Pieroni of Central Van Lines claimed the title of industry’s #1 DP3 Rules Expert, while everyone walked away a little smarter on business rules.

Next, Sue Staszewski of National Van Lines International Division moderated a claims and risk management panel with Don Carroll of Cartwright Companies and Robert Wright of SGS Move Management. Their discussion showcased deep expertise in claims and liability business rules and IAM’s ongoing advocacy for its members.

The final DP3-focused session, the Military and Government Moving Forum, featured updates from IAM Executive Committee members and committee chairs, including Stephan Geurts Jr. of Government Logistics, Adam Hall of Pasha, Sue Staszewski, and Lakelan Fennell. Bryan Vickers of Pace LLC provided government affairs updates, and I presented on near-term DP3 reforms following the cancellation of the Global Household Goods Contract. Each speaker emphasized how members can leverage committee expertise to address critical issues.

Not all sessions centered on the government. The U.S. Domestic Asset-Based (DAB) Mover group hosted an interactive debate tackling real-world business challenges, from labor shortages to technology and growth. The key takeaway, directly in line with our conference theme, Sharpen Your Focus, was that collaboration positively drives problem-solving. Across the industry, we share similar hurdles, and by leaning on one another for insight and support, we move forward stronger together.

Special thanks to Brittany Brooks of Conser Group for her outstanding leadership of the DAB Management Board over the past two years, and to Sofia Marr of CMS, Tim Wicker of Republic Moving & Storage, and Justin Hart of Just-In-Time Moving for helping make this year’s session a success.

The Heart of the Meeting

By Matthieu Odijk, Director of Sales

New York sharpens your senses. Its lights, movement, and rhythm keep you alert, curious, and focused. This year’s IAM Annual Meeting, with over 1,850 participants, did the same. Our theme, “Sharpen Your Focus,” was more than a slogan; it was felt in every conversation, handshake, and new idea.

From the start, the atmosphere was electric. The expo hall buzzed with energy and purpose during the opening reception. It was more than a social event; it pulled people to where business happens. The hall rang with laughter, introductions, and meetings. Exhibitors were thrilled. Many called it their best opening ever. “The flow of people just didn’t stop,” one told me. “It really helped us connect with more members.” With next year’s larger hall in perspective, the overall consensus was that this surely could be repeated.

A key part of this success was our turnkey waterfall tables. They brought a sense of order, sustainability, and professionalism to the space. And, not to be forgotten, served as nice bar tables for the drinks served. Simple in concept, but powerful in effect, they made everything look clean, modern, and focused. Members appreciated how easy they were to use and how neat everything looked. It was a clear sign that IAM is not only evolving but doing so with purpose.

Throughout the week, you could sense that same focus everywhere. Whether in the sessions, at the networking lounges, or in those casual hallway talks, people came ready to sharpen their thinking, strengthen partnerships, and look ahead. The positive energy of New York amplified it all. The city’s drive to move forward seemed to energize our own.

As I walked through the expo hall on the final day, I paused for a moment to take it in: the smiles, the farewells, the feeling that something important had happened here. All made possible by our loyal sponsors who chose to exhibit. Although this year was the smallest Expo Hall we have ever had, it still proved to be the top location meet your global partners. We left New York more connected, more inspired, and more focused than ever.

This year reminded us that when we sharpen our focus together, great things happen. New York gave us the energy, but it was our IAM family who gave it meaning.

The Global Pulse of the Industry

By Matthieu Odijk, Director of Sales

Presented by the Core Members Management Board

Bringing together voices from across the world, the Core Members Management Board (CMMB) hosted a special session titled, “The Global Pulse of the Industry.” The goal of this session was to highlight IAM’s regional representatives, connect faces with names, and better understand what drives the moving industry in different parts of the world.

The session, sponsored by Seven Stars Italy, was moderated by IAM’s Matthieu Odijk and designed to encourage open exchange and participation. Using live polls and audience questions, members shared their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities shaping their regions.

Each of the seven regions was represented by CMMB members who provided short, practical insights from their local perspective. It quickly became clear that while we often speak of a global industry, there is no single global pulse. The moving industry beats differently across regions.

In Europe, discussions focused on regulations and supply chain pressures. Asia highlighted technology transformation and automation. Africa and South America discussed economic shifts and infrastructure growth. North America and Oceania shared concerns about workforce shortages and visa regulations. Meanwhile, the Middle East showed strong business momentum and ambitious development projects.

Despite these differences, some themes united all regions: the need for skilled labor, the impact of digitalization, and the growing importance of sustainability and compliance.

The interactive setup of the session gave every region a voice and allowed members to share real experiences rather than theory. This made it clear that IAM’s strength lies in its diversity; a network that connects local knowledge to global understanding.

To continue this dialogue and build on the valuable insights shared in New York, the CMMB will prepare and present a Global Pulse Report. This report will summarize the key findings and regional perspectives, offering a clearer overview of how the moving industry is evolving worldwide and where IAM can help strengthen its members’ position in the years ahead.