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

Network Smarter, Not Harder

By Charles Stewart, Digital Media Manager

Something I was really happy to offer our Annual Meeting attendees over the past two conferences was push notifications in the IAM Connect app. It might sound simple enough, but it actually took the right app vendor to come along: one willing to collaborate with us and help bring that goal to life.

While the IAM Connect app is far from perfect, it has become a genuinely helpful tool that allows attendees to navigate the IAM Annual Meeting & Expo, find potential business partners, schedule meetings, and plan their days around learning labs and sessions. With push notifications, we were finally able to send timely reminders and helpful hints directly to attendees, helping keep everyone informed, engaged, and on track throughout the event.

At the same time, our recent overhaul of the Annual Meeting website made it easier than ever for attendees and sponsors to access key information. From event schedules and registration details to exhibitor listings and travel resources, the site presented everything in a way that was organized, searchable, and visually aligned with IAM’s overall brand. These updates not only simplified navigation but also created a more consistent experience between the website and the IAM Connect app, which is something we’d been striving to achieve.

Another exciting step forward was rethinking how we presented sponsorship opportunities. In the past, our prospectus came in the form of a lengthy, scroll-heavy PDF that wasn’t the most user-friendly, especially on mobile. This year, we introduced an interactive online flipbook that was easy to explore and visually appealing. Sponsors could flip through opportunities, check availability, and quickly identify the best fit with their goals, without the hassle of downloading or scrolling through pages of text.

There’s still room for improvement, of course, but I think we came much closer this year to achieving the level of functionality, accessibility, and ease of use we’ve always envisioned for our suite of Annual Meeting tools.

Honoring IAM’s Volunteer Leaders and Superstars

By Angela DeConti, Director, Global Moving Foundation

Volunteer Leadership Breakfast

You don’t always see them on stage, but you feel their impact everywhere. The Annual Meeting made it clear again that IAM’s volunteers aren’t just supporting the Association, they’re shaping its future in real time. In what’s become an annual tradition, volunteer leaders from IAM, the Global Moving Foundation, and the International Shippers’ Association met on Day 1 to kick off the Annual Meeting and share their highlights and achievements over the last year from their respective volunteer groups. This year’s conversation also focused on where we’re headed next with IAM President, Brian Limperopulos, giving volunteers a preview of the new strategic priorities for the Association.

Party with a Purpose

The Party with a Purpose has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the IAM Annual Meeting, and this year’s celebration was our best yet. The energy, connection, and generosity in the room reflected not only the spirit of our community but also the dedication of those who made it happen.

A special thank you goes to Verena Goetz and the IAM Young Professionals, whose creativity, organization, and commitment helped bring this event to life. Verena’s hard work behind the scenes ensured every detail came together seamlessly, allowing attendees to enjoy a fun evening, all in support of the Global Moving Foundation.

Thanks to her efforts, and the generosity of everyone who participated, the event raised vital funds that will help the Foundation continue investing in workforce development, academic scholarships and industry education, helping people around the world. The Party with a Purpose truly lives up to its name, and we’re grateful to everyone who attended to have some fun and support the work of the Global Moving Foundation.

For the GMF Presentation during the General Session,

Check out Angela DeConti’s article on page 52 for a recap of her remarks.

Celebrating Excellence:Honoring IAM’s 2025 Award Recipients

The Annual Meeting closed on a high note with a celebration recognizing the people who exemplify the best of our industry. From innovation and leadership to service and mentorship, this year’s award recipients represent the dedication, talent, and spirit that drive IAM and the global moving community forward.

With a new format this year, the luncheon brought together members from around the world to applaud the achievements of our award recipients, from emerging professionals making their mark to excellence in leadership to seasoned leaders whose significant contributions have advanced the industry. Each honoree reminded us that excellence is not just about individual success: it’s about lifting the entire community higher.

As we wrapped up another incredible Annual Meeting, the celebration was more than a moment of recognition; it reflected the passion and collaboration that define IAM. Congratulations to all the 2025 award recipients and thank you for inspiring us to keep moving forward together.

You’ll find tributes to our five award recipients on pages 18–19, we encourage you to reach out and congratulate them!

From the Perspective of Long-time Attendees 

Why You Shouldn’t Attend IAM (Totally Serious, Definitely Not Tongue-in-Cheek)

By Sandra Clary, VP of Customer Experience at Enterprise Database Corporation (EDC) and Silvia Salamanca, Marketing Lead at Enterprise Database Corporation (EDC)

IAM delivered a lot this year, and instead of a traditional review, we thought we’d highlight it with a bit of humor. Here are some of the so-called “downsides” of attending…the kind that only happen when a conference goes really well!

1. Your luggage will be overweight on the way home…because you’ll collect so many business cards & tchotchkes from all your new connections and booths visited!

2. You’ll come back with “too many” leads & partnerships to sort through; what a nightmare, right?!

3. Say goodbye to your voice! Whether it’s by singing at the Party with a Purpose, sharing your elevator pitch for the 57th time, or networking, your voice will carry a different tune (or no tune at all) by day 2!

4. Airport security/TSA might pull you aside…
   so you can explain why you’re carrying 47 pens, 4 notebooks, 8 chargers, 2 pounds of candy, and a stress ball shaped like a truck.

5. Your hands may get dry from all the handshakes and constant re-washing; everyone wants to connect!

6. Your phone storage will run out from all the photos and videos you took with old friends, new connections, at sessions, of great food,
   and more.

7. Your diet will never recover: you’ll have to find room to attend three lunches and two dinners each day!

8. Your Fitbit will judge you… because you’ll walk way more steps than usual, exploring the Expo floor and going to sessions, which is completely unacceptable, especially for any one of us purposely avoiding exercise.

9. Relationships with colleagues who didn’t attend will suffer… They’ll get jealous of all the insights and opportunities you bring back, and will demand to tag along next year!

10. You’ll have conference brain… where you forget what day it is (and think only in terms of “day 1” “day 2” and so on) but can recite everyone’s name, title, company, and the conference schedule without giving it a thought!

You’ll enjoy it so much that…now you’re “stuck” going every single year!

All jokes aside, the IAM Annual Meeting continues to be one of the most valuable industry events of the year. It brings together the people, ideas, and innovations that are shaping the future of moving and mobility. For us, attending meant more than just networking: it was an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with the companies and professionals driving the industry forward. The energy in every room felt collaborative, forward-thinking, and genuinely supportive of progress.

If you’ve been on the fence about going, go! We’ve attended for over 15 years, and every time it’s better than the last. Whether you’re a moving company owner, an industry supplier, or just looking to network, IAM offers something for everyone and makes it well worth your time.

Lasting Connections

By Verena Goetz, Membership and Social Media Manager

My impressions of the 2025 Annual Meeting…oh my, where do I even begin?

My personal highlight was Day 0: a day newly dedicated to our IAM-YP group. It is a group close to my heart, a group that has given me my start in the industry as well as lifelong friendships. Seeing some of our first-time attendees being taken under the wings of more seasoned YPs makes my heart grow and is exactly why joining the YPs is the best way to get started in this wonderful industry.

This year’s standout moment was the YP Connect activity, sponsored by Yembo: an improv acting class right off Broadway. I was able to sneak into the different rooms throughout and was met with lots of laughter everywhere. I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that this seemed to have been one of our most successful YP Connects in recent years, with a record attendance of more than 80 participants. The connections made there carried through the entire Annual Meeting. I would see the same YPs who had just met during the activity hanging out with their new friends up until the last day, and I can say with certainty that these connections will last a lifetime.

And of course, not to forget, the Party with a Purpose continues to be one of the most popular events amongst all of our attendees. Attendees of all ages come together to celebrate, dance, and just enjoy themselves after countless meetings in the days prior, all in the name of a good cause. This year’s event was incredible and united the crowd whilst singing along to “Empire State of Mind” or dancing to “Pink Pony Club.”

Coming home after the Annual Meeting always brings out different emotions: sadness that it is over, pride of being part of such a strong organization, happiness that I stumbled into this wonderful industry many years ago, and a contagious excitement for what’s ahead.

Critical Insights Into Marketplace Success and Mastering Regulations

By Morgana Somers, Director of Global Services

Focus on Success: Build to Lead, Position to Win

This session brought together an expert panel of industry leaders who shared candid insights on what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive mobility marketplace. Moderated by IAM’s Morgana Somers, the panel featured Melissa Knight (Catalent), Joe Jackson (Graebel Companies. Inc), Brenda Thoeny-Johnson (Cartus), and Jason Paschel (Champion International Moving). The discussion opened with a focus on “How to Win,” emphasizing that success begins by building trust, maintaining consistency, ensuring compliance, and clearly highlighting differentiators that make a company stand out. Panelists highlighted credibility and reliability as decisive factors between winning and losing a bid.

The panel explored how to position proposals effectively, what details stand out in RFP responses, and the differentiators that sway final decisions when multiple qualified providers are under review. The panelists agreed that while price matters, value, innovation, and responsiveness often carry greater weight. They also noted that clients value being kept informed and up to date, stressing that sharing industry news and insights builds trust and reinforces credibility. This aligns closely with IAM’s strategic plan, which aims to make it easier for members to access and share relevant industry information with their customers.

Together, the panelists left attendees with actionable strategies to strengthen proposals, foster meaningful relationships, and position their companies to win.

U.S. Flag Requirement Workshop

This session provided attendees with insights and guidance on recent U.S. Flag requirement updates and operational challenges. Expert panelists Ruth Moritz (Interstate International Inc.), Allyson Nordstrom-Geraghty (Arpin International Group), and Deborah Passmore (Suddath Government Services) brought in-depth knowledge and experience working with the CHAMP program for Federal Government Agencies, the Department of State (DoS), and the Department of Defense (DoD).

A central theme of the discussion was the nuances of U.S. Flag compliance, including how requirements differ between air and sea shipments. Panelists explained key concepts such as MARAD oversight, the Open Skies Agreement, and the distinctions between P1, P2, and P3 service tiers, and many more. Panelists also underscored the importance of keeping transferees informed of the regulations. Other operational topics covered included the impact of the recent Gemini Alliance on U.S. Flag availability, ongoing challenges in maintaining capacity, and peak season challenges.

The session concluded with a clear takeaway: U.S. Flag compliance is complex and process varies depending on the government agency that you are providing services for. Maintaining compliance is essential, as noncompliance can result in serious consequences. The panel shared valuable resources to help attendees navigate these challenges, supporting continued education and adherence to best practices.

ISA Meets in New York

By Terry Head, ISA Association Representative

The International Shippers Association (ISA) Board of Directors held meetings and conducted the Annual Meeting of the ISA Membership on Day Three of the IAM Annual Meeting and Expo.

Incorporated in 1999 as a cooperative buying group, ISA’s mission is to provide its members with the lowest ocean rates (FCL and LCL) and best service for the transport of household goods and unaccompanied baggage and general commodities, accomplished by establishing volume-induced discounts and/or through patronage dividends realized through contracts with a variety of U.S. Flag and non-U.S. Flagged ocean carriers and other preferred vendors. Membership in ISA is open to both IAM member companies and non-IAM members.

The ISA Board first met with representative of SEACO, S.A., the entity which, under a long-term Shipping Agreement with ISA, oversees booking, shipping and billing activities for ISA members. Following its meeting with SEACO, the Board held its formal meeting discussing a number of topics aimed at insuring ISA’s continued success and growth.

During the ISA Annual Membership Meeting the audience was updated on a variety of topics and reports covering Membership, Financials and the recent distribution of $565,000 in 2024 Patronage Dividends. Since it began distributing dividends in 2003, ISA has paid out $5,874,481.00 in cumulative Patronage Dividends to those members participating in the ISA Military/Government Group.

Conclusion

A warm Thank You! to all who attended the 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo! It is our hope that you will continue to build on the unmatchable camaraderie and momentum of these four days as you develop your inspired vision for success in the year to come.

To help you capture the excitement and energy of the Annual Meeting and spread it to your colleagues who didn’t attend, we have made all of the official conference photos available for download at no charge. You can find them in our 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo photo gallery. Please enjoy, and share freely on your own social media pages.

We are delighted that you joined us in Las Vegas, and we look forward to seeing you again next year at our 64th Annual Meeting & Expo in San Diego, California!