The Conversations Behind the Connections

What members have been telling IAM all year is showing up in San Diego. Through the Global Pulse Survey, those conversations, and ongoing member feedback, the same issues keep surfacing across markets: pressure on claims, consolidation, workforce challenges, the adoption of AI, changing customer expectations, and a greater premium on trusted business relationships.

Those conversations helped influence this year’s education program. Sessions bring members and experts together around the issues affecting how companies operate, compete, manage risk, and prepare for what comes next, giving attendees a chance to compare what they’re seeing in their own markets, hear how others are responding, and take practical ideas back to their businesses.

Here’s where those conversations are happening:

The IAM-YP Leadership Accelerator (October 20, 1:00–5:00 pm) gives young professionals the chance to practice leadership with performance coach Jane Riley. Through hands-on exercises, YPs will strengthen how they communicate, make decisions, and navigate difficult situations. They return to work better prepared to step up, take ownership, and lead.

IAM General Session & State of the Association Address

Thursday, October 22, 8:30 am: IAM President Brian Limperopulos opens the education program and sets the direction for the association heading into 2027, with topics common to every attendee, regardless of membership category.

U.S. DAB Mover Summit and Reception

Wednesday, October 21, 3:30–5:00 pm: The gathering point for U.S. Domestic Asset-Based movers before the Expo Hall opens. This session is a chance to compare notes on labor markets, claims pressure, and rogue-operator enforcement with peers facing the same conditions.

IAMTrusted Round Tables

Thursday, October 22, 11:00 am–12:30 pm: Representatives from SIRVA, Aires, K2 Corporate Mobility, the U.S. Department of State, GSA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank join Trusted companies to discuss procurement, technology, and trust.

CMMC: What You Need to Know About Level 2 Certification

Thursday, October 22, 3:30–4:30 pm:  John Bedford and Chris Wolfl break down what CMMC Level 2 requires for companies touching DP3 shipment information, and what to do now ahead of the March 2027 deadline.

Lithium Battery Workshop

Thursday, October 22, 1:00–2:30 pm: Following the ISA Membership Meeting, join us for a workshop exploring the challenges of transporting lithium-ion batteries door-to-door. As these batteries have become common in household goods shipments, movers face increasing complexity due to evolving regulations, inconsistent carrier requirements, and limited policy guidance. Hear from industry experts, including experienced movers and an NVOCC representative, as they discuss current practices, compliance challenges, and practical strategies for reducing risk. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of today's regulatory landscape and steps they can take to better manage battery-related shipments.

The Advantage of Uncertainty

Uncertainty is uncomfortable, yet strong leaders learn to lead through it anyway. In this session, the Leadership Alliance Council focuses on how leaders cut through the noise, stay focused on outcomes, make decisions without having every answer.

Military and Government Moving Forum

Join Dan Bradley, IAM’s Vice President for Government and Military Relations, as he engages IAM’s key government- and military-focused committee leaders and IAM’s government affairs support to provide a look back on 2026 in the military and federal agency moving markets. The session will include an interactive question and answer period, live polling for audience participation, and a peek into what might be coming in 2027.

U.S. Federal Agency Panel

This session will cover program updates, key innovations, and current challenges facing the federal moving community, giving members serving government relocation clients a direct line to the agencies they work with and the developments shaping the industry ahead. The panel will be moderated by Mark Greene, Senior Vice President at Arpin Group, Inc., and Chris Hood, VP, International at Able Moving & Storage, who serve as chair and vice chair of IAM's Civilian Government Affairs Subcommittee. It brings together representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. General Services Administration Employee Relocation Resource Center, and the Federal Maritime Commission to share updates on federal household goods moving programs.

See the full agenda on the Annual Meeting website.