IN PERSON
IFSA celebrates in Anaheim
As the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) looks forward to hosting its 49th Annual Conference and its biggest show since 2001, Jo Austin catches up with IFSA president Pam Suder Smith for her thoughts on this year’s epic event
This is the fifth year that IFSA has co-located with the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). What do you see are the advantages of co-location with APEX? Co-location maximises value for airline customers, because it allows them to use their time more efficiently and it fosters the synergies of the airline passenger experience in the onboard arena. Co-location also helps the various industries represented to continue to grow, evolve and work in tandem with each other.
Who will be attending this year’s event? There will be representatives from more than 120 airlines and over 250 vendors from dozens of industries – ranging from catering to IFE.
What sector of the market is the show aimed at? The EXPO is the only industry- driven event devoted to the entire passenger experience. It is the industry's largest trade show featuring the latest in comfort, ambience, entertainment, connectivity, catering and service.
What can delegates expect to learn from the EXPO conference sessions? The EXPO educational sessions are focused on the latest passenger trends, inflight applications and operational issues crucial to the airline passenger experience professional. Similar to the EXPO last year, morning general sessions will focus on key aviation topics and issues, while the new breakout tracks will identify specific areas of the onboard industry such as technology, catering, services and connectivity.
26
WWW.ONBOARDHOSPITALITY.COM
regarding the upcoming EU labelling legislation to the membership.
Pam Suder-Smith is vice president sales and service, Pourshins Supplair. A long-time member of IFSA in addition to Pourshins Supplair, Pam has worked as an airline and catering executive at Air America, MGM Grand Air and Ogden Aviation Services. She has also worked in the restaurant industry, opening restaurants in both America and Japan. Pam graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She received her MBA degree from CW Post University in New York.
What networking events can delegates look forward to this year? It all starts with the Welcome Reception and then continues with the open floorplan and events throughout the day and evening. After the show floor closes, the evening events promise even more interaction mixed with some entertainment. The APEX/IFSA event at the House of Blues on Wednesday night promises to be a truly unforgettable evening of entertainment. There will be a live band, dancing, food and drink, and the event will feature themed areas for some added fun. Casino Night on Monday is a brand new networking event this year that will raise money for the IFSA Foundation.
Will you be featuring your Awards event this year? There are three main Awards taking place in Anaheim. The industry’s best-of-the-best are
Will food safety be on this year’s agenda? Education at EXPO extends to staying up-to-date on all the latest regulations and issues surrounding the onboard industry. IFSA’s Government Affairs and Education Committee (GAEC) will have its own booth to provide information, guidance and education to the IFSA membership regarding food safety and security. In 2014, GAEC has been working on an update to the World Food Safety Guidelines and also collaborating on a number of regulatory initiatives with the FDA and USDA. GAEC is also communicating information
awarded at the evening Passenger Choice Awards™ Ceremony. These Awards are selected by consumers in recognition of the best airlines for passenger experience, from ticket purchase to final arrival. The Avion Awards are
distributed to airlines and/or vendors for their technological advancements and commitment to the passenger experience. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to an individual whose long-term efforts, dedication and sustained commitment have supported the organisation.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116