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The electronic world is the biggest help, computers, mobile phones, video meetings, apps, and all make the running of the EICF much easier and efficient. Computerised bank accounts are an enormous help rather than the hours of writing in day books then entries into sales or purchase ledgers.


While working at conferences many delegates thank me


for all my efforts. There are many people in the world doing a job that they never get thanked for. It means a lot to me.


The company was run originally with three full time and one part time staff, with half the membership and smaller conferences. Now two full time staff doing everything, ‘really well’ I am told by members although I will say this is not a 9 – 5 job, it’s a job that has deadlines and you just get on with it.


Q: Q: Q: A


What evolution have you seen on the EICF events along the years?


The digital world we live in is moving all the time and


you have to keep up. Whova, the event app we use is a great tool and members and delegates are more relaxed with it now. It gives them the freedom to contact and interact with others, arrange a meeting, check out who is there, what time is the next paper, who are the sponsors, it’s all on the app. No more photocopying of hundreds of presentations, they are uploaded onto the app ready for the delegates to download, it couldn’t be made any easier.


How do you see the evolution of members and stakeholders needs? Can you comment on those? As long as the stakeholders continue to hold the passion to make sure EICF moves forward, and the members communicate their requirements, EICF will only become even stronger.


And what has been your nicest experience in dealing with the EICF activity?


Q: Q: Q:


EICF based its registered address in Brussels under the Belgian Law for Non Profit International Associations


to serve better the interest of a European Association as per the Brexit. How this has affected the operations of the Administration Office? The day to day running of the administration office has


changed since Brexit in that I have gained a new colleague in Brussels to finalise the accounts. This should free more time for me to take on other activities to benefit the Federation.


How are you handling this confinement? Are you having contact with the members?


With the postponement of the Conference in Bregenz,


I have been contacting members who have registered. Together we are working through rolling the registrations over to 2021 or refunding. As my office is at home, my day to day situation has


not changed during this confinement period. The weather in the UK has been fabulous and as one of my hobbies is gardening I have been very busy evenings and weekends. It’s important to me to keep busy.


Looking ahead, how do you see the future? The future for everyone is uncertain with this world


epidemic, however I do consider that EICF is well placed to take on new working practices and any problems that may develop. We just have to stay in, keep safe and all meet in Bregenz 9th – 11th May 2021.


An Insight on Interpersonal Skills Required in Association Administration Management by Dr. David Ford, EICF Company Secretary 2004 - 2014


n effective company administer who interacts with clients and customers must have excellent interpersonal skills to represent the face and ethos of the organisation. This attribute Mrs. Julie Boyce has in abundance, and the success of the EICF is reflected in the confidence that its members have in the organisation and the events which are much appreciated by the industry. Reflecting over the years in which the EICF became the dominant association of European Investment foundries, it is, without question, the confidence that the membership has in the administration of the Federation that has ensured its continuing and growing service to the industry. Julie Boyce is central to this success, as over the years she has supported the evolution of the Federation from a ‘club’ of a few European foundries to a formal registered company organising regular technical workshop, conferences and research projects. During the formative years, the EICF was administered through the offices of the British Investment Casting Association under the management of Dr Bob Smart. Following Bob’s retirement and the amalgamation of BICTA into the Cast Metals Federation, the EICF administration offices moved to Julie’s home. This was a ‘politically sensitive’


®


time, but due to the good will of the CMF, their office also became the official registered address of the EICF, whilst the administrative office remained with Julie. At the time of the EICF registration as a limited company,


the EICF finances were insufficient to guarantee continued operation. With limited resources, a campaign was launched to attract new members with technical workshops, international conferences and attractive research projects with universities and RTOs. Over the next ten years the membership doubled, the finances became healthy and the EICF began to be recognised as a major European asset. Organising conferences is a challenging, if not stressful, occupation and the administration involves much interaction with the venue, services, speakers and delegates. Each one can present problems, and during the conference season the demands on administration become intense. New problems evolve continuously and the administration of conferences requires a cool head, even temper and stamina. To discharge these duties to keep everyone happy and content requires exceptional interpersonal skills and this has been where Julie’s help has been invaluable.


May 2020 ❘ 13


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