IFPTA members have an extra advantage
Networking with your peers is one of the greatest benefits of membership to any professional association.
Karen Shanahan, Chief Operating Officer
Gillespie-Munro, Inc.
Published: July 20, 2010
Even though I joined the IFPTA in 1999, I didn’t attend the PPI Transport Symposium until 2007 in Mobile, Alabama. What an eye opener that was for me!
I thought I knew a lot of people in the paper industry, but I met so many new people in Mobile, it was amazing. It wasn’t just paper people either. I met folks from a lot of different industries – steamship owners, freight forwarders, container carriers, machinery manufacturers – and senior level people too. I’ve never been to another event where I had the opportunity to have a conversation with the presidents of these companies.
To me, that pretty much sums it up. Access to the key people I need to know to do my job better. IFPTA members are the people you need to know if you work in forest products logistics. By being a member, you get unparalleled access to them.
Earlier this year, I decided to join the IFPTA Membership Committee. One of the things we talk about a lot is finding ways to better connect our members. Let’s face it. Networking with your peers is one of the greatest benefits of membership – to any association. So, we are looking at ways to increase the amount of networking time at our events.
Take a look at the program for our upcoming 2nd South American Regional Seminar in São Paulo. There is more networking time at this seminar than I have ever seen at an industry meeting. We have included plenty of time in the morning before the program begins, morning and afternoon coffee breaks that last 45 minutes, and an extended lunch break for an hour and half.
The Regional Seminar is also debuting the IFPTA Networking Lounge. A quiet meeting place you can use throughout the seminar. All of this ensures you have plenty of time to meet other IFPTA members and develop a meaningful connection – much more than just exchanging business cards.
Now is a very exciting time for the IFPTA and all of our members.
About IFPTA Karen Shanahan:
Karen Shanahan serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer as well as Director of Gillespie-Munro Inc. and Gillship Navigation (NVOCC division of Gillespie-Munro Inc.). Her main responsibilities include the charter brokering of breakbulk cargoes, as well as overseeing management of all key accounts. She is also responsible for the personnel in the Montreal office.
Karen has been a member of the IFPTA since 1999. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. Her email address is kshanhan@gmunro.ca.
