10th - 12th MAY - LISBON!

[Louisa Swaden]

Dear Member

I am happy to announce that we now have some basic details for you concerning the next IMSF Annual Meeting. As you may already be aware, as an international organisation we like to be accessible to as many members as possible and a few years ago adopted the theme of rotational meeting venues covering the Americas, Asia Pacific and European continents. Next year's meeting was to be hosted in China by our friends at COSCO, but due to the economic uncertainty which we are all facing it was felt that in order to maximise attendance we had to change the venue to Europe. We are therefore greatly indebted to EMSA for their flexibility and generous support in agreeing to host the 2010 Annual Meeting at their excellent new headquarters on the banks of the river Tagus in Lisbon.

The date for the next meeting has now been fixed as 10th - 12th May 2010. The format will run the same as previous years, commencing lunchtime on Monday, a full day of presentations on the Tuesday and finishing lunchtime on the Wednesday. Full details will be supplied as they are finalised and I will let you all know in good time what the supporting events and other activites are likely to be.

We hope to submit a more formal letter of invitation shortly, along with accommodation suggestions, but for now I urge you to make a note of the date. As in previous years each member and guest are expected to cover the cost of their own transport and accommodation, but entry to the Forum and basic refreshements are without charge and sponsored through the generosity of our hosts.

The main themes of the meeting will be:

Shipping economics & shipping market analysis
Logistics and port economics
Shipping and the environment
Maritime human resources

As soon as it is available an outline agenda will be circulated so that you can have see exactly what papers are being submitted and by whom. As usual, you are all not only invited to submit a paper but encouraged to do so as it is this participation that enables the Forum to exist and convey as many benefits as it does. The programme organisers, Chris Palsson and Wally Mandryk will be only to pleased to hear from you and give you any assistance you need.

In such a fast-paced world where once we felt secure to ride the waves of a classic business cycle, the data has shown us we should never become complacent. Our world has and continues to change significantly and shipping reacts and reflects that global scenario perhaps faster than any other industry. Once again information is paramount to shine a light on what is really happening and shaping our new environment, which is why this is a meeting you can't afford not to attend!

I do hope you can make it and I look forward to seeing you in Lisbon.
Very best wishes

Louisa (IMSF Secretary)