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Before you read this column, please take this simple test. Go look at
yourself in a mirror, and ask yourself, “Do I look international?” Did you
know that regardless of where you live in the world, if you are an IAAM
member, you are “international” to at least 500 other members, in that you
are from a country other than theirs?
Which brings me to Mr. Peter Gruber, of Vienna, Austria, the sophisticated
gentleman whose photograph appears on the cover of this edition of Facility
Manager. He is the chief executive officer of the Wiener Stadthalle, one of
the premier event centers in Europe. He is vice president of IAAM Europe. He
is a leader in the development of IAAM’s European Academy of Venue
Management. He is also my good friend.
When I discovered that Peter’s photo was to be on the cover of this FM
edition, my first reaction was to start crafting a president’s column that
would discuss the international growth of IAAM. And that gave me cause to
reflect on what the “I” in IAAM actually stands for. You see, for a long
time I had it wrong. I thought that when we talked about efforts to put the
“I” in IAAM, we were talking about the word international.
Nope! It turns out that the “I” in IAAM actually stands for “I” as in “me,
myself and I.” And strangely enough, when the “I” stands for “me,” the
international part just comes naturally. My friendship with Peter is a
perfect example. The fact that he is so accomplished in his professional
career that his photo would handsomely appear on the cover of an important
business publication would come as no surprise to those who know him. The
surprising part, at least for me, is that I have the privilege of calling
him my friend.
IAAM gave me that privilege. It is a privilege that is extended to all of us
within the worldwide fellowship of IAAM. Through IAAM we can all come to
know our counterparts from around the world. The opportunities for
international friendships are unlimited.
Which brings me to the IAAM Annual Conference & Trade Show taking place July
25–29 in Anaheim. Specifically, I want to recommend to you the International
Pavilion. Within the international conference of an international
association, this Pavilion is the very tangible embodiment of the “I” in
IAAM. This wonderful addition to our trade show was an innovation from our
immediate past president, Larry Perkins, CFE. It made its first appearance
last year in Salt Lake City. This year, I am happy to report it will be back
with new refinements and expanded offerings. All it needs is “you.”
Again this year the Pavilion will feature presentations on facilities from
around the world. There will be discussions of management trends by speakers
from many different countries. And most importantly, there will be the
opportunity for personal exchange among international assembly managers from
around the world. Do you have a presentation that would be of interest? Do
you have a topic you would like to see addressed at the Pavilion? Your input
is welcome. Contact Bob Mayer, chairman of the International Steering
Committee, at bcmayer@cox.net. Beyond that, all you have to do is bring
yourself — your own little “international” self — to the Pavilion. You see,
you are the “I” in IAAM. And you are “international.”
Who knows? You might even have the opportunity to meet other “international”
members from exotic cities, places like … Ames, Iowa.
I would like to close on a personal note. The absolute best thing about
serving as an officer of IAAM is the opportunity to work with outstanding
people. The IAAM staff members are phenomenal in every way. Under Dexter
King’s leadership, they have been professional and personally supportive at
every turn. On my way to the president’s chair, I was mentored by past
presidents David Ross and Larry Perkins. And I have had the good fortune of
working with First Vice President Robyn Williams and Second Vice President
Shura Lindgren. They are providing insightful and wise leadership today, and
will continue to do so in the coming years. So I was extremely excited to
learn this past week that the IAAM Nominating Committee has nominated John
Siehl for the position of Second Vice President. There is no more
hardworking, wise and gentle member of IAAM. Congratulations, John.
You see, John is an “international” member from Dayton, Ohio. And I consider
it a privilege, made possible by IAAM, that I can call him my good friend.
president’s letter International Is in the “I” of the Beholder
Steven L. Peters, CFE
IAAM President
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