It was early 1977 when a meeting of six directors of fine art
handling companies from Europe and the USA was held to discuss
the establishment of a forum where companies, specialized in handling
fine art, from all over the world would meet to discuss mutual
business issues.
The first conference was held in Amsterdam, in October 1977, where
some 80 delegates from 56 companies gathered to meet each other
and it was a success! Everybody agreed that this conference should
become an annual event: the International Convention of Exhibition
and Fine Art Transporters – ICEFAT.
THE
ASSOCIATION ICEFAT
Since then, ICEFAT had its annual conventions in many major cities,
and sometimes exotic resorts, around the world. In plenary meetings
and workshops, business issues were discussed and guest speakers
gave lectures on topics such as insurance, marketing, restoration,
the use of the internet in daily business (where would we be without
it!), packing, etc.
In the late nineties of the last Century, many of the founding
companies expressed their preference to turn ICEFAT into an official,
democratic Association. Again in Amsterdam, in the year 2000,
the Association ICEFAT was established, with its main purpose
to actively promote the highest standards of fine art shipping.
The ICEFAT Newsletter is sent to both clients and Members, and
ICEFAT is a successful exhibitor at the AAM MuseumExpo –
with a brand-new booth in Chicago in 2007! The sponsoring of Registrars
Receptions in New Orleans, Wolfsburg and Boston has given the
recognition of the ICEFAT association a tremendous boost.
GROWING
COMMITMENT
Within ICEFAT, the most striking development since 2000 is the
growing commitment from our Members to the Organization. Active
participation in sub-committees on Membership, Marketing and Finance
show that ICEFAT is alive and an important marketing tool in the
promotion of their individual companies.
With its current 83 Members in 36 countries around the world,
and a growing interest with our respected Clients, ICEFAT has
a bright future ahead !
