In this issue we have a special theme: SECURITY

ICEFAT thanks you all for the wonderful comments, response and congratulations we have received during this past year marking the 30th anniversary of your organization.

As the summer passes, the thoughts of our members will turn to Vancouver, Canada, the site of our 31st annual convention. Moving forward, ICEFAT is embarking on a number of initiatives that will continue to set the highest standards in Fine Art Shipping. Mr. Robert Crozier of Crozier Fine Art (NY/NJ) is spearheading the “Best Practice - Warehouse” Forum.

Mr. Bryan Cooke of Cooke’s Crating (LA) along with representatives of member companies around the globe will be presenting a workshop on transportation including “what’s new” in vehicle specifications and equipment.

ICEFAT is honoured to be able to present two wonderful guest speakers. Mr. Richard Hinson the Chairperson of PACIN and Chief Preparator at the Museum of Fine Art, Houston. Richard, will introduce PACIN (the Packing and Crating Information Network) which is a professional interest committee of the American Association of Museum.

We will also present Mr. Simon Hornby of Global Risk Partners. Simon, who as most of you will remember, gave a wonderful presentation on Best Practices in the Fine Art Storage industry at our last convention held in Istanbul, Turkey. This year Simon will tackle another important issue, addressing standards for communication between our membership.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of another important industry event that will take place shortly after our 31st Annual meeting. The Second International Registrar’s Symposium (IRS2) is being organized and presented by the Registrar’s Committee of the AAM (RC-AAM). This conference will be held in Chicago, USA between November 10-12, 2007. More information on programming and registration can be found on-line at www.rcaam.org follow the link to “IRS2”

To close, I would like to send best wishes to everyone in the Northern Hemisphere for a safe and pleasant summer, or those South of the Equator, may your winter be all that you expect and enjoy.

Mark Starling
ICEFAT Chairperson