Delegates representing diverse sectors of the air cargo industry took part in the first TIACA Professional Development Workshop in the Netherlands last week. The three-day educational experience culminated in students delivering presentations reflecting real-world air cargo business and operational situations. Topics covered included market and competitive analysis, brand management, digital marketing, revenue management, understanding and analyzing financial statements, creating financial reports, business ethics, and leading teams. “I really appreciated the respect from the start and sharing of experience and knowledge from the leaders, participants, and guest speakers," said Patrick Teixeira-Ribeiro, AirBridgeCargo, one of the delegates. The workshop was the first commissioned and sponsored by TIACA in collaboration with Strategic Aviation Solutions International (SASI), following a joint industry study with IATA, ICAO, and FIATA released earlier this year, which identified the need for air freight-specific training to equip and educate a new generation of industry leaders. Airlines, forwarders, handlers, and General Sales Agents (GSAs), as well as the World Bank, took part in the program, held near Schiphol Airport from the 25th to the 27th of June. “We are delighted that so many different sectors of the industry were represented at this first workshop and the useful interaction between enthusiastic and engaged participants,” said Jim Edgar, Regional Marketing Director, Boeing Commercial, and Chairman of TIACA’s Education and Research Committee. “Now that we have held our inaugural program, we are looking forward to building on this success and hosting more educational events for the industry in the future.” Lilian Tan, Executive Director – Learning and Development, SASI, and Charles H.W Edwards, SASI Associate and Executive Director, North Carolina Center for Global Logistics led the workshop. “The objective was for participants to have a good appreciation of each field and how the topics fit together and play a role in successfully managing and leading a dynamic company in an ever-changing market," said Tan. “We encouraged discussion so that each participant had the opportunity to appreciate the perspective of the different sectors that combine to create this challenging industry.” One of the most unique aspects of the event was an evening devoted to interaction between participants and noted industry leaders. Ram Menen, former Director of Emirates SkyCargo, Enno Osinga, current TIACA Vice Chair and SVP Cargo, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Ben Radstaak, Managing Director Air Cargo Netherlands, Stan Wraight, Executive Director, SASI as well as Jim Edgar took part. A wide variety of questions and issues were broached as well as personal insights representing this group’s years and variety of experiences. A key course element to solidify and integrate learning was the assignment of case studies dividing participants into four teams with formal presentations the final day. The same group of leaders evaluated each based on credibility/feasibility of their proposal, financial impact, complexity and resources required. “You think you know everything about the air cargo supply chain? You don’t! Take this course and you will get new views on the same topic from different angles and diverse participants in the air cargo supply chain, " said Markus von Hesse, Panalpina, who took part.