A year of transformation at IBIA
IBIA’s Executive Director Alexander Prokopakis shares insights on IBIA’s recent initiatives, emphasising member feedback, successes at Posidonia, and the upcoming IBIA Annual Convention.
In my role as Executive Director, I am delighted to share the significant strides we have made over the past year to enhance our member engagement and improve our service offerings. Your feedback has been invaluable, and I want to assure you that we are taking it seriously. We are committed to developing our member benefits and offerings to better serve your needs and strengthen our industry.
One of the most critical aspects of our work has been listening to our members. We have engaged in numerous interviews and discussions to understand your needs and expectations. Your insights have been instrumental in shaping our future strategies and priorities. We are moving away from the perception of being an ‘old boys club’ and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking association. Our goal is to create a dynamic environment where every member feels valued and heard.
We are proud to report the success of our presence at Posidonia, one of the world’s most prestigious shipping weeks. Our Cocktail Reception was a resounding success, providing an excellent platform for networking and discussing industry trends. It was heartening to see so many of our members actively participating and engaging with us. Additionally, we were honoured to be hosted by many of our members at their events, further strengthening our community bonds.
As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming IBIA Annual Convention. This premier event, scheduled to take place in Athens from 5-7 November, promises to be a pivotal gathering for our industry. We have an exciting line-up of speakers and panels that will cover a range of important topics, including regulatory updates and decarbonisation policies. We look forward to seeing many of you there and continuing our discussions on how we can collectively advance our industry.
In response to your feedback, we have initiated several significant changes.
We have implemented new HR software to streamline our operations and improve our internal processes. We are also exploring updates to our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to enhance our communication with members. These technological upgrades are part of our broader strategy to provide better service and ensure that our members are always well-informed and supported.
You may have noticed changes in our communications, particularly with the launch of our IBIA Bulletin, which is published every second week.
This Bulletin is a combined effort from the Secretariat to succinctly communicate our activities and news. We are working with a communications strategist to refine our messaging and ensure it aligns with our new market strategies. Our aim is to keep you updated on the latest developments, industry trends, and IBIA activities in a timely and engaging manner. Your feedback on these changes is welcome, as it helps us continually improve.
As I near my one-year mark with IBIA, I am reflecting on the incredible journey we have undertaken together. The time spent with our members has been enlightening and inspiring. Your passion and dedication to the bunker and maritime fuel industry have motivated us to work harder and deliver more value. I am grateful for your support and trust as we navigate this path of transformation.
In conclusion, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your ongoing support and engagement. The progress we have made is a testament to our collective effort and commitment to excellence. As we move forward, we will continue to prioritise your feedback and work tirelessly to enhance our member benefits and services.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the IBIA Annual Convention and continuing our journey towards a brighter future for our industry.
Sincerely
Alexander Prokopakis
IBIA Executive Director
alexander.prokopakis@ibia.net