It may be a case of saving the best for last, or putting the meat of the order under too much gravy, but an air cargo gathering this week could raise some interesting and unusual dialogue.
     While it may not be as dramatic as you might think, when high-powered and well-compensated executives meet in a public arena the encounter can be enlightening and even carry with it some entertainment value.
     When Brandon Fried, President of the Washington, D.C,-based Air Forwarders Association (AFA), meets center stage this week in San Antonio, Texas, on the last day of Cargo Network Services (CNS) Annual Partnership Conference with IATA DG Tony Tyler, the question is whether sparks will fly to ignite any real change in the airline/forwarder dynamic.
     Don’t be surprised if that encounter is more about soft balls than anything else.
     After all, CNS has long been a relaxed, genteel gathering (at least in terms of confrontation). Taking place at golf resorts every year, with the airlines basically footing the bill for, among other things, superb networking, luncheons, and face time with customers, the hope is that change will gather momentum as it is the last industry event of any significance until the autumn.
     But never in recent memory has a top forwarder been in direct dialogue with a representative of the airlines at this event. The opportunity is present to ask some questions and follow ups confronting long standing issues that cut both ways amongst the “partners” that CNS was chartered to bring closer—the airlines and the forwarders.
     When it comes to air cargo, IATA continues to be in some disarray as 2014 continues.
     While the IATA passenger side leadership seems stable and follows a predictable pattern, for air cargo there has been a new leader—either at CNS or as IATA head of cargo—at every turn recently.
     When, as expected, IATA names a new Head of Cargo later this year to replace Des Vertannes, the global airline organization will have advanced its third top executive to that post in just the past five years.
     Named just four years ago after a lifetime as a journeyman air cargo executive, Vertannes without warning resigned in March on the heels of World Cargo Symposium “to spend more time with his family.”
     Tony Tyler notably was not present at WCS, despite an event that included most every global airline head of cargo meeting at a critical time.
     The task of reporting and fronting the IATA agenda was left to what turned out to be a lame duck IATA head of cargo as Vertannes retired two weeks after WCS.
     CNS, on the other hand, having named airport marketing expert Warren Jones to its top post as CNS President last year, has itself fielded four different Presidents since 2006.
     Not exactly the kind of long-term leadership CNS was used to after being founded as a mostly hands-off IATA “Special Interest group,” with Tony Calabrese (a former air forwarder) serving non-stop as President from 1986-2006.

Warren Above All S/H

     But if “Big” Warren Jones (he stands six feet, six inches tall) is worried about any of this, the easy going, likeable, new top dog at CNS seems to be taking each day in stride.
     Just back from the TIACA AGM in Istanbul two weeks ago, where he was hospitalized with a horrible flu from which he is thankfully recovering, Warren spoke to FT to share his hopes and objectives as CNS gathers this week.

FT:   CNS Partnership opens today. Can you describe what is in store and why air cargo industry stakeholders will attend?
WJ:   This will be the 24th year of the CNS Partnership Conference and every year we just build onto what we have learned from the year before. This year, our conference theme is changing the game and our goal is to provide attendees with information on how the changes in air cargo are transforming the way we all do business. From the great panel discussions to great networking events, you will not be disappointed.
FT:   Describe some of the sessions topics. What should attendees be prepared to talk about?
WJ:   The CNS team has lined up some great speakers, including a great shippers panel to discuss what they need from freight forwarders and airlines. We will have a regulatory update and also additional information on the eAWB and how that is progressing here in the U.S. Also included this year is a great session on the CNS/IATA training programs, where we intend to show the value our training programs are creating. To wrap up our speakers, we will have Tony Tyler participate in an on-stage Q&A session, with Brandon Fried, Executive Dir. of the Airfreight Forwarders’ Association as the interviewer. I am sure that will provide some insight on IATA’s Cargo initiatives around the world, why air cargo is so important, and what it means to our way of life.
FT:   You spoke of a different approach to at least one evening gathering, which would include a different, “formal look.” Can you share the set up, why it was chosen, and what attendees can expect? Is it all right to wear cowboy boots with a tux, just like a real Texan?
WJ:   The gala dinner has been changed to a gala event. Working with Panalpina and DHL as our sponsors for the gala night, we designed an event so that at the end of the night, attendees will say, “Wow!” Black tie is optional, as sometimes people just like to dress up from our normal business attire. And yes, you can wear cowboy boots; I plan to.
FT:   Last year at CNS you were pulled out from the airport business into the limelight and a central role in the airline/forwarder dynamic. What has that experience been like? What surprised you? Have you chosen some goals and objectives that you will focus upon? Have your years at ATL in cargo marketing been helpful in approaching and implementing your program at CNS?
WJ:   It's been an amazing first year at CNS and I have the honor and privilege of working with some of the top air cargo people in the business. We have set in motion a lot of new programs, from our eAWB campaign to creating a job postings site on our website to help those who want to find jobs. We have launched a CNS scholarship fund where we intend to award $10,000 dollars to three deserving students at the CNS Partnership Conference. And more importantly, we are bringing more awareness to the industry and the value of air cargo.
FT:   Given all the hard work and dedication of you and your team, what would you like the takeaway to be for attendees and your team as well? What do you hope to learn from the very first industry event on your watch, CNS Partnership 2014?
WJ:   One of the goals for this Partnership Conference is to bring in more first time attendees, including more of the mid-size and smaller forwarders. The Partnership Conference does so much more than providing panel discussions and great evening events. It provides an opportunity for people to meet and network and start friendships that can last a lifetime.
Geoffrey/Flossie

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