2021 IIFA FIATA Diploma Graduation Ceremony

The annual IIFA FIATA Diploma Graduation Ceremony has become one of the more fondly anticipated events in the Association’s Calendar. Such an event wasn’t possible in 2020 given COVID restrictions at the time yet the Association went ahead with a Zoom style Graduation on that occasion.

For 2021, with COVID restrictions on indoor gatherings making a return, the Association and Graduates from the 2020 – 2021 IIFA FIATA Diploma course were a little more creative and decided to join for an informal, socially-distant outdoor event to mark their achievements.

17 of the 41 Graduates were able to attend and gathered with the IIFA Secretariat and President in the grounds of Digital Office Centre Swords, the new home of the IIFA Office, for a warm and light hearted gathering on Saturday 13th November 2021. Wine, finger food and formalities were replaced by warm tea/ coffee, soft drinks and sandwiches as the Graduates gathered together to meet and congratulate one another on successful conclusion of their shared learning experience.

Speaking at the event, IIFA Executive Officer Seamus Kavanagh commented that the spirit of the Freight Forwarding industry was unmistakably present on the day. As a personable industry that thrives on relationships and connections, the 2021 Graduates chose to make the journey for such an event, wanting to meet their Industry Colleagues in person and make that personal connection. The future of Irish Freight Forwarding is certainly bright with such sociable personalities within it.

FIATA Diploma Course Facilitator Grainne Thornbury and IIFA President Terry Sweeney presented Graduates with their Certificates, which had been received from FIATA, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Congratulating the Graduates on their achievement, Terry offered some closing words of encouragement to the Graduates, reminding them that while the future will hold challenges, during such times, they should look back on their success today and be reminded that they do have it within themselves to undertake difficult workloads, endure difficult situations and emerge successful.

IIFA continues to deliver the FIATA Diploma course, with 44 persons currently studying with the Association as part of the 2021 – 2022 Group which commenced its training on 25th August 2021.