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Letter from the 2023-2024 President
September 2024
It was an honour to serve as IPLOCA’s President for the 2023-2024 term. I could not have asked for a better convention to conclude my journey as IPLOCA’s President than the one we had in Sorrento. The high attendance figures reflect a strong interest in the work of the association, as well as a recognition of the importance of in-person contacts and human relationships.
After a wonderful convention in Vancouver, the Board of Directors met in Milan in December 2023 to start implementing the established goals of my term. We held a well-attended and productive Regional Meeting for the America North region in San Diego in March, while the Middle East & Africa Regional Meeting took place in Cairo in June. These events were followed by Board Meetings.
This past year also brought us to Munich for the HSE & CSR Workshop dedicated to ‘Improving Corporate Safety Memory’ and the Novel Construction Fall Session. To mark its 20th anniversary, the Novel Construction Spring Session was held at the Castle Hotel Windsor, where the first event took place two decades ago.
These events provide members with the perfect opportunity to gain knowledge, build invaluable relationships and engage informally with other industry professionals.
We felt that the meeting format of the Novel Construction Sessions needed to be refreshed. As a result of this change, five working groups were created: AI Transformation; Skills & Resources; Standards & Compliance, Regulatory and Material Codes; Energy Transition and Net Zero Construction. In addition, IPLOCA is contributing to the transition to green energy by launching a new initiative aimed at creating a reference document with best practices, specifications and policies to support our members in the energy transition.
Another new initiative that we launched is the IPLOCA NextGen Network, which helps young professionals navigate the industry, gain access to the IPLOCA community, and receive support in their career development. IPLOCA is also working closely with our Sister Associations to find ways to attract and retain young professionals.
IPLOCA is dedicated to empowering young people in more ways than one. This year, the IPLOCA Scholarship Programme awarded twelve scholarships to children and grandchildren of IPLOCA Members all over the world.
In 2024, we also celebrated the 100th edition of the IPLOCA Newsletter with a special issue. We hope you enjoy reading it.
Finally, a huge thank you to Georges Hage and the small, but hardworking IPLOCA team in Geneva for their outstanding work this past year organising the convention, the HSE & CSR workshops, Novel Sessions and Board Meetings, publishing the newsletter, maintaining the website and doing so much more. I would like to thank our Past President Kelly Osborn for his help, and I am committed to providing our new President Yasar Giregiz with my utmost support. A special thanks goes to the Board of Directors, the Committee Chairs and members for their work and dedication throughout the year.
I look forward to seeing you next year at the 57th Annual Convention in Izmir, Turkey, from 15 to 19 September 2025. Make sure to save the date for this special event!
Wishing you and your families health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead.
