I entered the moving industry in 1997, but it wasn’t until 2008 that I attended my first convention. In 2009, I experienced my first conference with the International Association of Movers (IAM), which that year took place in Orlando. I had already spoken with colleagues who had attended previous editions, so I was “prepared” by them: I knew how the meetings worked, how to organize my schedule, how to present myself, and most importantly, how to manage the post-meeting follow-ups — a fundamental part of turning contacts into long-term relationships.

I remember closing a few deals during my very first convention. That’s when I realized that environment was special — and that I was exactly where I was meant to be. It wasn’t just about exchanging business cards or presenting the company. It was about presence, connection, and trust.

Since then, I have attended every in-person convention. During the pandemic, the format was virtual — and I was there as well — but I haven’t missed a single in-person event since 2009. That makes 18 IAM conventions so far. Meetings like these allow us to do much more than business. They allow us to build friendships and truly get to know people for who they are. And at the end of the day, doing business with friends is much better. The value this brings is immeasurable, because there is one key factor that makes all the difference: trust.

It’s impressive to see how our industry operates across different parts of the world, with completely different cultures, languages, and customs. Yet in the end, clients are very similar. They have the same concerns, the same expectations, the same demands. And when we share experiences, we learn a great deal. Even someone on the other side of the world faces day-to￾day challenges very similar to mine.

To this day, I’m still asked whether attending conferences truly changes my company’s day-to￾day operations. My answer is always the same: it changes everything. Looking someone in the eye reveals who we truly are. It shows what we can — or cannot — promise and deliver. It shows character, something you simply cannot fully perceive through email or phone calls. Attending conferences has made me a more prepared professional. I’ve learned how to better manage my agents and partners, how to better interpret written messages, and how to choose the right people to do business with. Because it’s not just about “business.” It’s about relationships. Relationships built back in 2009, or strengthened at the last conference in New York in 2025. The priority remains the same — and it always will.

The world changes, evolves, and new technologies emerge. But nothing replaces face-to-face meetings between human beings. After all, we were made to connect.