How does this announcement change the current relationship between APEX and IFSA? APEX has moved beyond a partnership with the International Flight Service Association (IFSA) into a tightly aligned, yet fully independent relationship. This further alliance with our “sister-association” will include international co-located events, coordination on joint working groups, reciprocal guest board member attendance at board meetings, more integrated sharing of our common association management company, and our Chief Executive Officer serving both associations. Does this mean APEX and IFSA are now one association? Rest assured each association remains fully independent. The boards, committees, events, and EXPO will continue with full independence for both associations.  APEX and IFSA each have their own communities that merit their own culture and unique approach. Coordination and collaboration of this nature means greater efficiency and results for both organizations. How will the relationship with IFSA benefit APEX as an association? Leveraging IFSA to represent the foundation of APEX’s catering and services sector will help to further solidify APEX as the industry’s most influential member-based organization dedicated to elevating the entire passenger experience, while expanding our footprint. How will the relationship with IFSA benefit APEX members? The inclusion of more catering and service elements at APEX events will attract greater numbers of senior airline decision makers who oversee this sector as well as IFE by offering a greater diversification of products, services and information. As demonstrated at APEX EXPO in Singapore, this approach yields an increase in potential customers for event exhibitors and other vendor participants. This also helps to better position APEX events against the backdrop of assertive for-profit show competition. Why is APEX’s CEO also now IFSA’s CEO? Having a Chief Executive Officer who serves both associations is a natural progression of a strengthened strategic alliance between IFSA and APEX. This will provide members of both associations increased value by growing the recognition and influence of each organization within the airline industry. With unwaveringly dedication to APEX, the CEO will stand as a bridge of commitment between the two long-standing associations, will provide common elements of strategic vision, serve as a spokesperson for both associations, align IFSA with APEX’s global expansion, and deliver an important boost toward greater global recognition of IFSA as the voice of the onboard hospitality industry. Where can I get more information?  For more information on the APEX/IFSA relationship click here for the full press release, click here to read the letter APEX President Brian Richardson sent to APEX members, or feel free to reach out any member of the Board via apex.aero/board.