GeoffreyArend of  Air Cargo News (that’s me, folks!) met Jeffrey Van Haeften, Senior Vice Presidentof Commercial, Emirates SkyCargo, just before IATA’s WCS in Dubai in thespringtime. 
     Originallyit was an interview, but in the end it became something more thoughtful andunexpected and it is best told as a short essay. With our readers’ support wegive you Van Haeften’s views on air cargo, trade events and beyond, in firstperson(s). 

Jeffrey speaking to Geoffrey . . . “Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working with anumber of great leaders and team members, and I have learned key skills fromall of them, whether it is a creative way of problem solving, the importance ofdiplomacy, tools for better collaboration or decisive decision making. In myexperience, the most effective and impactful leaders are convincing but alsoopen to being convinced. They are open to the perspectives and opinion fromdifferent people and welcome healthy debate, as long as all interactions areunderpinned by respect. These are facts that made me what I am today and I amthankful to all these exceptional individuals.” Why in Dubai was the question on our lips and . . . “As home to so many encounters including the event that broughtTIACA back in 1996, Dubai has improved in the quality of industry events. Industry events remain an important part of our calendar, from meeting andnetworking with customers, both existing and potential, to showcasing thelatest we have to offer. One challenge, if we have to find one and this is notexclusive to logistics, is to continue the conversation post-event, especiallywhen it comes to industry-wide discussions or advancements.
     Dubai as host city for World Cargo Symposium bringsthe hope of promise to an entire industry by gathering some of the best andbrightest logisticians on the planet. IATA’s World Cargo Symposium is thelargest and most prestigious air cargo annual event and we are very pleasedthat this year’s event will be hosted in Dubai. The themes of digitalisation,sustainability and safety and security are very relevant both for our industryand Dubai, a city which exemplifies the success that can be built on commerce,