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Dear Colleagues,
Even though the world was in shock about the tragedy of New York and Washington, FIAT decided not to cancel its World Conference this year in London under the multifold title "Business as usual?". I think this decision was okay. We had some cancellations from the United States, Japan and Italy, but in total, the conference was a great success. Thanks to our hosts BBC, BFI and Focal and especially to our local coordinators Steve Bryant, Sue Malden and Anne Johnson, more than 250 participants appreciated the high level of the program and the good organisation of the meeting. The reports about the digitization projects of SWT, RTP, Tele 5, CNN and INA found particular interest. Also, the comparison of the different rights systems - which are more and more a key element of the user management systems - have been of international importance. By the way - the cooperation with Focal was very fruitful. We are planning further activities such as a common "Guide for Researchers".
Thanks to our sponsors Blue Order (formerly Tecmath), GLS, Sony and Ascential Software the Opening Cocktail and Closing Dinner with the Award Ceremony were fantastic. On the first evening, a provocative keynote speech brought the topic of the conference to the first social event, which was held at the Design Museum. The Closing Dinner was in the original rebuilt Shakespeare Globe Theatre with fantastic food and drinks and original music of the Shakespearean time.
All in all, the echo of this World Conference was very positive. Nevertheless, there were also critical statements which we will try to avoid at our next conference. The main topic of the critics had to do with the separation of the hotels from the conference venue along with the high price level of the hotels - but this has to do with "London in general".
Our next General Assembly and World Conference in Oktober 2002 in Antalya/Turkey will probably be in one big hotel, which will also be the conference venue and the expenses will lower than in London. Some of the criticism can be avoided through FIAT organisers themselves. There have been parallel workshops to similar topics which we will avoid in future. There was also not enough time for discussions and we will time this better at the next conference. Furthermore, the results of the London Conference are partly on the website and will soon be completed.
Hopefully, we do not have to wait until the next World Conference to meet again. Our North American and Latin American and of course all worldwide members can join the first Seminar organized by Tedd Johansen in Mexico with the Latin American Group this November. For the end of April 2002 Branko Bubenik (HRT) and Wahid Braham (ERTT) are planning the first North African Training Seminar in Tunesia.
With this in mind let's continue with our "Business as usual" and hopefully the worldwide tensions will soon calm down.
Peter Dusek
FIAT/IFTA President
| EDITORS: Steve Bryant - BFI, Dominique Saintville - INA, Sue Malden |
Last update : 02/03/06
© 2006 - FIAT/IFTA