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A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E ✈ M A R C H 1 4 - 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 DELEGATES, COLLEAGUES, AND FRIENDS: On behalf of the Executive Board and the Organizing Committee, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to IFATCA's 55th Annual Conference in Las Vegas, USA. Las Vegas, in Nevada's Mojave Desert, is famed for its buzzing energy, 24-hour casinos, and endless entertainment options. Now, it will become even more famous when more than 400 aviation professionals rock this city, coz 'Together we rock!' – don't we? IFATCA stands for an innovative organization - advancing and protecting our air traffic control profession worldwide. During the past years, we were not only able to maintain, but further enhance our professional standing. We successfully positioned ourselves amongst other international aviation stakeholders and organizations. As a reliable partner, our constructive and focused work with ICAO, IFALPA, CANSO, IATA, ITF, Eurocontrol, and others has offered opportunities to assist our members in all regions. This year's theme is a universal truth: The Formula Worldwide requires global professionalism and leadership to ensure a safe sky. Our Member Associations are leading the way in this arena, from initiatives such as Just Culture to Safety Seminars held in Africa. From Aviation Safety Groups to the Regional Meeting in Europe, our Member Associations are getting involved, leading the way and demonstrating utmost professionalism in the dynamic and ever-changing world of air traffic control. Conference 2016 will feature a Global Partnerships Panel discussion, an ICAO workshop on our support for ICAO's strategic objectives and, of course, the regular business of our committees. The days promise to be long ones, full of very important work as we set the agenda for our Federation for the coming year. We need every voice to join in these discussions and assist us in improving IFATCA now and in the years to come. Remember, we're all in this together! For first-time visitors and accompanying persons, there is a wealth of things to see and do in the Las Vegas area. Our host, NATCA, has prepared a fine roster of choices to meet almost any interest. From the Grand Canyon to the Hoover Dam, this part of the United States presents unique opportunities to view some of nature and mankind's most stunning vistas. I take this opportunity to thank NATCA for organizing this event, with special gratitude to our sponsors – their generous contributions ensure a productive and enjoyable conference. Once again I welcome you all to sunny Las Vegas. I hope your stay is a pleasant and productive one. IFATCA represents over 50,000 ATCOs in 127 countries – I hope that your voice will be added as we continue to move our great Federation forward! Whether you are a first time delegate or a conference veteran, I think you will find this week to be exciting, engaging, and worthwhile. These days we have the chance together to rock the ATM world! One Sky – One Voice! Patrik Peters I FAT CA PRES I DE N T A N D C EO INTERNATIONAL COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS: Welcome to Las Vegas and the United States! On behalf of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) National Executive Board, and the nearly 20,000 air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals we represent, NATCA is very proud and excited to host the Annual Conference in the United States for the first time. Our conference theme is The Formula Worldwide: Global Professionalism + Leadership = Safe Skies. This week, we come together in a spirit of solidarity and partnership. Here in the United States, we face many of the same challenges as our colleagues around the world. We seek modernized equipment and procedures, a heightened awareness of the highest professional standards, promoting and safeguarding the interests of the air traffic control community, and protecting and evolving the profession. The conference schedule this week is packed with information, discussion, excitement, and education, but allows ample time for all of us to renew existing relationships and meet new friends. From our opening reception, to our exhibitor receptions and concluding with Friday evening's closing banquet, we are providing opportunities to get to know one another better and share our experiences around the world in the pursuit of improving safety and our profession. The importance of regular discussions among our international colleagues in furthering our profession and global aviation safety and modernization cannot be overstated. We look forward to hosting a conference full of important meetings and robust discussions, as well as a special panel about the role of IFATCA in supporting ICAO, and an IFATCA panel about global partnerships. In addition, NATCA is proud to host two panel discussions on Thursday, 17 March. The first, at 1400, explores the Foundations of Professionalism that NATCA developed in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration. We will look at Professional Standards from all angles, including the elimination of distractions and mitigating the effects of fatigue. The second panel, at 1530, will discuss what NATCA is doing to modify and streamline the U.S. National Airspace System. We extend a special welcome to our good friend, IFATCA President and Chief Executive Officer Patrik Peters, and the IFATCA Executive Board. We wish them and all delegates, attendees, observers, and guests a very enlightening, productive, and enjoyable week. Again, welcome to Las Vegas and if there's anything we can do to assist you or make your stay more enjoyable, please reach out to members of the conference Organizing Committee. Paul Rinaldi N ATCA PRES I DE N T Patricia Gilbert N ATCA E X EC U T I V E V I C E PRES I DE N T CO N F E R E N C E P U B L I C AT I O N S P O N S O R E D BY

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