Observations on the PAIMA and IAM conferences in New York, by Steve Jordan.

The week starting 19 October, 2025, was a long one.  It began, quietly, with the start of the PAIMA conference in the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, New York.  It ended amidst the fury of the IAM (International Association of Movers) convention in the same hotel.  They are two events, involving some of the same people, in the same location and for the same industry.  That’s where the similarities end.

You see, PAIMA (Pan American International Movers Association) is a small, family-type association.  Despite its name it is a global group with its 136 conference attendees coming from 113 companies in 50 countries. But its size means it’s cosy.  People spend time together, get to know each other, play some games together. The mood is relaxed.

The events look impromptu, but they are not – not really.  Nothing happens by accident. It’s designed that way to fit the style of the people and the aims of the group.  The business meetings, which were fully attended by almost everyone at the conference, were short and mainly related to the organisation and the members directly.  There’s always the office report from Executive Director, Tony Tremols; the financial stats from Treasurer, Jose Marrero; and of course, the welcome address from the President, Jeff Nadeau.  Nobody took longer than they needed.  There was also the presentation of the PAIMA tonnage awards, the ecology award, and an acknowledgement of the new members, all of whom had the opportunity of introducing themselves from the stage.

This year there was a guest speaker, Joe Apfelbaum, from evyAI.  He was talking about the use of AI to make the best use of LinkedIn.  He was a dynamic speaker, with a lot to say, some of it useful, all of it entertaining.  

Social events included a truly brilliant ten-pin bowling session at Lucky Strike, across the road from the hotel; and a final evening at Virgil’s Real Barbeque, the other side of Times Square.  No buses required.

The whole event was comfortable. Nothing seemed over thought, nothing over produced.  PAIMA just gives people a structure in which to go about their business, make contacts and have a little fun.  It does it very well.

Then in swings IAM (International Association of Movers) – the “big brother”. As PAIMA subsides with a gentle wave, so IAM kicks off with a holler and a scream. 1,850 people suddenly flood in turning the hotel from a gentle retreat into a jungle. The pace suddenly quickens like a car moving from gentle country roads into the acceleration lane of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Rather than coming together for mutual support, the delegates huddle in handful-sized groups discussing – whatever they discuss. People pass, touching hands and asking ‘how are you?’ without waiting for an answer. The app and electronic information boards use the latest technology to ensure that everyone knows what’s going on, who is there and where they need to be. It’s all very slick.

The exhibition is a maelstrom of activity with corporate gifts enticing insouciant visitors to spend time in booths while the exhibitors themselves check their watches and nurse aching backs.  Food, and the welcome reception, were served in this exhibition hall, enhancing the exposure of the sponsors to their potential partners and customers.

The main meeting room was vast, with a stage set that would grace the Oscars and professional, well-rehearsed AV presentations, mainly featuring US speakers with voices seemingly honed on Broadway, whose performances never falter and always inspire.  It really is a gift!

This year, the smaller plenary meetings were well attended.  This is a trend that has been developing in recent years.  Previously these would be attended by a handful with meticulously-prepared speakers presenting to largely empty rooms.  But not now.  Today the IAM delegates seem to have realised that there are good things to learn in the meetings after all, and they really should dedicate a little of their time at least, to attending them.

Attendees love to hate IAM. “It’s a zoo,” they say. They are right.  But it’s a zoo in which business gets done and contacts get made even if patience is stretched and blood pressures rise.  IAM had a near record turnout this year.  This despite some people having visa difficulties and the location being one of the most expensive on the planet.  Yes, people like to moan about IAM, but they are there because it works and, secretly at least, they love it.

PAIMA, meanwhile, achieved a master stroke.  This year it expanded its one-to-one meetings in which delegates book specific 20-minute slots with people they really need to talk to.  It’s become a common way of operating at many conferences but, immediately before IAM, it has a particular significance.  It gives the people attending both events the opportunity of ticking off a goodly number of those meetings, so they don’t have to fight the crowds trying to locate their partners, and suitable cubby holes in which to talk, amid the IAM madness.  Some were even able to leave early, their work done, getting home sooner to their families and saving a king’s ransom in hotel charges.  What a good idea!

Next year PAIMA/IAM returns to San Diego, an altogether more peaceful place.  But despite the relative calm of this naval city, for just those few days next October, the movers of the world will turn the stunning Hyatt hotel into a family retreat - instantly followed by a frenzy.  In my opinion, both are marvellous in their own way.  Be there if you can.    

Photo: PAIMA conference attendees.