Interferry Seeks Change in Call for Papers

A call for papers addressing transformational change has been launched by global trade association Interferry ahead of its 44th annual conference in London this October.

The conference theme is Innovation – and CEO Mike Corrigan stresses that preference will be given to topics highlighting step change rather than incremental improvements.  “We want to explore ideas that could revolutionize every aspect of the ferry industry,” he notes.  “That might cover anything from customer service, ticketing and IT to ship and terminal design, propulsion, insurance and finance.  In short, we’re looking for the next big things on the horizon.”

Papers from outside as well as within the industry will be encouraged in order to give delegates a wider perspective on game-changing business innovations.  Corrigan says interest from potential speakers is already running high and cautions that, based on past years’ experience, the schedule will allow only about one in three proposals to be accepted.

Submissions including a 300-word abstract and brief speaker biography should be sent by April 30 for review by the selection committee.  Selected speakers will be notified by May 24 and asked to submit their proposed presentation by June 21.  

Staged on the banks of the River Thames at the InterContinental London – The O2 hotel, the 2019 Interferry speakers program takes place on October 7-8 at the heart of an event running from October 5-9.  The event, hosted by commuter and tourist operator MBNA Thames Clippers, also features a comprehensive networking and social schedule including a reception on the famed 1869-built tea clipper Cutty Sark (now a museum ship) and a farewell dinner in the historic Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.