IAT Newsletter - September 2026
I’m delighted to have been invited to write this month’s newsletter. I hope you’ve all enjoyed the summer and managed to take a well-earned break from the demands of work and everyday life.
For those who may not know me, I thought I’d start with a quick introduction. I’ve been involved with the IAT Council for around 26 years, primarily as the IAT Website Coordinator. Alongside that, I’ve been a member of the Congress Committee since the early 1990s, taking on a variety of roles over the years, including Poster Coordinator and Trade Exhibition Manager. More recently, following Alan Graham’s retirement, I was honoured to take on the role of Congress Committee Chair.
But enough about me! The real purpose of this introduction is to provide some context for the article that follows. As the newly elected Chair of the Congress Committee, I’ve been reflecting on the future of IAT Congress and how we can continue to ensure it meets the needs and expectations of our members. With that in mind, I’d like to share some thoughts and, more importantly, invite your feedback and ideas.
Allan Thornhill
Chair of IAT Congress Committee
