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Front Page

Invitation to World Ministers Council

Role of GC Transportation

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Role of GC Transportation

For many participants and visitors to a General Conference Session, the meeting usually runs smoothly and many are oblivious to the "behind-the-scenes" machinery that make this international mega-event happen. Transportation is one of those unnoticed, but crucial areas of the meeting's success.

The GC Transportation office is, and has been, responsible for freight logistics for every General Conference Session since the 1940s. At times, it is quite challenging to get all the departmental material to the right location on time and also arrange the incoming world Division exhibits in order that they clear Customs in time for the Session, but not arrive too early in the host city.

The demands of each department of the General Conference are different. For Information Systems Services, we have the issue of computer hardware and software. When the Session is held outside the United States, this service is very involved and requires complicated procedures. Another important area is that of the Media Center's needs. So, we evaluate how best to procure the equipment they'll need early enough to ensure its arrival at the Session site, but not too early which could cause unnecessary disruption to production schedules.

Then there is the issue of staffing the "Transportation Desk" at the Session. As one may well imagine, not everyone follows instructions! We often have to deal with situations that challenge our shipping instructions. There are also the Endangered Species, HazMat and Customs laws, rules and regulations, and these-it seems-provide a challenge to some exhibitors. 

As the preparations for the world Session are in their final months of planning, we would like to recommend our services to those who are anticipating sizable shipments to Toronto. Working together and efficiently we will all contribute to the success of the General Conference Session. For information call: 410-796-8484; fax: 410-796-4653; or e-mail: gctrans@flash.net [Marvin Robinson]