47 PM FIDI AS S O C I ATI O N TRAINING SESSIONS LEAD WAY IN AUSTRIA A great initiative supported by Hanspeter Rabel, FIDI Austria President (sixth from left), MTV President Peter Minichmayr (11th from right) and Andreas Eibel, FIDI Austria Vice-President and Academy trainer (7th from left) Running training sessions for Affiliates is part of the role of FIDIs most active regional associations. FIDI Focus speaks to FIDI Austria President Hanspeter Rabel about its most recent session for packers, while FIDI Academys Chantal Fera takes us through the content of the programme O n 20 February, FIDI Austria held a special packers training session for Affiliates based in the country. Andreas Eibel, VicePresident of FIDI Austria and long-time FIDI Academy trainer, played a key role in the organisation of the event. It was the third such session run by the association, and 20 participants from seven of the 10 FIDI-affiliated businesses in the region took part. Hanspeter Rabel, President of the regional association, which organises and facilitates the FIDIdeveloped training, says: Many of our members do not have a lot of staff and the capability to facilitate English-language training. It is easier to do this under the FIDI Austria umbrella and the packers who attend are happy to share their experiences. Running training such as this is just one of the important roles of a dynamic FIDI association, says Rabel. FIDI Austria is the platform for all Austrian members to participate in FIDIs development and, WW W. F I D I. O R G FF296 AprMay20 pp44-47 Association.indd 45 although we are a small organisation, we participate in all FIDI meetings, he says. Apart from the packers training, FIDI Austria meets before the FIDI Conference and before the EGA to discuss our point of view regarding the minutes. Also, FIDI Austria organises small events, such as an informal meeting with employees from all members at the Christmas market, where we support the Lions Club. In an ever-changing environment, it is key to learn in order to adapt. Associations that help their members will always be appreciated. Consequently, membership fees are not an issue, as the value can be seen. Active regional associations and their Affiliates help support FIDI and its objectives, adds Rabel. Our members have always sold the FIDI brand to corporate accounts, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Some of them now make it mandatory to be FIDI members to participate in tenders and bids. 45 31/03/2020 08:53