International Automotive Forum is one of the most important and central annual events in Russia in the sphere of motor transport and urban motor vehicle transport. IAF is a unique and unparalleled platform, which is based on substantial business program, bringing together participants from numerous countries, government officials as well as representatives of business communities and public organizations.
The key aim of IAF is to create conditions for an effective dialog between government, business and community – with the purpose to perfect and realize policies in the development of automotive services, enhancing their quality and safety.
The work of the Forum is led by an Organizational Committee, the composition of which is determined by Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation. Participants to the Committee are heads of ministries and organizations setting the political agenda and policies for transportation as well as implementing the supervisory functions; representatives of foreign trade missions, professional associations, unions, research and educational institutes.
IAF takes place annually since 2005 and has since become a recognized event for discussion of current issues and problems in the industry, consolidation of international experiences and development of transit potential of Russia. The number of persons taking part in the work of the Forum has increased from the initial 3,000 persons to over 12,000 in 2011.
There is a gradual increase in the number of participants representing top management. Clearly, the heads of governmental organizations and business aim at arriving to an accurate understanding of the development trends of transportation services, improving the conditions for fair competitive environment and increasing investment potential for the industry as a whole. In 2011, there has been an extension of the international dimensions of the Forum.
The main components of the Forum include the business program and the exhibition; the demonstration of professional skills and exploitation specifics of the presented technologies; formal ceremonies and events accompanied by the announcements of the contests’ results and the following reward ceremonies; as well as a celebration event dedicated to workers of motor transport and urban motor vehicle transport of the Russian Federation.
The business program of the Forum starts with a plenary session, which sheds light on practices of foreign countries, Russia’s governmental politics in respect to the industry development and the implementation of the politics on federal and regional levels. Scientific and practical conferences, round tables, educational seminars and presentations covering current issues in transportation, enable a detailed discussion among participants with the purpose of arriving at optimal solutions. The meetings of professional unions and associations that take place during the Forum promote the development of democratic processes and the consolidation of public organizations and business community. The Forum finishes with an extended session of the board of Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.
The exhibition reflects the business program of the Forum and introduces modern transport facilities, equipment, communication systems, navigation and control, licensing services, insurance services, service centers, supply of oils and lubricants as well as professional personnel education.
A special section is open to the Forum participants for the demonstration of automobiles and equipment in action. The potential clients have a chance to determine the special and differentiating factors of each technology and its’ suitability for the intended work conditions.
The Forum provides a possibility for carrying out targeted events that allow an increase in effectiveness and efficiency in tenders of mass sales for large users. There are presentations and discussions surrounding scientific developments that enhance quality and economical effectiveness of transportation services, ecological aspects and transportation safety.
Various entertainment events of the Forum support the professional image and safety of motor transport. Examples of such events are the demonstration performances by competition winners in driving skills and young graduates of driving schools; and contests in the high-speed maneuvering on cars.
”PROmotion”-contest rewards the best commercial motor transport of the year in Russia. The contest is an element of cooperation between manufacturers and those who exploit and service the vehicles as well as identify the trends in consumer demand. The purpose of the contest is to stimulate the enhancement in quality, transportation and environmental safety – keeping in mind the comfort and economical effectiveness of transportation services.
Those taking part in photography contest ”The car. The road. The person.” present works capturing the most interesting moments of interaction between people and transports, and that way adding to the artistic expression of the industry.
The Forum concludes with festive celebrations dedicated to Russian professional holiday – The Automotive Industry Workers’ Day. In this connection, Minister of Transport honors the industry veterans, distributes governmental and departmental awards to distinguished workers and gives prizes to the contest winners. Congratulation letters come from the head of the Government and the State Duma of the Russian Federation. A celebration concert concludes the ceremonies.
Today, International Automotive Forum is an integral part of the motor transport industry’s life in Russia.
