The IABSC Young Pros Are Building What’s Next—Here’s How to Join Them
Under 40 and looking to grow your skills and network? New to the baggage systems industry? Welcome — we saved you a seat.
The IABSC Young Professional (YP) Committee is a vibrant, growing community built for exactly this moment in your career. Whether you’re fresh out of school, pivoting into the baggage handling world, or just looking to connect with peers across companies, the YP Committee gives you the platform and support you need to thrive.
Real Connections, Real Growth
What makes the YP Committee different? It isn’t just about networking — it’s about confidence-building, skill-building, and making the industry feel more approachable early on in your career.
One of the most popular programs is the monthly Baggage Banter Hour, where young professionals get a chance to present to their peers and practice communication skills in a relaxed, supportive setting. It’s a favorite among members like Sydney Kay, a mechanical project engineer at Daifuku, who says it’s helped her grow both personally and professionally. “Having the space to share what we do and sharpen our public speaking—it’s a game-changer,” she explained.
All Backgrounds Welcome
There’s no gatekeeping here. If you’ve been in the industry for less than two years or you’re under 40, the YP Committee is ready to welcome you. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and from companies across the aviation and logistics landscape.
Alan Pickering, a project design lead at VTC and YP Membership Chair, says the best part is being able to grow alongside others who are navigating the same challenges. “We’re all figuring things out together,” he shared. “And we get to learn not just from one another, but from seasoned professionals who’ve been where we are.”
That cross-generational learning is a big part of what makes the experience meaningful and it doesn’t stop with peers.
Phil Wellington, a senior project manager at Daifuku, said he appreciates the exposure to voices from across the industry. “You’re not just meeting people your age,” he noted. “You’re connecting with professionals from different backgrounds, different product lines, different companies. That kind of diversity is rare—and valuable.”
Where to Start
If you’re curious, just reach out. The easiest way to get involved is by joining the IABSC Young Professionals group on LinkedIn and sending a quick message. You’ll be invited to attend a session, meet the group, and see where you might want to plug in—whether that’s through Banter Hour, subcommittees, or helping at the annual summit.
You’ll get plugged in right away—and trust us, Baggage Banter is just the beginning.
