Established in 1962, the Irish International Freight Association is the national representative body for the Irish Freight Forwarding community. Run by a Council of elected representatives from its 100+ membership body, the association's overall aim is to ensure that the concerns of members and their clients are heard and acted upon. Representatives from the IIFA Council sit upon the Customs Consultative Committee and the IIFA is frequently consulted by official bodies and related industry groups nationwide. Training services are also offered through the IIFA's FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding, a 10-month, online training course which covers the cornerstones of the Freight Forwarding industry. Representation at international level is conducted through IIFA's membership of FIATA - The International Federation of Freight Forwarders' Associations. Described by FIATA as the 'Architect of Transport', the Freight Forwarder acts as professional intermediary between the client and the transportation services utilised, and has the specialist knowledge and expertise needed for the consolidation, storage, handling, packing, and distribution of physical merchandise. The Freight Forwarder will also service the client's ancillary requirements, including customs clearance, duty payment, and documentary credit arrangements. During 2013, the IIFA made a successful bid to have Dublin selected as host city for the 2016 FIATA World Congress, an annual international freight forwarders' forum. The event will take place in the Convention Centre Dublin during 3rd - 8th October 2016. Please see www.fiata2016.org for further information on the 2016 FIATA World Congress.