09/12/2025
To all IBA members ; ref. Annual Dinner Gala 2025
I would like to sincerely thank you to all for making such a huge commitment in attending our IBA Annual Dinner, this year being it's 68th year! So many different Countries represented, so many new faces and new friends and contacts made.
I was extremely honoured to have our beloved former Director General s daughter Lucy Shortt in attendance as an honoured guest. This being my 2nd official dinner as Director General I wanted to ensure that James was with us in a special way.
It was also my great honour to have one of my Professors present, Mr. Rajko Bacnar from Croatia ( Director of Croatia and the Balcan Region) , who has been with the IBA just over 20 years! His experience and operations are legendary. He is a highly respected member of the IBA and we are honoured to have his continued support. He has helped me personally to keep the wheels rolling in the IBA.
My IBA Italian team which obviously includes my wife, also an IBA Instructor, secretary and organiser along with all my IBA Italia staff are indeed my everyday backbone. They are all not just workers inside the IBA, they are brothers!. They are always there when I or my family need them whether through floods, earthquakes, fires and reconstruction of my family home, time and time again! I'm forever grateful and can never repay you all for your dedicated time and efforts.
To all our dedicated IBA Director's, Instructors, staff, members and honorary members who should up in force to celebrate this Annual Gala Dinner in the IBA 68TH year - I want to say Thanks you ! Thank you all for making it such a special evening. It was wonderful to see old faces and some brand new ones. It also was so nice to catch up to some old friends after so many years and chatting after the dinner, and chatting to newer members and getting to know you also on a more personal level.
Finally, I would also like to thank you all for all the gifts that were sent for not just myself but for my wife and family.
Happy Christmas to each and everyone of you and happy new year. See you all in 2026
Respectfully Yours
Cav. Massimiliano Fiorentini
Director General