FIDI Conference 2024—A reflection by Samuel Mergui, CEO of Santa Fe Relocation
Edinburgh, Scotland—May 12-15, 2024
The 2024 FIDI Conference, held in the captivating city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from May 12 to 15, brought together leaders and professionals from the international moving and relocation industry. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality, Edinburgh provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. The FIDI Conference, a cornerstone in the industry’s calendar, is where the FIDI family gathers to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones. With a blend of high-level business sessions, hands-on workshops and insightful tours, the event ensured attendees maximised their time and networking opportunities.
CEO Samuel Mergui’s experience
Our recently appointed CEO, Samuel Mergui, attended the conference alongside James Gooding, COO of Move & Managing Director, North Asia, and April Graydon, Director of Partner Relations & Americas Move. Over four days, they participated in over 55 meetings and events, which proved to be highly productive and engaging.
Introducing the new leadership
Samuel Mergui’s appointment as CEO of Santa Fe Relocation following the acquisition by the Mobilitas Group was met with enthusiasm during the conference. As the “new kid on the block,” Samuel took the opportunity to introduce himself and share his extensive background in the industry. Although he had not been highly visible for the past 18 years, his industry knowledge and experience were evident. Samuel emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty in his interactions. He discussed the company’s new road map, which has already begun implementation over the past four months and outlined the long-term strategy for Santa Fe Relocation.
Focus on financial stability and long-term planning
A key topic of discussion during the meetings was Santa Fe Relocation’s newly strengthened financial position. Samuel clarified the company’s commitment to long-term stability and solutions, avoiding short-term promises and focusing on a realistic and strategic approach based on the Mobilitas DNA. He reassured partners about the company’s adherence to mutually agreed upon terms and the importance of trust and support as they work towards stabilising the financial situation.
April Graydon, Director of Partner Relations & Americas Move, remarked:
“Mobilitas’s acquisition was very well received. A significant takeaway from the conference was that several partners have re-engaged with us as a result. Personally, I felt completely energised after FIDI. It was four days of intense meetings, often running until midnight or later, but the energy and enthusiasm were truly inspirational.”
Strategic direction and collaboration
Samuel highlighted the strategic changes to ensure the company’s sustainability and growth. The discussions covered various aspects of business strategy, including how Santa Fe Relocation plans to leverage its improved financial stability. The message was clear: the company is on a path to long-term prosperity, and partners can expect a consistent and transparent approach moving forward. Partners appreciated Samuel’s clear communication and strategic vision.
Building trust and long-term relationships
One of the central themes of Samuel’s meetings was the importance of building and maintaining trust with partners. He acknowledged the challenges Santa Fe Relocation has faced and emphasised the need for patience and support from partners. Samuel assured them their continued support would be reciprocated and that the company is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships.
James Gooding, COO of Move & Managing Director, North Asia, echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The most recent FIDI Edinburgh conference was the best I have been involved in for many years. Although the global industry faces further challenges, I am very optimistic about the future of Santa Fe Relocation. Our strategic direction under Samuel’s leadership is promising and everyone at Santa Fe is fully supporting the company’s long-term vision.“
Looking ahead
The 2024 FIDI Conference was an invaluable opportunity for Samuel Mergui and his team to connect with industry peers, share their vision for Santa Fe Relocation and strengthen partnerships. Samuel expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received and the productive discussions that took place. He remains optimistic about the future, confident that the strategies discussed will pave the way for sustained growth.
The FIDI Conference 2024 in Edinburgh showcased Scotland’s beauty and culture. It underscored the importance of industry collaboration and the shared goal of advancing the moving and relocation sector. Samuel Mergui and his team look forward to continuing the momentum gained from this conference, driving Santa Fe Relocation towards a prosperous future for all our partners, clients, and stakeholders.
About Samuel Mergui
Samuel Mergui, appointed CEO of Santa Fe Relocation in 2024 by the Mobilitas Group, brings extensive experience in strategic development, mergers and acquisitions and business development. He has been instrumental in the development of the Mobilitas Group’s divisions, including Move/Relocation, Records Management and Heritage. Before this role, Samuel oversaw business development across all Mobilitas divisions, showcasing his expertise in identifying and nurturing growth opportunities. Since 2021, he has served on the Mobilitas Group’s management board.
