Future Leaders of Intermodal Program

IANA is pleased to present the Future Leaders of Intermodal Program (FLIP). This yearlong program, now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Cohort, provides educational and networking opportunities for IANA members’ rising stars to take their careers to the next level.

Have someone in mind for Cohort 2 (including yourself)? Check out the details below to see if they are a good fit and encourage them to apply today!

Apply for Cohort 2 Meet Our Inaugural Cohort!

FLIP Objectives:

Fostering professional development to ensure the retention and elevation of quality talent within the industry.
Promoting dialogue and new perspectives that will sustain intermodal’s continued growth and innovation.
Providing learning and networking opportunities through the guidance of industry veterans and exposure to industry events.
Educating about intermodal from the basics to more advanced topics affecting the industry.
Breaking down silos to foster collaboration and understanding across all modes within the industry.

Eligibility:

To be considered, an applicant must:

Be an employee of an IANA member company in good standing;
Have support of a representative of senior management at their company;
Hold a title equivalent to Manager or below;
Have a maximum of 2-5 years’ experience in the industry;
More than 1 applicant may apply per company but no more than 2 may be chosen.

Registration Timeline:

May 1, 2025: Applications Open
June 10, 2025: Application Deadline (11:59 pm ET)
June 11 – July 11, 2025: Applications Reviewed & Chosen
July 15, 2025: Cohort Announced

Note: There is no fee to apply nor is there a fee if accepted to participate. IANA event registration fees will be covered by IANA; all charges for travel/lodging must be paid for by the individual/their company and are not subsidized by IANA.

Schedule of Activities

Part 1 of 2: Schedule of Required Activities: Cohort runs from August 2025 to EXPO 2026

Note: Participants must attend/complete all required activities. Virtual Meet Ups are approximately 1.25 hours each; participation at IANA events includes both dedicated FLIP sessions and general meeting activities.

August 2025: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 1: Reflections on the Intermodal Journey
September 2025: Cohort Kickoff at IANA EXPO: Long Beach, CA
January 2026: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 2: Leading in Intermodal
March 2026: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 3: Next-Level Intermodal Operations
May 2026: IANA Business Meeting: Kansas City, MO
July 2026: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 4: Telling the Story: Championing Intermodal Beyond Your Office
September 2026: Cohort Completion Celebration at IANA EXPO: Long Beach, CA

Part 2 of 2: Additional Required Activities

Attend one in-person modal association meeting or online educational session representative of your company’s division (i.e. AASHTO, AAPA Powers Summit, ATA MC&E, RSA Annual Meeting, TPM, TIA Capital Ideas Summit, online webinars, summits, etc)
Attend four IANA educational webinars (which are open to all IANA members) of your choice during your cohort (1 hour each)
Participate on an IANA Committee (Attend at least 1 meeting)
Complete a final 1–2-page report detailing your experiences and learning outcomes from FLIP, as well as reflections tied to required activities.

Part 1 of 2: Schedule of Required Activities: Cohort runs from EXPO 2024 to EXPO 2025

September 2024: Cohort Kickoff at IANA EXPO: Long Beach, CA
November 2024: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 1: Reflections on the Intermodal Journey
February 2025: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 2: Leading in Intermodal
April 2025: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 3: Next-Level Intermodal Operations
May 2025: IANA Business Meeting: Kansas City, MO
June 2025: FLIP Virtual Meet Up 4: Telling the Story: Championing Intermodal Beyond Your Office
September 2025: Cohort Completion Celebration at IANA EXPO: Long Beach, CA

Part 2 of 2: Additional Required Activities

Attend one in-person modal association meeting representative of your company’s division (i.e. AASHTO, AAPA Powers Summit, ATA MC&E, RSA Annual Meeting, TPM, TIA Capital Ideas Summit, etc)
Attend four IANA educational webinars (which are open to all IANA members) of your choice during your cohort (1 hour each)
Participate on an IANA Committee (Attend at least 1 meeting)
Complete a final 1–2-page report detailing your experiences and learning outcomes from FLIP, as well as reflections tied to required activities.

Application:

The applicant must fill out their own application, including providing a letter of recommendation from a member of senior management at their company.
There is no fee to apply nor is there a fee if accepted to participate.
IANA event registration fees will be covered by IANA; all charges for travel/lodging must be paid for by the individual/their company and are not subsidized by IANA.

Still have questions? Contact education@intermodal.org for assistance!

Apply Now