PTDA 2008 Industry Summit draws over 825 participants.
Press Release Summary:
The PTDA 2008 Industry Summit themed "Ride the Wave to Success," featured 197 distributors, 370 manufacturers, and international delegates from 18 countries. Starting with a keynote address by Ken Schmidt, it continued with an economic update and short-and long-term forecasts provided by Alan Beaulieu. The event included 3 workshops highlighting industry issues and the Motion Control Showcase with exhibits from 32 suppliers. A technical conference was also held in conjunction with summit.
Original Press Release:
PTDA 2008 Industry Summit an Incredible Success
Chicago, Ill. - November 12, 2008 - Over 825 of the top executives in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry gathered to network and build business relationships at the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Industry Summit held Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 in Miami Beach, Fla.
The industry's premier forum for bringing together PT/MC distributors and manufacturers, the 2008 program, themed "Ride the Wave to Success," brought together more than 825 participants, including 197 distributors and 370 manufacturers, and international delegates from 18 different countries.
Highlights of the 2008 Industry Summit
o Opening keynote address by Ken Schmidt, former director of communications with Harley-Davidson on differentiating your company from your competition. Schmidt detailed Harley-Davidson's rise from near bankruptcy to an American icon by establishing a unique value proposition. As Schmidt noted, "Everyone promises quality and reliability. Set a value proposition that is your unique competitive advantage-something no one else can claim-and then work with your employees to deliver on that value proposition, day in and day out."
o Thought-provoking and provocative conversation between PTDA President John Masek and Manufacturer Council Chair Bob Ruland on the issues that cause friction between distributors and manufacturers.
o Insightful economic update and short-and long-term forecasts by Alan Beaulieu. With humor and wit, Beaulieu discussed how the PT/MC industry tracks industrial production trends and provided insights on how to come out ahead on the other side of the recession.
o Three workshops on issues important to the industry:
- Recruiting and retaining employees is an ongoing challenge. Employee development expert Rob Sullivan gave hiring managers tools to uncover their employees' strengths and talents-including self-assessment tools to create an inventory of their accomplishments.
- Improve your bottom line by lowering operating costs. Telecommunications consultant Stephen Leaden and PTDA member George Flolo walked participants through the implementation of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telecommunications system. VoIP allows business owners to take advantage of technology, reduce costs, and enhance customer service.
- Expand your market reach. The Latin American markets are enthusiastic and ready to work with U.S. companies, according to Daniel Grimes of UTi. Grimes offered an in-depth look at the macroeconomic trends shaping the Latin American markets.
More than $3,800 Raised for Miami-Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The PTDA Industry Summit took on a philanthropic tone this year. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 113 spouses and companions of delegates attending the Industry Summit participated in a fundraising walk to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Andrea Orane, board president of the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale affiliate, was on hand to accept the donation and to give participants critical information about the progress being made in finding a cure for breast cancer.
Next Generation Program Kicked Off with an After-Hours Reception
The inaugural Next Generation event, "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" after-hours reception, drew over 75 participants, all seeking to build business partnerships and friendships with other under-40 industry executives. The reception followed the always-energizing Welcome Reception and featured an ice-breaking costume creation contest (it was Halloween Eve, after all) with prizes awarded to "Most Creative Costume" and "Best Use of Items."
Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX) Builds Channel Partnerships
Once again this year, the Industry Summit featured its signature table-top booth program-the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX). MD-IDEX offered a time-and cost-effective opportunity for members to conduct one-on-one, senior management discussions with current and potential business partners. With nearly 135 manufacturer and service provider participants, well over 600 appointments were made in addition to the 90 minutes of open time that allowed for impromptu conversations.
Motion Control Technical Conference and Showcase Reinforces PTDA Members' Position as Motion Control Experts
Helping members find new channels to market and grow their businesses stood out as a key element of the PTDA Industry Summit.
Held in conjunction with the Industry Summit, the Motion Control Technical Conference featured presentations from six manufacturers of motion control products on the latest technology and advances. In addition to Industry Summit attendees, technical specialists from both distributors and manufacturers participated in sessions to increase their knowledge of the motion control field and to develop skills that will help them deliver the technical services customers demand.
For the third year, the Industry Summit hosted the Motion Control Showcase, featuring exhibits from 32 motion control suppliers. PTDA members sell over $800 million in motion control products annually and, through the Motion Control Showcase, were able to learn more about the products that will help their customers increase productivity.
For more information and in-depth coverage of the PTDA Industry Summit, visit www.ptda.org/IndustrySummit.
The PTDA 2009 Industry Summit will be co-located with the FPDA Motion and Control Network's Fall Meeting on Oct. 22 -24 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, Calif.
Founded in 1960, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. A U.S.-based trade association, PTDA represents 205 power transmission/motion control distributor firms with over 3,500 locations throughout North America and 12 other countries, as well as 194 manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
PTDA is dedicated to providing exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet marketplace demands competitively and profitably. For more information, visit www.ptda.org.
