PTDA 2009 Summit provides industry-oriented advice.
Press Release Summary:
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) 2009 Industry Summit brings together, for the first time, PTDA and the FPDA Motion + Control Network in San Diego, CA from October 22-24, 2009. Members will broaden their networks and learn about new markets through educational programming. "What's Your Next Move?" will help foster an understanding of what manufacturers/distributors have done to prepare for this global economy and what they could do to prepare for its comeback.
Original Press Release:
What's Your Next Move? Get Expert Advice at the PTDA 2009 Industry Summit
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) 2009 Industry Summit will be a groundbreaking event. For the first time, PTDA and the FPDA Motion + Control Network (FPDA) are coming together, bringing the best of both associations' fall meetings. To be held October 22-24, 2009 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, Calif., members of both associations will broaden their networks and learn about new markets through exceptional educational programming. Mike Dolpp of Danaher Motion/Thomson (Chicago, Ill.), chair of the PTDA 2009 Industry Summit Planning Committee and Hal Kemp of Allen Orton LLC (Norcross, Ga.), FPDA convention chair, shared a preview of this unique event with Brigitte Lyons, PTDA communications manager and editor of PTDA's newsletter, Transmissions.
Transmissions: Why did PTDA and FPDA decide to co-locate their fall meetings in 2009?
Dolpp: We serve similar industries and markets. We can bring two groups together in this time of consolidation and expanding technology for a greater opportunity to discuss and meet customer needs. It's been a long time coming-we're sharing resources to bring the best of the best together.
Kemp: Our organizations share so much in common. Coming together is more timely than ever given our tough economy. Everyone is looking for ways to cut expenses and make the most of their time and resources. The co-located meeting does just that-we can offer more networking and targeted education.
Transmissions: What value will attendees get from this program?
Kemp: Many of us are faced with tough decisions on how to deploy our resources. Our workloads haven't dropped-in many cases, they've increased. Yet, we have an opportunity to position our companies as much leaner, stronger organizations once we come out of this thing. The fall meeting is a great way to maximize those resources and get a bigger bang for the buck. The content is targeted, and the schedule is streamlined. It could take you 10 days to get all the educational content and networking sessions available at this two-day meeting.
Dolpp: Our theme is "What's Your Next Move?" Are you positioned to come out of the current economic situation better prepared, eager to hit the road running? Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what others (manufacturers and distributors) did to prepare for this global economy and what they could be doing to prepare for when it comes back.
Transmissions: What are some of the programs that Industry Summit participants should look forward to?
Dolpp: This year's keynote speaker is Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway(TM) and founder of US FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Many of our members are involved with FIRST through its flagship program, FIRST Robotics Competition. Kamen's company, DEKA Research & Development Corporation, is focused on the development of revolutionary new technologies that span a diverse set of applications, He brings a wealth of information on innovation and business.
Kemp: Attendees will walk away with the information, know-how and resources they need to explore and expand into new markets. What are the emerging industrial markets? How do you evaluate the opportunities and weigh the risks?
The fall meeting overall is a chance to meet with peers and colleagues who are facing the same challenges you are. It's a chance to commiserate, problem-solve and come up with solutions you never would have discovered on your own.
Dolpp: The Motion Control Technical Conference and Showcase will expand in 2009. This year, the Technical Conference will be open on Thursday, October 22 and continue on Friday, October 23 with the Motion Control Showcase on Friday afternoon. Participants will have a chance to see the innovation of the FIRST Robotics Competition in action via demos running during the Showcase.
The combination of PTDA and FPDA adds an even deeper networking opportunity in the area of motion control and fluid power. Anyone looking to learn about the latest trends in the motion control or automation will have a number of opportunities to network and build expertise.
Transmissions: Tell us about this year's location-sunny San Diego!
Kemp: There is so much to do in San Diego. It's an easy city to navigate, lots of tours, a great downtown. It's a great place to visit and good for families.
Dolpp: It's a laid-back city with high energy. You get the water, the sun, the warmth. It's clean and energized. The Hilton San Diego Bayfront offers a great location for both delegates and their families.
This year's spouse program has a lot to offer. We're partnering with the San Diego affiliate of Susan G. Komen for a Cure to host a 5K walk which will feature both a speaker and breakfast. And, our closing event on the USS Midway is something you can only experience in San Diego. We've got the whole ship-from the flight deck to the flight simulators to the immense hangar.
Transmissions: Why should someone set aside the resources to attend the Industry Summit in 2009?
Dolpp: Everyone will leave the Industry Summit with a better understanding of what steps to take next. By being here, they can network with a broader range of participants than ever before. By better understanding the steps to take-or not to take-companies will be better positioned to grow when the recession ends. You just can't match the experience-where else can you talk to hundreds of people who understand your business?
Kemp: Many of us are in survival mode. By attending the 2009 Industry Summit, we'll better understand the challenges we're all facing. I really believe in the "better together" mentality-it'll help us through the recession.
Dolpp: Now is the time to invest in your business, not go back into a shell. The Industry Summit is a place where you can gain a lot of information from a variety of people in a short amount of time. Now, more than ever, the Industry Summit is a must-attend event.
