PTDA 2008 Industry Summit Wrap-Up
Session Summaries and Handouts
Motion Control Technical Conference Handouts
Photo Gallery
2008 Industry Summit registration list:
Distributors 
2008 Industry Summit registration list:
Manufacturers
Highlights of the 2008 Industry Summit
More than $3,800 Raised for Miami-Ft. Lauderdale
Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Next Generation Program Kicked Off with an
After-Hours Reception
Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX)
Builds Channel Partnerships
Motion Control Technical Conference and
Showcase Reinforces PTDA Members' Position as Motion Control
Experts
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
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 through motion control 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 motion control companies 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.
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