By Helen Horner, DES, AEM Director of Education Programs —
“Mom, if you would just adjust your right leg a tiny bit, it’ll make all the difference.”
My 14-year-old son is patiently teaching me how to drive a golf ball. His advice is simple, straightforward and easy for me to understand. In this particular instance, he’s telling me one, small tweak is all it will really take for me to get the results I’m looking for as I try to optimize my swing.
Sometimes it really is that simple. Whether we’re talking about driving a golf ball, launching a new product offering or transforming organizational culture within a company, a single shift, microaction or one-off occurrence can serve as a catalyst for change and drive profound and lasting impact all around us.
It’s an idea that sums up the theme for this year’s AEM Annual Conference: Ripple: Small Changes, Big Impact. And in a world where major, headline-grabbing happenings draw the most attention, it can be all too easy for us to overlook the little things, the small shifts and the seemingly random and insignificant.
The AEM Annual Conference is the place for member executives to examine what is ahead for their organization and the equipment manufacturing industry. Registration is now open. For more information, visit aem.org/annual.
Our history as a society is comprised of countless of these ripple effects. Gutenberg invented the printing press, and, in turn, revolutionized the spread of information and how it’s shared. Paper money was introduced in China during the 7th century, changing the way goods and services are exchanged and transforming commerce forever. Even something like the advent and wide adoption of the Internet in the mid-1990s now impacts how you and other AEM members register for Annual Conference.
The power of small changes and their potential to yield remarkable results are also evident in what we do to design and develop the equipment that feeds and builds our world. Take leadership, for example. In committing to a small shift of one’s focus from the organization itself to its employees, companies not only motivate and inspire others, but foster greater productivity and increase profits as well. Now consider workforce development. It’s becoming increasingly evident a single, one-size-fits-all solution to attract and retain talent doesn’t really exist. However, by “sweating the small stuff” and chipping away at the existing skills gap in several small ways over time, true and measurable progress can eventually be attained.
We’re also excited to tackle a number of other timely, relevant and industry-centric topics this November in Fort Lauderdale, including:
- The one economic forecast you can focus on that will make a difference in 2024.
- How China’s infrastructure investment will ultimately trickle down and touch your company.
- Why having an environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy is critical for your business.
All these topics (and more) will be addressed by the following fabulous speaker session lineup:
- The Ripple Effects of Leadership – NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith
- Ride the Wave of Innovation: Hand-On AI Workshop – Generative AI Consultant, Bruce Rasa
- Water Stewardship… Every Drop Counts: Innovation, and Impact – The Water Council
- Diving into the Talent Pool – Career Research Group’s Chris Czarnik
- World Waves: A Geopolitical Update – Control Risks’ Dane Chamorro
- Wine to Water: A Little Good Goes a Long Way – Author, speaker and philanthropist Doc Hendley
- How Equipment Changes Can Ripple Through the Value Chain – Construction Equipment Member Panel
- The Turning Tides of the Farm – Multigenerational Ag Panel
- Looking Downstream: How Equipment Changes Can Ripple Through the Value Chain – CE Panel
- Navigating the Markets – Ag and CE Economic Breakouts
- Navigating Partisan Waters: What Lies Ahead for the 2024 Political Landscape – Cheri Bustos and Carlos Curbelo
- Splash into Your ESG Strategy – Pickering’s Dan Romito
- Beneath the Surface: A Deep Data Dive – Sudden Compass’s Tricia Wang
The AEM Annual Conference is more than just an education opportunity, however. It’s a networking event, one where ideas and catalysts for change are discussed and shared. And, as we’ve all learned over the past few years, the value of getting together with peers should never be underestimated.
Whether it’s the opening bash on a beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach, our hospitality nights, our Yacht Rocking AEMPAC event or our AEM Hall of Fame Finale Night, there will be no shortage of opportunities to connect with and engage your fellow AEM members at Annual this year. (Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our golf outing, considering all the practice I’ve been doing with my son).
This year’s event is just a few short months away. Our dedicated Annual Conference team has put in the work to build connections and foster relationships with leading industry experts, compelling speakers and accomplished educators. The end result is, once again, a one-of-a-kind experience designed to provide you and your fellow AEM members with the tools necessary to institute small changes and make a big impact, both within your organization and beyond.
The AEM Annual Conference is not an event where you go to sit and listen. It’s where you go to learn what the future holds for our industry. It’s where you hear the simple, straightforward piece of advice that could change everything for you and your organization, as well as drive desired outcomes and help shape the industry of tomorrow for years to come.
For more information about AEM’s Annual Conference, set for Nov. 28-30, 2023, visit aem.org/annual or contact AEM’s Helen Horner at hhorner@aem.org.
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