Marcus Buckingham

This year's Association Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) annual conference will focus on "going global" with an examination of international markets and business options.

With the theme "Shaken Not Stirred - Finding the Perfect Mix", the conference held from November 11 to 13 at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, will also be a networking opportunity for the senior management of off-road equipment manufacturers.

Keynote speaker is Marcus Buckingham, a leadership and management practices author who created the "strengths revolution", a philosophy for companies and individuals to apply their strengths for maximum success.

Thomas Koulopoulos

Other presenters are Aleksander Kwasniewski and Thomas Koulopoulos. Kwasniewski was Poland's president in the 1990s and known for his market reforms that helped Poland join NATO and the European Union. Koulopoulos is president of the Delphi Group and an expert on the social, organisational and economic impact of globalisation and innovation.

A special "international forecast" segment will group manufacturers, distributors and end-users to discuss the world outlook for construction and agricultural equipment businesses. AEM will also provide its annual outlook for domestic markets.

Michael Burchell of the Great Places to Work Institute will moderate a panel of companies named in Fortune magazine's "best companies to work for" list.

Wayne Rivers of the Family Business Institute will outline what company leaders need to address to keep their businesses financially secure.

During the conference, AEM will conduct its annual business meeting with director elections and a progress report on its strategic plans to meet members' needs.

Go to www.aem.org to register.