With the theme “World Trade: Traits of the Masters,” the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) 2008 annual conference will help today’s industry leaders explore new global and business options, just as history’s explorers opened up new territories to trade.

The 2008 AEM annual conference will be held Nov. 9 to 11 at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. This yearly event gathers together presidents, CEOs and other senior-level executives in the off-road equipment manufacturing industry to examine best-practice strategies for competitive growth.

Conference speakers will offer insights on the “trade winds” of the U.S. and global economies, the political environment, sustainability issues and operational efficiencies.

The AEM conference will feature a political “point-counterpoint” analysis of the recent U.S. presidential and congressional elections and what lies ahead for business and the country. Political commentator Carl Jeffers and Wall St. Journal columnist John Fund will provide a U.S. perspective. Switzerland Councilor of State Peter Briner will add a global view of what the elections mean for Europe and other world regions.

Understanding world economies is critical for moving forward in global trade, and James Smith of the Center for Business Forecasting will deliver an economic analysis focused on major moneymaking sectors.

Leadership strategies to boost team efficiencies and streamline operations will be examined by Robert Herbold, author of “Seduced by Success: How the Best Companies Survive the 9 Traps of Winning.” Herbold is a former Microsoft COO and Proctor and Gamble executive. Herman Cain, a master at business turnarounds while at Pillsbury, will add his leadership perspective on better management of people, business and relationships. Cain is currently a FOX news commentator.

Andrew Winston will discuss the overlap of business and the environment and how companies can develop corporate strategies that are good for both while building strong relationships along the product channel from employees to customers. Winston is a leading environmentalist and recently named “Planet Defender” who also has worked at Time Warner and as director of corporate environmental strategy at Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Steel is a major commodity in the equipment manufacturing process, and Richard McLaughlin of Hatch Beddows will share his steel industry expertise to help companies navigate the supply/cost challenges of today’s marketplace.

The conference will offer attendees two value-added luncheon workshops:

• A “sector-specific market watch” by Global Insight’s Scott Hazelton will take a closer look at the economic health of the agriculture, construction, forestry mining and utility sectors.

• A “working in the smart zone” workshop with author Susan Fletcher will reveal findings from her book of the same name on maximizing performance through improved communication, trust and efficiency.

The AEM conference also will host ceremonies inducting the newest members into the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame, which honors industry leaders and visionaries.

And, the association will conduct its annual business meeting during the conference, with director elections and a progress report on AEM’s strategic plan initiatives to meet the evolving needs of members.

For more information, visit www.aem.org.

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