While the Supply Summit offered many opportunities for strengthening networks within the industry, the informational sessions provided members with insight that will aid their decision making in the coming months. 

General HonorĂ© spoke to attendees about leadership both at the office and at home. He implored members to save their best leadership for their home and families. 

Doug Bruce and Heather Bruce of Osmundson Manufacturing Co. spoke candidly about transitioning the family business from the fourth generation of leadership to the fifth, and lessons learned along the way. 

Jim Meil, ACT Research gave an economic forecast for the rest of 2022 and 2023 and provided attendees with some signals to watch out for. Baxter Saucier of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana educated members on how the MEP National Network can help manufacturers reduce costs, improve processes and more. The Tillage Council brought in speaker, Scott Shearer from The Ohio State University, who discussed crop management trends and innovations as they apply to tillage equipment. 

A special thank you goes out to our Showcase Exhibitors, whose support and involvement help make the convention successful.
 The Showcase took place Thursday afternoon, April 7, and 56 companies displayed. Attendees were able to learn more about each exhibitor and set up a time for a future meeting. If you’d like a copy of the Showcase booklet with information on exhibiting companies,  please email Sarah@FarmEquip.org.

With a focus on connecting manufacturers with suppliers, the Supply Summit & Showcase is a unique mix of social and educational opportunities. Thank you to all who attended the convention, especially those who volunteered to help with planning and execution of the events. Your membership and engagement with the Association matters.

“If there ever were a moment in which manufacturers were seeking to build and strengthen relationships with suppliers, this is it,” said Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt. “The singular purpose of this convention is to create opportunities for manufacturer-supplier partnerships, and supply chain happens to be among the single greatest challenges in the industry. Our manufacturing members are seizing this opportunity.”

For suppliers who have not yet registered, you have time to reserve a booth in the Supplier Product Showcase. This afternoon show, while it is the cornerstone of the meeting, is supported by a series of networking events and speaker sessions that offer attendees opportunities to get to know one another beyond the product-and-price conversation.

It has historically been an event in which problems are solved together during conversation on the golf course, shooting range, or in a hotel hallway. Learn more at the Summit website at FarmEquip.org. Find:

• Who has already registered:
• Online registration form:
• Speakers and topics:
• Showcase exhibitors:
• Networking opportunities:

If you prefer a conversation, we’re here. Call the office at (314) 878-2304.

Mask Mandate Lifted!

Attendees to our 2022 Supply Summit in New Orleans need not pack a mask. The city’s health director lifted the indoor mask mandate last week following Mardi Gras celebrations in the city.

The city’s requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is expected to be lifted after March 21. The Association is monitoring the status each day.

Test Drive a Forklift Simulator

Attendees at the Product Showcase will have the opportunity to strap on a pair of virtual reality glasses and operate a forklift.

The virtual training simulates truck types typically used in warehouses and distribution centers, including a stand-up-reach truck, a stand-up counterbalance, and a man-up order picker.

Sponsor a Speaker/Break

Raise your visibility in the Association by sponsoring a speaker session, refreshment break, or a display in the registration area. Get in touch with Meeting Director Sarah Stevener to learn more about how sponsors are acknowledged during the event. Find her at Sarah@FarmEquip.org, or (314) 878-2304.

That is why this seems like the right time to ask you to get a few dates on your calendar. We fully intend to be together in Oklahoma City in November and for every convention thereafter. Please join us.

2021 Marketing & Distribution Convention
Nov. 2 to 4
Omni Oklahoma City

2022 Supply Summit & Showcase
April 6 to 8
Hilton New Orleans Riverside

2022 Marketing & Distribution Convention
Oct. 25 to 27
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista