Find Your Footing in a Shifting Industry and Discover the Art of Balance at AEM’s Annual Conference

By Helen Horner, AEMSenior Director of Education Programs--

If there'sone thing we can count on in today's ever-evolving business landscape, it'sthe constant presence and significant impact of disruptive innovation.

It'snot an easyor straightforwardenvironmentfor AEM members and equipment manufacturers to navigate. However, the ones who can achieve stability and maximize efficiency by optimizingresources and remaining goal-focused stand to navigate uncertain times and win in the end.

Picture a flamingo trying to conserve energy by balancing on one leg. Doing so means relying on laser-focusedexecution, blending creativity with strategy, and embracing an approach built around flexibility and resilience. Thatdelicate equilibrium, known as The Art of Balance,is found all around our industry as it works to build, power, and feed the world.

It'swhy we chose balanceto be theoverarchingtheme for this year's AEM Annual Conference. Set to take place in Miami this Nov. 19-21atthe JW Marriott Miami TurnberryResort & Spa, the 2025 AEM Annual Conference will examine the Art of Balance by highlightinghow the integration of different perspectives, skills, and resources can help drive equipment manufacturing forward.

Register for the AEM 2025 Annual Conference by Oct. 10, 2025, to receive an exclusive attendee gift package featuring a themed lapel pin and automatic entry into a drawing for free registration to the 2026 conference. But here'swhere it gets exciting-two of these packages will containa limited-edition gold flamingo lapel pin. If you find this special pin inside your envelope, you'rea FlaminGOLDwinner and have earned free registration for the AEM 2026 Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona!

This event is the one place for equipment manufacturing executives and the next generation of industry leaders to examine what lies ahead for us all, and it's and it'sone I'vebeen fortunate enough to have been a part of for several years during my time at AEM. It'salways a joy for me to see familiar faces return to the AnnualConferenceeach fall, and I look forward to seeing attendees respond to how we weave The Art of Balance intothis year'scontent and networking events alike.

I'm truly proud to say the AEM Annual Conference has become more than just a gathering of association and industry leaders. It'sa curated experiencedesigned to inspire and inform, and our talented and dedicated Annual Conference Team has put in so much time and effort into making sure this year's event is one that'snot to be missed.

We're excited to once again bring the kind of cutting-edge content and impactful educational sessionsthat have long set the AEM Annual Conference apart from similar industry gatherings. And with disruption and innovation being enduring themes in today's industry, I'mpleased to share our opening keynote from author Geoff Colvinwill delve into how the world's most exceptional leaders have mastered the Art of Balance. AsColvin will explain, whether it'sthrough making crucial decisions, finding ways to retaintop talent, managing organizational uncertainty, or embracing innovative technology, these individuals have truly exhibitedthe ability to achieve equilibrium in leadership.

But that'snot all. Attendees at this year's AEM Annual Conference will also hear from:

• Multimedia artist Phil Hansen, who will share how leaders should strive to "Embrace the Shake" as best they can totransform challenges into opportunities and unlock new possibilities
• Speaker/entrepreneur Liz Bohannon, who will explainhow harnessing synergyin connection and collaboration can elevate an organization's social health and drive lasting success.

Meanwhile, other Annual Conference sessions will:

• Showcaseagriculture and construction equipment economic data
• Feature insights on the geopolitical landscape
• Highlight theimpact of tariffs
• Detail best practices for launching new products

These themes reflect the real-world challenges and opportunities facingequipmentmanufacturers today, we'rethrilled to offer attendees the chance tohear from leading subject matter experts abouthow evolving technologies and market dynamics are influencing purchasing decisions and operational strategies.

With all that said, though, wheneverI think aboutthe mainreasons why someone should attend the AEM Annual Conference, networking is always at or near the top of the list. This year, I'mproud to say we'veplanned some fantastic activities for members to engage with one another. Whether it'sat a welcome receptiondesigned to be a balance of technology and humanity, during the always-popular AEMPAC event, or around ourGeneral Session production, there will be no shortage of conversations hadand connections made among attendees at this fall's event.