AED snapshot

A host of crane and transport companies – bothz distributors and manufacturers – will converge on Las Vegas this month for the Associated Equipment Distributors' Annual Meeting & CONDEX trade show, January 16-18. The three-day convention includes business workshops and educational programs that will bring attendees up-to-date on trends, markets and economic forecasts. Topics include changes in distributor business, EPA non-road equipment emission regulations for 2011, a two-part series on operating a profitable rental company and the AED Foundation update from President Don Shilling. For a complete listing of all sessions, visit the foundation's site at www.aednet.org Keynote speakers are:

Ben Stein who will deliver the address at the AED/GE Capital Solutions Inaugural Dinner. As a well-known lawyer, teacher, comic, actor and economist, Stein served as a speech writer for Presidents Nixon and Ford. He has written for several newspapers, was host for the Emmy-winning TV show “Win Ben Stein's Money” and AED snapshot distributor Ford. appears regularly on Fox News.

Novelist, playwright, motivational speaker and humorist John Powers will differentiate between the work-a-holic and the love-a-holic in his session “Do What You Love, Love What You Do.” The author will speak on how by applying one's creativity, enthusiasm and spirit, a person can generate a richer and fuller professional career.

The man who helped revamp the Harley-Davidson franchise, Ken Schmidt will speak on creating a brand identity that enables a company to build extra value into products and service. As former executive and communications manager for the motorcycle manufacturer, Schmidt will speak about the essence of a great brand that requires a company philosophy that is designed to meet customers' needs and exceed their expectations.

Next year's show will take place in Chicago, IL at the Hyatt Regency January 10-12, 2008. For more information about the convention and AED, call (630) 574-0650.