By Megan Tanel, President and CEO, Association of Equipment Manufacturers --
Welcome to 2026. As the new year gets underway, significant challenges and exciting opportunities continue to stand before us. And I can’t wait for us to work together to build on past accomplishments and drive long-term success for our member companies and our industry.
To keep us on track in support of our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, we’ve identified nine priorities that will serve as our guiding light in 2026:
- Deploy a new nationwide regulatory outreach and engagement program
- Expand AEM’s advocacy efforts in Canada
- Proactive monitoring and engaging in all product stewardship, regulatory, and standards activities
- Align the industry on sustainability and supply chain
- Tell the story of our industry
- Launch member-led peer groups and hosting member events to further engage our members
- Translate research into strategies to drive the future of exhibitions and events
- Implement a data framework that enhances member insights and value
- Launch the first phase of a data framework to support AEM strategic goals and operations
This past year was a memorable one for AEM, and our efforts to support our almost 1,200 members and our industry couldn’t have been possible without the ongoing direction and guidance you’ve given me and the AEM team. With regard to the priorities mentioned above, we’re already making strong progress, and we’re excited to keep you updated as our work continues to evolve in the months ahead.
As 2026 kicks off, our leaders and staff can’t wait to meet with and engage with you all at the following major events this year:
- Commodity Classic: Feb 25-27, in San Antonio, Texas
- CONEXPO-CON/AGG: March 3-7, in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Product Safety & Stewardship Conference: April 27-30, in Kansas City, Missouri
- Annual Conference: Nov. 10-12 in Tucson, Arizona
We’re poised to do so much in 2026, and I want to thank each of you for all the energy, insight, and commitment you bring to AEM. As many of you know, this year was the first year spent executing our new Strategic Plan, and we couldn’t have done it without those of you who provided valuable input and direction to help chart a course for AEM.
This is a pivotal time for our industry, and your involvement is what drives us forward. Your voice shapes our direction, your support powers our progress, and your contributions serve as the engine behind everything we do.
If you have any questions about your AEM membership, please reach out to Paul Flemming at pflemming@aem.org, or contact your Account Success Advisor. And know that our staff is always interested in learning more about you and your businesses. If there’s an opportunity to join you at your facility for a tour, celebrate a milestone, or catch up when you’re in town in Milwaukee or DC, please reach out to your Account Success Advisor or me at mtanel@aem.org. We all learn so much from the interactions we have with you and your teams.
I wish you all a healthy, successful, and Happy New Year!
