By Helen Horner, AEM Senior Director of Education Programs --
If there’s one thing we can count on in today’s ever-evolving business landscape, it’s the constant presence and significant impact of disruptive innovation.
It’s not an easy or straightforward environment for AEM members and equipment manufacturers to navigate. However, the ones who can achieve stability and maximize efficiency by optimizing resources 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-focused execution, blending creativity with strategy, and embracing an approach built around flexibility and resilience. That delicate equilibrium, known as The Art of Balance, is found all around our industry as it works to build, power, and feed the world.
It’s why we chose balance to be the overarching theme for this year’s AEM Annual Conference. Set to take place in Miami this Nov. 19-21 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, the 2025 AEM Annual Conference will examine the Art of Balance by highlighting how 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’s where it gets exciting—two of these packages will contain a limited-edition gold flamingo lapel pin. If you find this special pin inside your envelope, you’re a FlaminGOLD winner 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’s one I’ve been fortunate enough to have been a part of for several years during my time at AEM. It’s always a joy for me to see familiar faces return to the Annual Conference each fall, and I look forward to seeing attendees respond to how we weave The Art of Balance into this year’s content 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’s a curated experience designed 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’s not to be missed.
We’re excited to once again bring the kind of cutting-edge content and impactful educational sessions that 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’m pleased to share our opening keynote from author Geoff Colvin will delve into how the world’s most exceptional leaders have mastered the Art of Balance. As Colvin will explain, whether it’s through making crucial decisions, finding ways to retain top talent, managing organizational uncertainty, or embracing innovative technology, these individuals have truly exhibited the ability to achieve equilibrium in leadership.
But that’s not 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 to transform challenges into opportunities and unlock new possibilities
- Speaker/entrepreneur Liz Bohannon, who will explain how harnessing synergy in connection and collaboration can elevate an organization’s social health and drive lasting success.
Meanwhile, other Annual Conference sessions will:
- Showcase agriculture and construction equipment economic data
- Feature insights on the geopolitical landscape
- Highlight the impact of tariffs
- Detail best practices for launching new products
These themes reflect the real-world challenges and opportunities facing equipment manufacturers today, we're thrilled to offer attendees the chance to hear from leading subject matter experts about how evolving technologies and market dynamics are influencing purchasing decisions and operational strategies.
With all that said, though, whenever I think about the main reasons why someone should attend the AEM Annual Conference, networking is always at or near the top of the list. This year, I’m proud to say we’ve planned some fantastic activities for members to engage with one another. Whether it’s at a welcome reception designed to be a balance of technology and humanity, during the always-popular AEMPAC event, or around our General Session production, there will be no shortage of conversations had and connections made among attendees at this fall's event.
And as is the case each year, the AEM Annual Conference culminates with our AEM Hall of Fame Ceremony and Finale Dinner. A one-of-a-kind evening of networking, recognition, and celebration, it includes a four-course dinner followed by a performance from the fabulous Latin Ambition. (And if you haven’t enjoyed yourself enough throughout your week, you can join us in the hospitality suite for more music and conversation.)
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, this year’s AEM Annual Conference is poised to provide a one-of-a-kind blend of sophistication and inspiration. The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry is a destination in itself, with world-class amenities and a setting that encourages both relaxation and reflection. The flamingo, a symbol of balance and grace, serves as a visual metaphor for the conference’s theme—reminding us that true strength lies in stability, focus, and adaptability. I hope you can join me in Miami this November, as AEM highlights how The Art of Balance is key to ensuring a bright future for our industry.
