Join the Pulse of the Industry: Don’t Miss This Year’s ‘Can’t-Miss’ AEM Annual Conference

By Helen Horner, AEM Senior Director of Education Programs -

Coachella. Stagecoach. Burning Man.

Words like "trendy" and "vibrant" come to my mind when I think about what it's like to attend these can't-miss events, and how they serve to highlight the creative outputs of established and emerging music artists alike. So, it comes as no surprise to me when I see tickets to Coachella are among the most sought after today, right up there with the one and only Taylor Swift.

These festivals are designed to create a one-of-a-kind attendee experience and offer you an opportunity be a part of something truly special. An event like Coachella has a firm understanding of what's current and relevant, and you'll never know what it's actually like (or what you stood to miss out on by not attending) until you're actuallythere, live and in person.

That almost indescribable feeling that comes along with being part of something that is at the forefront of what matters is why we chose the theme for this year's AEM Annual Conference: Pulse of the Industry. Set in the heart of the Coachella Valley, our 2024 event honors the iconic music festival and unrivaled desertscapes of southeastern California. Simply put, the Palm Springs area is the perfect place for AEM and our members to celebrate the rhythms and beats of the cutting-edge advancements, trends, and innovations that form the heartbeat of our industry.

The AEM Annual Conference is the place for member executives to examine what's ahead for their respective organizations and the equipment manufacturing industry. Registration is now open. For more information, visit aem.org/annual.

It's hard to believe the 2024 AEM Annual Conference is just a few short months away. I'm so excited for what's in store for our members and their guests this year. This event is truly a special experience for our members, 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 Annual each fall, and I look forward to seeing attendees respond to how we weave our conference theme into content and networking events alike.

Whenever I think about 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 the Coachella Festival-like welcome reception, the glowing Shots in the Night - PAC Gala on the Green, or our always-popular General Session production, there will be no shortage of conversations had and connections made among attendees.

However, what sets our Annual Conference apart from industry gatherings like it are its cutting-edge content and educational sessions. Since artificial intelligence (AI) is pretty much the hottest topic of today, we're excited to announce our opening keynote from AI futurist Zack Kass will break down this rapidly evolving technology and its present and future impact on our industry. But that's not all. Attendees at this year's AEM Annual Conference will also hear from:

• Trend Hunter's Armida Ascano, who will provide a generational breakdown of how each generation interacts with AI and its likely effects on the workforce, as well as a workshop for attendees to further examine what lies ahead.
• Experts from Roland Berger LP, who will highlight the economic benefits, innovation opportunities, and potential risks of moving forward with a transition to alternative fuels.
• Microsoft Innovation Leader JoAnn Garbin, who will also speak on building the energy capacity needed for a data-driven, AI-filled future.

Other sessions will cover topics such as the customer journey, retaining talent, leadership, geopolitical updates, and the digital economy. And let's not forget the music-after all, we'll be spending the week in Coachella Valley. Piano virtuoso Felipe Gomez is set to inspire us with an entertaining and memorable learning experience, discussing the tools and ideas needed to become a virtuoso, all illustrated with a grand piano.

Finally, we'll close our 2024 Annual content with a political discussion. With the results of the 2024 presidential election set to be in by the time we gather together, POLITICO's Jonathan Martin will be onsite to will break down what it all means for you and your equipment manufacturing industry peers.

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 includes a four-course dinner followed by a performance from the fabulous 12-piece band Liquid Blue. (And if you haven't enjoyed yourself enough throughout your week, you can join us in the hospitality suite for more music and conversation.)

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. The insightful industry experts, engaging speakers, and experienced educators are onboard, and AEM is set to once again offer a memorable and vibrant experience that demonstrates our association staff, leadership, still have their collective finger firmly positioned on the pulse of the industry.

See you this November in Coachella Valley!

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