Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment, has recently announced new details on several of its upcoming conferences and meetings.

Leadership Conference

The AED Leadership Conference is scheduled for Aug. 5-7, 2025 at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World in Las Vegas, Nev. and will feature a wide range of sessions. AED planners recently noted that on Aug. 6, Amy Parrish of Iluma Learning will moderate “Leaders Roundtable: Navigating Growth and Opportunity,” designed specifically for emerging professionals. Parrish will also host a professional development session on Aug. 8 focused on “The 4 Personality Styles: Decode, Adapt, Connect,” described as a hands-on workshop to help attendees build better relationships and turn conflict into connection. 

Additional information and registration is available here.

Women in Equipment Conference

From Sept. 17-18, AED will host its Women in Equipment Conference in Chicago, Ill. To be held at the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, the planners describe this annual event as an empowering experience focused on leadership development, networking, and real conversations about advancing women in the equipment industry. Open to all industry professionals. The early registration discount ends Aug. 2.

2026 AED Summit

The 2026 AED Summit is set for Jan. 17-19, 2026 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Tex. According to the organization, this premier event supports the equipment industry, uniting distributors, manufacturers, and global service providers. The 2026 Summit will deliver world-class educational programming, with more than 40 expert-led sessions, over 200 exhibiting companies and expansive networking opportunities. 

On June 9, AED announced additional 2026 AED Summit details, including an update that the event will include an OEM Panel Discussion. AED reports that this session will offer an in-depth conversation on current challenges, future trends, and strategies that will shape the equipment market.

Marc Johnson, principal at Pinion, will moderate the panel, comprised of the following OEM executives: Rod Bull, chief executive officer of Komatsu North America Corp.; Scott Young, president/head of region North America for Volvo Construction Equipment; Michael Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America; Andrew Ryan, president of LiuGong North America; and Todd Stucke, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation.

 “This panel brings together a highly respected and influential group of industry leaders whose insights will help our members understand where the market is headed and how to adapt,” said Brian P. McGuire, President and CEO of AED. “It’s a unique opportunity to hear directly from the executives shaping the future of equipment manufacturing and distribution.”

In addition to the OEM Panel, the 2026 Summit will feature a keynote address by Ambassador Nikki Haley, presented as part of Dinner and a Conversation — a candid onstage dialogue with McGuire. The program also includes First Sergeant Matt Eversmann (Ret.), whose heroic story was portrayed in Black Hawk Down. The Summit will also feature keynote spotlight speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA, an economist at ITR Economics, to offer economic insights and deep expertise to the trends shaping the industry’s future. 

Summit details and registration can be found here.

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