Page 26 • February 5, 2022 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT GUIDE
AED Holds Annual Summit, CONDEX in Orlando, Fla.
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he Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) held its Summit Jan. 17-19 at Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla. Like all other businesses, equipment dealers as a group have faced some real challenges over the past couple of years, between Covid-19 restrictions and the overwhelming challenges presented by supply chain disruptions. However, the construction industry has long been noted for its tremendous resilience, and in spite of all the obstacles that it has faced, the recently signed infrastructure bill created a lot of optimism at this year’s event. AED provided an ideal forum for equipment distributors to network with each other as well as with their respective equipment suppliers, including CONDEX, an equipment trade show that provides an opportunity for manufacturers that are looking for equipment distributors to display their products. AED provided educational seminars covering a broad range of topics relevant to equipment distribution, including used equipment marketing, equipment rental, human resource issues, technology, as well as management and leadership skills, just to name a few. On Monday, Jan. 17, the AED Foundation held its annual fundraising gala, which included the 15th annual live auction that was sponsored by the AED Foundation and Ritchie Bros. The highlight of this year’s event was Thursday evening’s dinner and conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence, who delighted members with stories of his lifelong commitment to public service, including his years in the Trump administration. CEG
(L-R): A large showing of FAE USA staffers were on hand to promote their attachments and machines, including Bradley Wiseman, Chad Florian, Dan Crow, Giorgio Carera, Lee Smith, Mike Samples, James Steindl, Ryan Smith and Chris Koch.
(All photographs in this article are Copyright 2021 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.) Manning the Felling Trailers exhibit were Pat Jennissen (L) and Nathan Uphus.
Mike Chenet (L) of GT Mid Atlantic discusses his hydraulic hammer needs with Greg Henry of Soosan. Former Vice President Mike Pence (L) sat down for a chat with AED President and CEO Brian McGuire.
One of Construction Equipment Guide’s longest customers stopped by for a visit. (L-R): Teddy McKeon, executive publisher of Construction Equipment Guide; and Eric Seikel, Brendan Binder and Walt Joachim, all of Hoffman Equipment.
Representatives of Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions included Tim Winslow (L) and Scott McMaster. Both were keeping their dealers well informed of the company’s latest product innovations.
Amidst the backdrop of the AED Summit & CONDEX, a major conference and trade show highlighted that the greater Orlando area was open for business, Congressman Darren Soto (D-Fla.) joined AED senior leadership to discuss the bipartisan infrastructure law’s positive impact on the federal, state and local levels and the broader equipment industry. (L-R) are AED President and CEO Brian McGuire, Congressman Darren Soto and incoming AED Chairman Ken Taylor of Ohio CAT.
