Michael Ference Fluid Power Marketing

The 2020 NFPA Annual Conference was held last week at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami.  The weather was great, the networking was both fun and interesting, and the speakers were great! The event kicked off with an introduction of outgoing president, John Stenz of Force America who did a fine job of directing the Board of Directors over the past year. In John's words the state of the fluid power industry is strong with genuine people.  Having been in this industry for many years, I agree with John and I think him for his years of service on the Board and direction over the past year.  Jeff Hand of Ross Controls, who wast the Treasurer over the the past term confirmed that the organization is financially stable. Eric Lanke who is President and CEO of the NFPA discussed the four main areas of focus for the association including : Effective Forum Industry Statistics Promoting Fluid Power Educated Workforce Eric did a fine job of explaining all that t...

The annual Industry and Economic Outlook Conference operated but the National Fluid Power Association takes place this week at the Westin North Shore in Wheeling, IL.  The NFPA Education Foundation golf outing takes place this afternoon to actually kickoff the event. The outing is followed by a reception today just to get attendees in the mood for two days of networking and presentation.  The Westin North Shore is a perfect location for the event and has been most accommodating for many years. The presentations begin on Tuesday with opening remarks followed by IEOC favorite, Alan Beaulieu of the Institute for Trends Research.  His presentation is titled U.S. Market Outlook and its Effect on World Economies. As always, the IEOC promises to be a benchmark event for the entire year.  I find myself quoting what I learn at the IEOC again and again.  For more information visit the NFPA website