I realize that many people are tired of talking about how COVID-19 has hit the global economy, and as someone who runs a manufacturing tradeshow, I cannot wait until things go back to “normal.” But, what does that even look like anymore? No one really knows — as the situation remains unclear — but it is more important than ever that trade associations and industry leaders work together to find safe solutions for businesses to get back in front of their customers. That is why AGMA is committed to making sure the power transmission industry has a face-to-face Motion + Power Technology Expo to attend in September. It might not look quite the same, but the most important reasons for coming to MPT Expo — bringing together the industry to meet face-to-face and seeing the latest technologies in person — will still be front and center in St. Louis this fall.
This pandemic has cost billions of dollars to the tradeshow industry alone. Local cities that normally rely on convention travelers for hotel stays, restaurants, evening activities, and more have been drastically affected by the lack of attendance. Additionally, those companies that do most of their sales through tradeshows have now been subjected to gaining new business through video conferencing and email.
I don’t want to harbor on all the negatives, but I think they are important to point out because it really helped AGMA determine that MPT Expo had to be an in-person event. Our exhibitors and members are finally starting to travel to see their customers again and providing them with a safe place to showcase their latest products was something our board and committees agreed was necessary for 2021. Our members decided they were “all in,” and here are the reasons why:
- Customers need to see and feel the products they are investing in.
- Meeting face-to-face with an exhibitor provides potential buyers with a sense of security to know with whom they are dealing.
- Tradeshows offer exhibitors the ability to meet with many customers in a small amount of time and for attendees to see the full breadth of solutions for their problems.
- Additional offerings of classes, networking activities, and technology presentations give the opportunity to grow networks and allow other members of your workforce to grow professionally.
- Zoom fatigue is real — digital platforms with video conferencing are challenging to do on a daily basis, and everyone wants to get back to in-person interactions.
In the 2020 Q4 Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) report, its narrative mirrors that of our research and thought behind returning to a face-to-face event.
“With more states eliminating or easing restrictions on large gatherings, the exhibition industry is finally close to the end of tunnel,” said CEIR CEO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE, CEM. “As the economy enters into an expansion phase and with a majority of the population vaccinated, the recovery of B2B exhibitions should begin by the end of this year and gain momentum in 2022.” (CEIR Announces 2020 Fourth Quarter Results — Center for Exhibition Industry Research)
AGMA and its members want to lead the power transmission industry’s return to the tradeshow floor. Our show provides high quality leads to exhibitors in a focused setting. There are educational offerings, emerging technology presentations, and so much opportunity for networking during events. With about 300 exhibitors and an average of more than 3,600 attendees, it is the perfect-sized show to get back to “normal.”
There are many reasons to participate: “92 percent say small trade shows are a better investment for three main reasons: They make it easier to connect with customers (75 percent); they can secure thought leadership speaking roles (67 percent), and they can host events with less competition (50 percent).” (14 Trade Show Attendance (& Other) Statistics Heading Into 2020 (hillpartners.com))
So, don’t worry about the year behind us, and let’s get back to “normal.” Join us in September in St. Louis, Missouri, where all levels of the supply chain can gather to do business with a sanitized handshake and endless potential for real business growth. AGMA is putting business in front of its customers, and we hope to see you there! We’re all in; are you?
Upcoming education
Steels For Gear Applications*
June 29-30, 2021
Gain a basic understanding of steel and its properties. Learn to make use of steel properties in an application and understand the potential that different steel and heat-treatment options can offer. Explore how performance of the material depends on how the steel is produced.
This course is IACET accredited and worth 0.6 CEUs.
*Deadline to sign up is June 22, 2021.
Fundamentals of Gear Design & Analysis (In Person)*
July 20-22, 2021
Gain a solid and fundamental understanding of gear geometry, types and arrangements, and design principles. Starting with the basic definitions of gears, conjugate motion, and the Laws of Gearing, learn the tools needed to understand the inter-relation and coordinated motion operating within gear pairs and multi-gear trains. Basic gear system design process and gear measurement and inspection techniques will also be explained.
This course is IACET accredited and worth 1.7 CEUs.
*This course is taught at Ranken Technical College. A shuttle bus is available each day to transport students to and from the hotel. Class will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Emerging technology webinar series is in full swing!
The goal of the AGMA Emerging Technology committees is to identify, investigate, and inform AGMA members of emerging technologies that may disrupt or significantly impact the power transmission industry. To fulfill this promise, AGMA introduces a high-level Emerging Technology Webinar Series. Join us the first Wednesday of the month for a speaker on a topic chosen by one of the four AGMA committees: IIoT, electric drive, robotics & automation, or 3D printing:
June: How Software Can Level the Playing Field for Robot Integration — Dr. Kel Guerin, Co-Founder and CIO for READY Robotics.
July: Harness the Power of Machine Data — Graham Immerman, VP of Marketing for Machine Metrics.
August: When Discussing Electric Vehicles, You Must Talk About the Consumers. Ike Dovorany, VP, Automotive & Mobility for Escalent.
September: AGMA’s Emerging Technology Efforts — What’s Next? Mary Ellen Doran, Director, Emerging Technology for AGMA.
These webinars are free for members. Register today at www.agma.org.
AGMA welcomes new board members
The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) announced Greg Schulte, President of Bonfiglioli USA as the new AGMA Chair of the Board, at the AGMA Annual Meeting held online March 18-19.
Additionally, AGMA welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors. These directors will serve a three-year term (2021-2023). The new board members were elected by AGMA Corporate Members in the first quarter of 2021 and announced during the AGMA Annual Meeting.
The new AGMA Executive Committee includes:
- Greg Schulte, chair; president, Bonfiglioli USA.
- Michael Cinquemani, treasurer; owner, Master Power Transmission.
- Todd Praneis, TDEC Chair; director of product development, Cotta Transmission.
- Mike McKernin, BMEC Chair; sales specialist at Milans Machining and Gear Manufacturing.
- John Cross, Chair Emeritus; president and CTO, ASI Drives.
The newly elected board members include:
- Craig Burriss, director of operations, Industrial Gear Group, Marmon Holdings.
- Brian Coclich, chief operating officer and co-owner, CGI, Inc.
- Adam Gimpert, president, Helios Gear Products.
- Mushtaq Jamal, VP of engineering & business development, Bevel Gears India, PVT, Ltd.
More info: www.agma.org.
Calendar of Events
May 20 — Lubrication Committee Meeting — WebEx
May 27 — Nomenclature Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 3 — Metallurgy & Materials Committee — WebEx
June 9 — Gear Accuracy Committee — WebEx
June 18 — 3D Printing Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 29 — Robotics & Automation Committee Meeting — WebEx
July 1 — Market Intelligence Committee Meeting — WebEx
July 7 — Emerging Technology Webinar — Zoom
July 13 — Metallurgy & Materials Committee — WebEx
July 15 — Nomenclature Committee Meeting — WebEx
July 29 — Gear Accuracy Committee — WebEx
