Making Leadership Matter
We’ve all heard of expeditions failing due to dissension in the ranks and team inefficiencies. This challenge has been carried through the centuries to modern-day business. Robert Herbold will share his wisdom on how to overcome such pitfalls and streamline operations to improve a company’s profitability. Bob was COO of Microsoft for eight years, resulting in a seven-fold increase in profits while the company’s revenues increased four-fold. He also spent 26 years at Procter & Gamble where he revolutionized product distribution. As author of Seduced by Success: How the Best Companies Survive the 9 Traps of Winning, Bob consults organizations and encourages leaders to constantly experiment with new ideas, processes and business models.

Point-Counterpoint Discussion of the Election
Our political point-counterpoint discussion will be conducted by political commentator Carl Jeffers and Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund. These two have locked horns twice on Chris Matthew’s Hardball program. Less than one week after a new U.S. President is named, and Congress is reelected, these two will give their poignant opinions on what lies ahead for the country, the economy and American culture and gender.

World View of the U.S. Elections
Our political point-counter point would not be complete without the third point and that is a global view. Switzerland Councilor of State Peter Briner will deliver remarks on what the recent U.S. elections mean for Europe and other major regions around the world. Councilor Briner has lived in the U.S., understands our system, and will share his poignant viewpoint on world harmony. A member of the council of states for nine years and on the foreign affairs committee, Briner also understands commerce, most particularly in the areas of metals, energy and banking.

National and World Economics Outlook
Understanding the economic situation around the world and domestically is crucial for solid decision making. Identifying where world trade is flourishing is key. James Smith, from the Center for Business Forecasting in Chapel Hill, will deliver our economic analysis. Jim is known as one of the most consistently-accurate economic forecasters of our time and uses a global network of experts to help shape his views. Following an overview of world economies, Jim will forecast major money-making sectors and deliver hints on the ag, construction, mining and energy sectors. For more sector-specific trending, don’t miss the Tuesday luncheon workshop facilitated by Global Insight.

Making Smarter Decisions About Steel
A major supply for the AEM membership is steel. Our conference theme, Traits of the Masters, would intimate that leaders in the industry today must understand steel’s volatile affect on price and delivery. Richard McLaughlin, from Hatch Beddows, will utilize his steel product and market expertise to deliver an honest assessment of the realities of iron ore, the demand in China and India, and China’s steel strategy. He will also share insights from his experiences with leading steelmakers to deliver a comprehensive view of the challenges that face the "masters" on both sides of the steel creation and use equation.

Accelerating Growth – Leading with Certainty
Strategies based on uncertainty and hope equal high levels of risk, while more-certain strategies lead to superior results. In this forward-thinking presentation entrepreneur Daniel Burrus will outline strategies that merge trending and strategic foresight with innovation—for accelerated business growth. The presentation is about opportunity management, identifying the driving forces of predictable change, driving growth strategies from the inside out, and taking control of our future.

Building Brand to Profits: Green to Gold
Andrew Winston is one of the most sought-after environmentalists today. He is passionate about the overlap between business and environment, and has become a "master" of this exploration. He is dedicated to helping companies, both large and small, use environmental strategy to grow, create value, and build strong relationships with employees, customers and other stakeholders. After more traditional business roles at Time Warner and MTV, Andrew served as director of Corporate Environmental Strategy at Yale’s renowned School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Don’t miss this opportunity to glean traits from this recently-named "Planet Defender."

Refocusing Your Dreams
A leader manages people, business and relationships—and navigates the trades around the world. Herman Cain, formerly of Burger King and Godfather’s Pizza, has mastered numerous aspects of leadership. Cain has led an exciting life of success in the workplace, on the political scene, as a news personality and as an author. He started his career at Pillsbury and elevated 400 units at the Burger King division from last place to number one, then went on to Godfather’s Pizza and led the buyout from Pillsbury. He became chairman of the National Restaurant Association, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and today serves as a FOX business news commentator and radio talk show host.

Two optional Tuesday workshops will provide additional education value for the conference attendee:

Workshop I – Market Watch-Sector Specific
Scott Hazelton from Global Insight will facilitate this optional luncheon workshop and extend the value of Monday’s international and domestic views of the economy. He will focus on the economic health of our industry sectors: construction, ag, mining, forestry and utility, and discuss the key drivers affecting trends and accurate forecasting.

Workshop II – Working in the Smart Zone
Uncertain economic times and pressure to excel decrease performance. In this informational luncheon workshop, Dr. Susan Fletcher will outline key elements of her new book, Working in the Smart Zone, along with psychological findings. She will explain that leaders must focus their energy and attention to improve communication, trust and efficiency. These elements are the foundation to maximize performance.

Construction Equipment Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
The 2008 Annual Conference will feature special ceremonies announcing inductees into the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame. The Hall recognizes and honors the pioneers and visionaries who have built up and led the industry through the years. The 2008 inductees have excelled in their contributions through innovation, leadership, corporate citizenship/social responsibility, sustainability and overall industry contributions. The Hall of Fame spotlights the industry’s illustrious past to help bring a greater focus on, and deeper public understanding of, the critical role that construction equipment plays in our quality of life.

Location

The conference will be held at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Note hotel accommodations are not included in the registration fee. To reserve a room at The Westin, call (800) 354-5892 and mention AEM to receive the group rate of $229. You can also make your reservation online. The group rate is available until October 15, 2008 or until the block fills, whichever comes first.

While there is still plenty of availability at the The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Sunday, November 9 through Wednesday, November 12 the hotel is sold out Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8, alternate options include:

Sleep Inn (16630 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 58254 Phone: 480-998-9211). They have complimentary shuttle to The Westin Kierland. You can also make reservations directly on their website.

Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountain (16770 N. Perimeter Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480-502-3836). Transportation would be on your own to the Westin which is about 3 miles away. View the property by visiting their website.

The resort is located 20 miles (approximately 35 minutes) from Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix, AZ). Transportation is available from the airport to the resort through Super Shuttle (602) 244-9000 for $20 one-way or if you prefer a town car contact AAA Sedan (602) 454-7433 for $50 one-way. Complimentary self parking is available or valet overnight parking is $24 per night. Prices quoted above are subject to change without notice. Hertz Rental Car is conveniently located on property and can be reached at (480) 624-1239.

Appropriate attire for the conference is business casual. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70s during the day and low 50s in the evenings. The Sunday evening function is casual and scheduled to be held outdoors. The Monday evening function is also casual but expected to be indoors, and the Tuesday evening finale' is dressier. If in the past you have worn formal wear for the finale' dinner function, feel free to continue that tradition.

Questions?

For questions related to program content, call Heide Kraus at 414-298-4143.

For questions related to sponsorships, call Joe Reynoso at 414-298-4176.

For questions related to conference registration, call Amy Laskowski at 414-274-0659.