AEM’s CE Sector Board of Directors met last week in Washington, D.C., to discuss a number of key sector initiatives. The agenda also featured updates from AEM staff regarding the association’s service areas, including advocacy, regulatory, and trade shows.
CE Sector Board Chair Erica Baird, executive director of Cummins Inc., called the meeting to order and welcomed Directors to the 2026 spring meeting. In addition, she highlighted the progress made to achieve the CE Sector Board priorities, the success of recent and upcoming trade shows, and the continued strength of the AEM membership.
The group welcomed new directors Dean Barley of Tadano, Steve Corley of Deutz, and Ivan Di Federico of Topcon Positioning Systems.
Underground Utility Damage Prevention Initiatives
Sarah Magruder Lyle, president & CEO of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), shared an overview of CGA as an organization and initiatives, and discussed the importance of reducing underground utility infrastructure damages and how this has a significant impact on the construction industry. She shared relevant data, CGA’s goals to reduce damages, and areas where industry stakeholders can support damage prevention efforts. Directors discussed implications and potential opportunities for ongoing partnership to support the common goal of damage prevention.
Trade Shows
Nicole Hallada, AEM’s senior vice president, exhibitions and marketing and Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG show director shared results from CONEXPO-CON/AGG, held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas. The show featured a record 3 million-plus net square feet of exhibits and more than 140,000 attendees. In addition to celebrating the success of the 2026 show, they provided an update on planning for the 2029 and 2032 shows.
The group recognized outgoing CONEXPO-CON-AGG show chair Eric Sauvage, president & CEO of LBX for his years of leadership, as well as discussed the success and value the show brought to all those involved.
Directors approved the recommendation of Scott Young, president, Volvo Construction Equipment North America, as the 2029 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Management Committee Chair.
Additionally, directors approved the 2027 budget for The Utility Expo, which will be held October 5-7, 2027, in Louisville, KY.
Advocacy
AEM Vice President of Federal Affairs Kate Fox Wood, shared an update of AEM’s federal advocacy efforts, including initiatives to address critical industry issues. Directors then received a state advocacy update from AEM director of state affairs Nick Rudowich for activities in several states with ongoing legislative challenges.
The next meetings of the AEM Board of Directors, CE Sector Board, and Ag Sector Board are scheduled for Aug. 5-6, 2026, in Milwaukee, WI.
For more information on AEM CE Sector activities and initiatives, contact AEM’s John Somers at jsomers@aem.org.
