2019 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference Draws Attendees from Across Industry

More than 320 attendees from over 193 companies in the fluid power industry attended the 2019 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort.

NFPA’s commitment to the Internet of Things and other key technology trends affecting the industry came through in conference content in addition to overall industry forecasts from conference favorites like Alan Beaulieu and Eli Lustgarten. While the specifics differed between speakers, the high-level takeaway from the majority of them was to expect stagnation in 2020 followed by growth in 2021. Attendees can still access the presentations. Overall attendee feedback was positive and illustrated the conference’s value in providing information to guide company strategic planning efforts and the opportunities to make meaningful connections with others in the industry.

The conference offered a number of new and unique opportunities to learn, network, and make an impact on the industry. Highlights included:

• A Technology Roadmap lunch session that provided insights into the 2019 Technology Roadmap updates.
• A special breakfast session on negotiation tactics.
• The co-located Gear Industry Lunch & Forecast Event, hosted by the American Gear Manufacturers Association.
• A helicopter ball drop at the Power of Association Reception which raised $1,720 for the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation.

The NFPA Executive Leadership Program, a series of six full-day education sessions tailored to the needs of emerging and established leaders in the fluid power industry that is presented in collaboration with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, was also officially launched at the event.

The NFPA Foundation Golf Tournament that officially opened the IEOC took place onsite at the Willow Crest Golf Club and attracted 94 golfers.