Executive Leadership Summit explores industry connections critical to managers

This article was published in the June 2018 edition of NTEA News

Get perspective on economic and business trends affecting the work truck industry at NTEA’s Executive Leadership Summit. This year, the event has been condensed to one day (Oct. 16, 2018) and will be held at a new, convenient location — Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. The modified time investment combined with content from powerful and informative speakers is sure to bring value.

Business owners and managers in any capacity have the opportunity to get current, focused data and information from economists, thought leaders and industry peers. Subject matter experts will highlight the connectivity between personnel, geographic location and technology in the commercial vehicle community.

Economic and industry outlook
Expected performance of the overall North American economy is a key factor in predicting work truck industry health and commercial vehicle demand. In the North American Macroeconomic Forecast session, Mark Vitner (managing director and senior economist for Wells Fargo Securities LLC) will cover factors likely to influence economic growth in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in 2019. Insights into financial sector trends and how they relate from a macroeconomic perspective will be a focus, in addition to anticipated economic growth rates for all three countries.

The overall market potential for commercial vehicles is driven by a complex and interwoven spectrum of economic factors. In Work Truck Industry and Key End-Use Market Forecasts, learn how expectations differ by gross vehicle weight rating and economic health of the industry in which the vehicle will ultimately be deployed. Steve Latin-Kasper, NTEA’s director of market data and research, will present insights into key application markets (such as construction, utility, public works, agriculture, and cartage and delivery).

Workforce development
Leverage a proven training approach rooted in concepts learned when the U.S. brought inexperienced workers into shipyards and factories to support critical World War II efforts. Scott Curtis, president and CEO of TWI Institute, has vast experience in taking training to an exceptional level. He will inspire you with insights on how the basics of Training Within Industry (TWI) are the foundation of effective front-line leadership and how creating and maintaining a skill-based culture will help shift production and quality to new heights within your organization.

Augmented and virtual reality
Augmented and virtual reality is being utilized as a business tool at always increasing rates. VRSim CEO and President Matthew Wallace will share how small and mid-sized companies are leveraging this technology faster than ever. During this lively and interactive session, participants will gain a better understanding of the technology, new applications, and how it is being deployed as a tool to enhance sales and R&D, in addition to improving product and customer support.

Organizational culture
In the fast-paced Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast — What’s Your Culture? session, Cyndi Gave, president of The Metiss Group, will explain culture-defining approaches and how demonstrating core values can create a culture that’s more powerful than any strategy in your business plan. Do your core values and culture support your business objectives? Most organizations overlook these key elements and, by doing so, put themselves at a competitive disadvantage. This program helps owners and business leaders understand the difference between core values and culture and how they form the most powerful employee and customer retention tool for your company. 

Learn more and register
Visit ntea.com/executivesummit for more details and registration information. Advance pricing ($399 NTEA members/$599 nonmembers) is available when registering by Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. After this date, rates increase to $499 NTEA members/$699 nonmembers.

Hotel details
Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor offers a unique blend of urban luxury and local hospitality with stylish rooms and suites that give you a sense of home and tech savvy enhancements to keep you productive. The convenient location makes it easy to walk to area museums, historic landmarks and attractions.