Generation Next offers professional and workforce development at WTS17

This article was published in the January 2017 edition of NTEA News.

With industry talent at a premium, companies are seeking resources on recruiting, retaining and engaging the next generation of employees. The Work Truck Show^® 2017 offers a broad range of educational programming and networking opportunities to help businesses stay on track with their workforce development objectives.

This year’s Show is scheduled March 14–17, 2017 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Educational sessions begin March 14, and the exhibit hall is open March 15–17.

Key sessions and events offered by NTEA’s Generation Next benefit both new staff members and company leaders.

Take5
Work Truck Show attendees who are new to the industry (less than 10 years of service) are invited to attend Take5, a Generation Next-sponsored reception on March 14 that’s free to NTEA member company employees (there is a small fee for nonmembers).

Here, you can meet, network and talk shop with likeminded professionals in the Wreck Room at the Indiana Convention Center, a complimentary arcade filled with games from the past and present. Know others who would be interested in attending? Spread the word — RSVP at worktruckshow.com/take5. Please note: registration to The Work Truck Show is required.

Wreck room sponsored by Adrian Steel

Booth 1605

The New Rules of Engagement
Join us Wednesday, March 15 from 3–5 p.m. for the Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception. Across many successful organizations, great leaders are unlocking performance in their people and achieving remarkable results together. When the right elements and conditions are present, teams naturally develop trust and deliver more value.

Josh Schneider, Millennial and Employee Engagement Institute director, will explain how leaders who understand and use the new rules of engagement in today’s business economy can win with their employees and edge out the competition. Attendees will receive a free digital copy of “The Engagement Guide for Managers”.

Topics include identifying constraints limiting business performance; increasing trust and communication between managers and teams; discovering and unlocking individual strengths and talents; and releasing untapped energy among employee

This special session is not included in any registration package. A separate ticket is required to attend.

What the Industry Needs to Know About Recruiting & Keeping Millennials…From Millennials
Millennials comprise nearly half of the U.S. workforce. Their expectations — for diversity, transparency, collaboration, flexible work and positive social atmospheres — are challenging workplace practices. Having been introduced to these concepts and millennials’ incredible demographic influence, other generations are adopting a similar mentality.

How well do you understand millennials in your workforce? Do you know how to effectively find and keep them as employees? This panel discussion — scheduled Thursday, March 16 from 1:30–2:45 p.m. — is moderated by Amy Hirsh Robinson, principal of Interchange Group. It focuses on work truck industry challenges and opportunities in recruiting and retaining skilled talent. Attendees will hear from key industry millennials and Generation Next members regarding their experiences, attitudes and work expectations, while considering what companies must do to become employers of choice in the new economy.

Panelists include Melissa Bergkamp, marketing manager for DewEze Mfg./Harper Industries; Andrew Dawson, manager, marketing & advertising at Muncie Power Products Inc.; Amy Dobrikova, president of Intelligent Fleet Solutions; Jennifer Pellersels, customer relations manager for Altec Industries; Steven Lopez, general truck sales manager for Hissong Group Inc.; and Nathan Gibson, VP sales for Canfield Equipment Service Inc.

This special session is not included in any registration package. A separate ticket is required to attend.

Comprehensive educational programming
In addition to other targeted workforce development sessions, The Work Truck Show offers a variety of educational programming on relevant industry topics, including market forecasts, lean implementation, OEM updates and government legislation. For more details, visit worktruckshow.com/schedule. Looking for a specific topic? Go to worktruckshow.com/educationbyinterest.

Find community
Generation Next involvement is free to employees of NTEA member companies with less than 10 years of industry service. Members represent all spectrums of the industry, from small and large companies; distributors, manufacturers and industry-related suppliers; and job titles from technician to sales rep, manager to president.