Fluid Power Industry Leaders Set to Gather for NFPA Annual Conference

Feb. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- More than 100 industry leaders from National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) member companies will be converging on Laguna Beach, CA February 24 – 27 for the 2010 NFPA Annual Conference.  The conference will provide these c-level executives with expert economic analysis and realistic projections for 2010 and beyond, new opportunities to build innovative research partnerships to advance their products, strategies for getting the most out of their star performers, and information on how to make better decisions to lead their organizations through change.

The Conference is a great opportunity for NFPA members to connect—providing one of the best opportunities for education and networking.  According to NFPA executive director, Eric Lanke, “It brings the fluid power supply chain together for the one “can’t miss” conference of the year.”  The 2010 speaker lineup includes:

•  Recovery Economics: Domestic Threats and International Opportunities - Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst, economist and principal with the Institute for Trend Research;

•  Sparking Innovation and the Technologies of the Future - Bruce Kramer, Ph.D., senior advisor for engineering and coordinator of interdisciplinary and cross-directorate activities in the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation at the National Science Foundation (NSF);

•  Coaching for High Performance – Tom Crawford, founder and managing partner of High Performance Associates (HPA); and

•  Wise Decisions in Times of Change – Lori Cross, neuroscientist, engineer and founder of Mindspan Consulting.

Updates on many NFPA initiatives will also be provided, including the Technology Roadmap for the Fluid Power Industry, the Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, and a new research partnership opportunity with the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Throughout this challenging economy,” Lanke said, “NFPA has been focused on three primary tasks—keeping our members connected with one another, keeping them informed about changes in their marketplace, and keeping focused on long-term strategy and success. The 2010 Annual Conference promises to be an event where all three objectives can be met.”

# # #

NFPA provides a forum for the fluid power industry’s channel partners—manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers and educators. Its U.S. and multinational members work cooperatively in advancing hydraulic and pneumatic technology through the association’s many programs and initiatives.