NEWTON, MASS. — The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. will hold its 2003 Convention, Oct. 16-18, in New Orleans.

The convention theme, "Doing Good Business in Turbulent Times," is reflected in the scheduled workshops. Topics will include: differentiating your company; improving asset management; and ensuring that your sales force can "demonstrate" your company's value.

Keynote speaker Nido Qubein, of the Great Harvest Bread Co., will outline strategies to maximize customers' knowledge about what you can do for them, and through that, keep your company at the top even in a struggling market.

Two panel discussions, one on predicting the evolution of the supply chain, and another on the fiscal and efficiency benefits of partnering, will be held Friday, Oct. 17. That same day, two member forums will be held: the Independent Distributor Forum, which will focus on controlling healthcare costs, and the International Business Forum, on conducting business in Latin America.

Why else should members attend?

"It's the industry's premier networking event," says PTDA president Carlos O. Ingram. "Time after time, when we poll our members and ask, 'What does PTDA do for you?' Networking is the number one answer."

In addition to casual networking opportunities, on Saturday, the convention offers the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX), one-to-one meetings between manufacturers and distributors, followed by an opportunity for in-depth, private meetings by appointment.

For fun outside of the realm of the power transmission business, PTDA has partnered up with USA Hosts New Orleans for tours of the area. Members can tour country plantations, the New Orleans Northshore, a restored Creole mansion in the French Quarter, visit the aquarium, or cruise down the Mississippi River.

For more information, call (312) 876-9461 or visit www.ptda.org.