FPDA–Serving Fluid Power and Motion Technology Distributors will host its 2004 Fall Meeting, titled "Technologies in Motion: Accelerating Business Development," in St. Louis, Oct. 16–19. Activities at the fall gathering include seminars, the 2004 Tech Expo and networking opportunities.

The opening General Session, Sun., Oct. 17, will feature three presentations: one on the history of local brewery and beer-producing powerhouse, Anheuser-Busch, called "The Vision of Leadership: The Adolphus Busch Story;" a second titled "An Industry in Transition: Update," which is an update and examination of the industry's major issues, led by an independent team of manufacturer and distributor representatives; and an update from the FPDA Young Executives–sponsored Sales Excellence Council, called "Sales Excellence: The Process Defined." Council facilitator Todd Youngblood of The YPS Group, Inc. and council member John Thornton of GS Hydraulics will update attendees on the group's development of a best-practices sales process for the fluid power and motion control distribution channel, and will give a preview of the sales process benchmarks that will be unveiled to the FPDA membership in spring 2005.

After an all-delegate networking luncheon and the Young Executives/Past Presidents Luncheon, attendees to Sunday's afternoon session will hear, "What's New in Fluid Power," a presentation led by Frank Latino, product manager at Festo-USA, who will discuss how customers can benefit from employing advanced technologies in pneumatic systems; Joe Kovach, vice president at Parker Hannifin Corp., who will discuss the "re-birth" of hydraulics; and Peter Nachtwey, president of Delta Computer Systems, Inc., who will update the membership on advances in industrial motion control technologies.

Monday morning's session will explore the automation market, presented by John Lewis, director of Global Partnerships and Alliances for Rockwell Automation. He will discuss industrial automation with regards to control, communication and technology convergence. Also on the morning agenda is "Companion Technology Providers: Solutions & Opportunities," the stories of three technology providers—two fluid power distributors and one technical products manufacturer—who are providing their customers with automation solutions.

The 2004 Tech Expo is a draw for the remainder of Monday. The Expo, a one-day showcase of motion technology products, will teach members about the products and opportunities available, through product and component displays, and technical seminars led by exhibitors. Eight seminars will be presented, covering topics such as technical product application and marketing issues.

Tuesday's general session offers a tri-fecta of interesting topics, including a presentation on "Managing Health Care Costs: Consumer-Driven Health Plans," by Allen Wishner of Flexible Benefit Spending Corp.; "Managing Trade Credit," a session led by John Pontin of Euler Hermes ACI, who will provide an overview of techniques available to manage trade credit; and finally, "Who Are You, and What Do You Do? Developing and Delivering Your Message," a presentation by John Connor, president of SmartWords, who will offer critical insights and actionable steps for improving communication strategies and skills.

Networking opportunities at the meeting include an Early Birds' reception, Welcoming Reception, coffee services and luncheons, and Monday night's reception and dinner.