The Fluid Power Distributors Assn. will host its Annual Meeting, themed "Seizing Tomorrow—It's Your Future," in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., April 30–May 3.

The meeting will focus on the economy and how it will affect business and personal finances; feature seminars on legal matters and distributor profitability; and promote idea sharing with peers, according to FPDA.

Speakers at the meeting include: Todd Buchholz, former White House director of economic policy and CNBC regular, who will present a session on "What's Next for the Global Business Environment? Connecting the Dots of the World Economy," in the opening general session; John B. Mahaffie of Leading Futurists, LLC, who will speak on, "Forces of Change Shaping the Future of Fluid Power;" Michael Gerber, author of The E-Myth, will share his expertise in the session, "The E-Myth Revolution: Transforming Your Company/Transforming Your Life;" Bruce J. Kasten of Duane Morris, LLC, and FPDA legal counsel, will present on, "Legal Matters that Could Impact the Future of Your Distribution Business;" Dr. Al Bates, president of Profit Planning Group, who will speak on, "The Five Pillars of Financial Success in Distribution: Implications from the FPDA PROFIT Report;" and C.W. Metcalf, who will motivate attendees through his session, "Riding the Lightning without Getting Burned: Life Skills for the 21st Century."

The meeting's "Best Practices Roundup," a networking and problem-solving session through smaller group discussions, will cover several topics, including: channel distribution/logistics, effective financial management, internal efficiency improvements for distributors, human resources, companion technologies, excess inventory sharing networks, the FPDA "Sales Knowledge Mine" resource, and channel relationships. "Roundup" is a new format to the association's popular focus group sessions.

Optional tours and activities include a kayak tour, a men's and women's golf outing, a trolley tour of St. Augustine, and a cruise on the Freedom Schooner of St. Augustine. Networking opportunities include a welcome reception, breaks and luncheons, the "Margaritaville" beach party reception and dinner, and the closing breakfast.

For more information, visit www.fpda.org.