The Fluid Power Distributors Assn. will hold its Annual Meeting April 29-May 2 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, just outside of Albuquerque.

The meeting will avoid a usual-suspects approach, as mostly new names and faces will be featured, explained Kathleen DeMarco, FPDA's executive director.

Many speakers were referred by association members, and their scheduled topics have been shaped by FPDA member feedback at past events, including the Fall Meeting held in Chicago last November.

DeMarco points to the streamlined Best Practices session as an example.

“In Chicago, we had maybe six or seven topics for each [Best Practices] session, but this time we've cut it to four topics,” she explained, “with maybe two or three discussion points scheduled for each one.”

In New Mexico, one of the sessions will focus on improving profits via operational excellence. Another will look at more successful ways to reach out to channel partners and customers.

Among the new speakers is Bob Prosen, author of “Kiss Theory Goodbye,” with a speech entitled “Fostering Superior Leadership and a Culture of Accountability.”

“An FPDA member told me that, hands down, Prosen was the best speaker he'd ever heard in his life,” DeMarco said. “He focuses on creating a culture of accountability with your leadership—expecting results and not just actions. I think it will be great for our program.”

Most companies have a wide range of generations represented among its employees these days, so generational issues will be the focus when Robert Wendover speaks on “Leadership and the Emerging Generations.”

Wendover, managing director of the Center for Generational Studies, examines how generations relate to one another in American business.

“Rather than just talking about the boomers and the Generation Xers and Generation Yers,” DeMarco said, “he'll address how these different generations are approaching leadership and creating their own leadership styles.”

In addition to workshops and meetings, attendees can go on a Float Trip on the Rio Grande River, hike at Tent Rocks National Monument, and play on area golf courses, among other activities.

Overall, DeMarco says she's optimistic the program will be well-received by FPDA members.

“We certainly expect a robust turnout,” DeMarco said. “The industry is in good shape and the economy has been treating us well. We think we've put together a strong program.”