Convention Reviews

EPTDA invites you to live again memorable experiences and moments of the previous Annual Conventions, yet another way of getting more acquainted with these leading PT/MC industry events and sense the real value of participating.

Please click the following links to access the reviews of the past conventions:

• 2009, Rome
• 2008, Brussels - 10th Anniversary celebrated in style
  
• 2007, Monaco
  

EPTDA 2009 CONVENTION

EPTDA hosts another successful industry event in Rome - welcoming over 250 PT/MC industry leaders

EPTDA (European Power Transmission Distributors Association), the leading association for the industrial distribution channel in Europe, welcomed over 250 participants from around the world to meet at its 2009 Annual Convention in Rome. Despite the ongoing economic uncertainties, the association welcomed almost the same number of companies as 2008, further re-establishing the confidence in the economy and the inevitable growth of the Power Transmission and Motion Control (PTMC) industry.

The Annual Convention theme "Excellence in Relationships" featured some of the most distinguished motivational speakers and business leaders, including Mr Miles Hilton-Barber, the blind adventurer and Dr J. P. Pawliw-Fry, an author, columnist and performance coach to Olympic athletes and business leaders.

EPTDA also welcomed 10 new member companies, 8 non-member companies and over 20 international guests to the Rome Convention from all over the world including Japan, South Africa, United States of America and Canada.

"EPTDA's Annual Conventions are the one and only executive meeting platform for decision makers of the European PT/MC Industry," comments Mr Manfred Beitel, President of EPTDA. "The success of our 2009 Annual Convention in Rome and a large participation once again proves that our association is the leading organization
committed to adding value to the business and success of our member companies," adds Mr Beitel.

EPTDA's mission is to advance distribution and strengthen members to be successful, profitable and competitive in a changing market environment. EPTDA takes pride in being a premier community for qualified members fostering open dialogue and mutual respect; acting with integrity, honesty and fairness and ensuring continuous  growth and learning.

"EPTDA offers the most cost effective meeting platform for Distributors and Manufacturers. Where else can you meet nearly 300 PT/MC professionals, business owners and key decision makers under one roof?" claims Mr Hans Hanegreefs, Executive Vice President, EPTDA. "We not only offer executive networking opportunities but tangible tools and market intelligence that have a direct effect on our members' business bottom line and business development," adds Mr Hanegreefs.

The association also launched its 2009-2010 Membership Directory, called the "Blue Book", at the 2009 Annual Convention. The EPTDA Blue Book is the only printed publication of its kind featuring executive contact details of the distributor and manufacturer member companies. The Blue Book is not just a directory; it's a seal of quality and a powerful business card for companies that are associated with EPTDA.

EPTDA's 2010 Annual Convention themed "Our Future" will be held in Malta, in September 2010 at the beautiful Hilton Malta hotel. Malta was selected as the 2010 venue to further signal the EPTDA's ambitions to grow its membership in emerging markets, and explore the potential of this promising business hub. EPTDA aims to welcome over 300 participants at the 2010 event.

Speaker presentations

These are available to convention delegates only and in the members-only section of EPTDA webiste.

CLICK HERE to access the presentations.

Convention pictures

Re-live or witness this unforgettable event and click here to view the pictures

2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION IN BRUSSELS

ENTERING A NEW DECADE OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS

EPTDA celebrates its 10^th anniversary with a big bang!

With the theme "Creating Value Together", EPTDA marked its entry into a new decade of success and growth as it celebrated its 10 years anniversary in the European Capital, Brussels. More than 320 CEOs, Managing Directors and business leaders of the Power Transmission and Motion Control industry gathered at the beautiful Dolce La Hulpe Hotel to mark the beginning of a new era for EPTDA. With more than 27 different nationalities represented, including two new members from Japan and South Africa, the event lived up to its theme of creating value together, especially in tough times like today.

• A strong foundation
• Welcoming 20 new members
• Sharing best practices with other industries
• Exchanging ideas
• Donating for a worthy cause
• The entertainment programme

A STRONG FOUNDATION

The 2008 Annual Convention was a unique celebration of EPTDA's 10 years history, foundation and valuable members who made it all happen. The association thanked and recognised its founding members who have, till date, continued to support EPTDA's objectives and activities, and serve as real ambassadors of the association.

WELCOMING 20 NEW MEMBERS

EPTDA's growth chart continues to point upwards despite the ongoing consolidation in the industry and difficult market climate. The association welcomed 20 new members this year, the majority of whom were present at the Annual Convention in Brussels.

Back to top

SHARING BEST PRACTICES FROM OTHER INDUSTRIES

As this year's keynote speaker, EPTDA invited the celebrated millionaire and businessman, Simon Woodroffe. Simon is the founder, owner and creative force behind the YO! brand. An icon in the entertainment business for the last 30 years, Simon believes in shaking things up. And that's exactly what he did at his keynote speech at EPTDA Annual Convention. Sharing his life's journey and the lessons learned along the way to stardom, Simon demonstrated how his iron-will of never ever giving got him through the most difficult moments in life. He also shared his thoughts on "innovation" and "creativity" and its importance in any business' success.

EPTDA also invited Tom Blackett from Interbrand to share the excerpt of their research on the winning and loosing brands on the Top 100 Best Brands of the World. He brought forward some valuable insights on the importance of building a good brand, fostering its awareness and to preserve the brand values. Tom's presentation made it very clear that Brand is one of the most important assets of a company, which should be carefully managed and protected. He explained that any company's success relies greatly on its ability to continue to deliver on its brand promises consistently.

Growth is much sought by most companies, but how do we make sure that it is continuous and profitable? Dr. Isaac Getz, Professor of Idea, Involvement and Innovation Management at the ESCP-EAP European School of Management (Paris), ranked N°6 in Europe by Financial Times and Visiting Professor at Cornell and Stanford Universities and at the University of Massachusetts, showed how world-class companies involve all stakeholders - from its people to its partners, to drive growth and decrease costs through collaborative out-of-the box initiatives and innovation.

The fourth workshop of the day was conducted by Marc Binnemans, the CEO of Belgium's Group Antilope, which is the market leader in innovative solutions for printing and online communication. Marc demonstrated how a brand can be speeded up with the help of new and effective online tools. This workshop was built around a real-life case study which showed the audience how the implementation of brand guidelines and proper management through modern techniques and online tools can influence your bottom line profits.

Back to top

EXCHANGING IDEAS

MD-IDEX (Manufacturer Distributor Idea Exchange) is continuously rated as the most tangible membership benefit by EPTDA members. This year again, the association hosted 53 MD-IDEX tables to provide an open dialogue platform for its manufacturer and distributor members.

Back to top

DONATING FOR A WORTHY CAUSE

EPTDA is strongly committed to promoting responsible business practices amongst its members and partners. In addition to defining a roadmap for all stakeholders on ethical business practices, the association also invites its members to make a charity donation every year. This year, it partnered with Belgium's King Baudouin Foundation and Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme to support raising the awareness on autism in Belgium. The association's President, Manfred Beitel and Past President, Roberto Cugnaschi, handed a cheque of EUR 10,075 to the representatives of both organisations.

Back to top

THE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

The 10 year celebrations brought a big bang to the city of Brussels. The event kicked off with the "Diamond Welcome Reception", where 10 member companies won a real diamond and the rest took away a souvenir of this magical evening. EPTDA also invited its delegates and spouses to an authentic Belgian evening tasting the signature flavours of beers and other delicacies which the country is known for. With beautiful natural and serene settings, in which the Dolce La Hulpe Hotel (convention venue) is located, the delegates also enjoyed the Opera "La Boheme" at the hotel's very own auditorium. And the grand finale, the "Cotton Club" hosted at the fabulous AutoWorld museum, was the icing on the cake, where the musicians and dancers put on a highly energetic and entertaining show from the 1920's.

        Back to top

Speakers presentations

Please click here to access the members-only section of EPTDA and download speakers presentations.

Convention pictures

Remember the nice moments of EPTDA's 10th anniversary celebrations - watch the pictures

EPTDA celebrated its 10th Annual Convention in 2007 with record-breaking figures!

Over 370 participants enjoyed the spectacular setting, sun and stimulating programme packed with thought-provoking speeches and seminars bringing palpable benefits. Not to mention the stunning social events and other formal and informal networking opportunities.

Pictures

Further witness the success of the event - view pictures

Convention survey & Voting machines

Click here

UNICEF

UNICEF donation: if you did not have a chance to contribute to EPTDA's partnership with UNICEF at the convention, please feel free to download the donation form and return it to EPTDA Bureau.

General Information

Themed  "People make the difference", the EPTDA's networking event of the year for power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry professionals and decision makers featured high-profile speakers like: Kjell Nordström, a guru of the new world of business and author of ‚Funky Business', Robert Benninga, a leading authority and highly rated speaker on Inspiration and Human Capital Development amongst others, Matthias Schranner, a trainer for negotiations on the edge and Bruce van Barthold, an expert in value and strategy.

EPTDA welcomed the representatives of its 202 member companies and all PT/MC industry professionals to board with them to Monaco and celebrate the 10th annual convention of the association. The event offered valuable networking opportunities, outstanding educational sessions and unforgettable entertainment in a majestic area.

High array of speakers at Annual Convention in Monaco

Kjell Nordström (keynote session speaker) 

Dr. Kjell Nordström has 20 years of experience of working with multinational companies and has served as an advisor/consultant to several large multinationals and to Tony Blair's current government.
Amid the madness and hyperbole surrounding the new economy, Dr. Kjell A. Nordstrom is a guru of the new world of business. The 2005 Thinkers 50, the world's first ranking of management thinkers, ranked Nordstrom and his partner Dr. Jonas Ridderstrale at number 9 in the world and number one in Europe. His dynamic style makes him a highly appreciated speaker through out the world. Kjell holds an Economic Licentiate degree and a doctoral degree from the Stockholm School of Economics. He is presently an Associate Professor at the Institute of International Business (IIB) at the Stockholm School of Economics. His research and consulting focus is in the areas of corporate strategy, multinational corporations and globalization. Kjell has published a book and numerous articles on the internationalization process of firms. Five years ago he was recognized as Sweden's outstanding young academic of the year. Kjell has been responsible for the International Business course at the Stockholm School of Economics and is one of the founders of the schools most prestigious management programs, "The Advanced Management Program - AMP". AMP is a five-week top-management program that attracts the elite of Scandinavian executives. He is also on the board of directors of several companies.
The book, Funky Business - Talent Makes Capital Dance (co-authored with Jonas Ridderstrale) is a manifesto of what our time requires from business firms and their leaders. The book has been featured on CNN and CNBC, and appeared in Fortune, Fast Company, Time Magazine, Financial Times, Paris Match, etc. and is an international best-seller. So far, it has been translated into more than 31 languages. In 2000, both Amazon.co.uk and Management General rated Funky Business as one of the five best business books of the year. The new book, Karaoke Capitalism: Management for Mankind (co-authored with Jonas Ridderstrale) is a new manifesto for how to make it in the world of Karaoke Capitalism. Individuals with endless choices dominate the karaoke economy. The trouble for business is that the karaoke club is also home to institutionalized imitation.
To date Karaoke Capitalism has been contracted for publication in 23 languages.

Mr. Robert Benninga 

Robert Benninga is a leading authority and highly rated facilitator, consultant, executive coach, trainer and keynote speaker on Inspiration, High Performance Leadership, Change Realization, Inspiration and Human Capital Development with major companies, organizations & networks at international conventions and in-company projects. He uses his unique combination of
• 17 year direct corporate top management experience with 5 international companies (Hyatt USA, AHOLD, KBB, WE Int.& Asko-Metro).
• 15 years & several hundreds of global Mindpower projects
• and his inspiring personality, break-through capacities and ‘X-ray eyes and ears'.

Benninga is a preferred partner on issues of High Performance Leadership (Scorecard), Change and M & A's for companies and organizations such as ABN-AMRO, Akzo-Nobel, Allianz, AXA, BMW, Brunel, Clientlogic, Coca Cola, Compaq, Deloitte, DHL, Dow Chemical, DSM, Dun & Bradstreet, the Dutch Airforce, Fortis, General Electric, Heineken, Hertz, ING Bank, Hewlett-Packard, Kipling, KLM, KPMG, KPN Telecom, L'Oréal, Microsoft, Nestlé, Philips, Progress Software, SaraLee/DE, Shell , TNT, Unilever, Volvo and Worldwide Broker Network
Besides having written 6 books and having made several CD- and DVD Video programs, Benninga appears regularly in TV programs in his home country, the Netherlands and writes columns in leading business magazines and leadership publications. After his successful corporate career with several leading European and American international companies Benninga founded Mindpower International in 1991, now one the leading companies in Europe in the field of Change Management and Personal and Professional Leadership. He also teaches at Nyenrode University, the leading Dutch Business School.
 He was chosen to be one of the 8 selected worldwide speakers in the CEO ‘Profiles in Leadership' Program.
Benninga tackles issues of change, leadership, M & A's  and peak personal performance in an entertaining and at the same time serious way, thereby allowing you to get great ‘Take Home Value' out of this Keynote speeches and facilitated processes. He combines his mature and seasoned business experience with concrete and crucial tools and insights.

More info: http://www.robertbenninga.com/

Mr. Matthias Schranner 

Mr. Schranner was a member of the crisis-negotiating task force for the Bavarian police department where he negotiated in hostage situations, kidnappings, bank robberies, and suicide attempts. As a consultant for difficult negotiations he trains executive personnel for Companies such as BMW, Nokia, Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, Munich Airport, Siemens and SAP. Matthias Schranner is CEO of the Negotiation Institute St. Gallen/Switzerland.

Convention facilitator: Mr. Bruce van Barthold  

Bruce van Barthold was educated at Sheffield University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sheffield and a DEA (Master of Arts) from Paris VII University. Bruce has worked with the French Government, for over 10 years, at the ENA and the Quai d'Orsay. He then moved to STRATX, a blue chip consulting company, where his clients list features Novartis, Nestlé, Pfizer, Kodak, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, BIC, and L'Oréal. He also co-presents the Strategic Marketing of Services course at Insead. Bruce has given regular seminars on value and strategy around the world.