A record number of delegates spent a very busy three days in picturesque Blue Mountain, ON . Despite the forecast, mother nature co-operated once again and we were able to experience the absolute beauty of this location. Social activities included Minute to Win It, the Amazing Race, mountain top segway rides, golf and a closing dinner with live music and a whole hog roast. Click here for pictures from the event.
This year we decided to try something new and introduced three half days of meetings in stead of two full days. This allowed members the opportunity to increase networking opportunities and ensure that we were better able to absorb the keynote presentations. Once again, we hosted a series of workshops and round tables to get member input into the future programs, events and overall goals of the association. All the committees will be meeting over the summer to start prioritizing and actioning some of the fantastic suggestions that came out of these sessions.
Our keynote speakers were truly outstanding. The presentations are now available on the members’ section of the website.
- Opening Keynote: Stuart Ducoffe, Recruitment, the Continuing Evolution
- Tony Stillo: Oxford Economics: Economic Forecast
- Stan Kleinikkink, ATS: AI
- John Zelec, U of W: AI
We also voted in our new CFPA Executive Team. After his two-year term, Ted O’Donnell of Bosch Rexroth ended his incredibly successful term as CFPA President. During his tenure, CFPA introduced a multitude of new programs and has grown substantially in size.
Phil D’Ercole of Stauff was elected as new CFPA President, and Stephanie Lamb of MP Filtri, was elected as CFPA V-P. Â
Market Insights
A hot topic at the AGM, and as a leader in your industry, you want to know about microeconomic trends that affect your fluid power industry, as well as the macroeconomic conditions affecting Canada, North America and the rest of the world. We will have more than one keynote speaker addressing market insight relevant to our specific industry and beyond.
AI
We will feature 2 AI keynotes. One will focus on adapting AI in your business and that of your customers, and will examine issues including predictive diagnostics, engineering applications and cost savings from increased productivity. The second will provide a more high-level look at AI and examine the many benefits of AI in all aspects of life while exploring potential pitfalls. This will be followed by an AI panel.
Networking
Networking is a key benefit of association membership and this is the perfect opportunity to form new relationships with senior leaders in the fluid power industry.  Those who enjoyed the walkability of the Whistler Village will not be disappointed with Blue Mountain. With the right mix of business topics and networking you will leave the AGM better informed, connected, and engaged.