AHTD March 2026 Newsletter

March 2026

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One Week Until SM26 - Don't Miss a Beat!

We're one week out, here’s your warm‑up list before the curtain rises in Nashville.

There's still time to grab your spot before the show starts!

Connect, Collaborate, and Grow With WIA

Join us for AHTD’s WIA Spring Meet‑Up at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8 in Nashville! Meet incredible women in automation and get an inside look at what this inspiring group is accomplishing. You won’t want to miss it!

If you can’t join us in person, there are plenty of other ways to stay connected:

AHTD’s WIA #DoingHighTechBetter!

What We Heard at Fall Meeting '25: Why the Manufacturer-Distributor Model Works

Some of the most valuable moments at Fall Meeting did not appear in a slide deck. Across two candid panel discussions, manufacturers and distributors spoke openly about what it takes to build and maintain trust, stay aligned on strategy and execution, and deliver the best possible outcomes for end users. If you care about the future of the manufacturer-distributor model, this series is worth your time.

In the final article, we step back to consider a broader question: as technology accelerates, consolidation continues, and customer expectations evolve, why does the manufacturer-distributor model still matter? The answer, as our panel discussions revealed, lies in distinct roles, strategic proximity, and leaders who choose to manage the model - intentionally.

Read the full article, Why the Manufacturer-Distributor Model Still Works, on the AHTD website.

If you missed the earlier installments, you may also access part 1 and part 2 of the series.

ITR March Report - Stable Growth Ahead

Manufacturing is growing slowly, with modest gains in production and capital equipment. Rising energy and input costs are squeezing industrial margins. B2B demand remains steady, led by defense, electrification, and infrastructure.

Read the full report here.

Turning Financial Insight Into Strategic Action

Participating in our Financial Benchmarking Survey gives AHTD ASPs the insights needed to confidently prepare for the future. By contributing your data, you gain access to comprehensive, confidential performance comparisons that help you understand where your organization excels and where untapped opportunities lie - for free. The resulting benchmarking report provides powerful analytics, trends, and industry ratios; tools that support smarter planning, stronger financial management, and better-informed strategic decisions. Learn more here.

Future‑Focused Tools for Stronger Foundations

Invest in your rising talent and strengthen your leadership team. Through AHTD’s Future Leaders program, participants gain the tools, confidence, and community they need to lead with impact. Ready to develop your high‑potential employees into tomorrow’s most capable leaders?

The AHTD Intern Leadership Program equips interns with essential professional skills while giving employers a streamlined, high‑impact development experience. Through weekly online training from June to August, interns build capabilities in project management, presentation skills, team leadership, and workplace readiness topics. Register your interns today - early bird discount ends April 14!

What's Up, Members?

As a member of AHTD, you’re tapped into a dynamic community of automation professionals. Check out some of these insights from our membership base.

Bishop-Wisecarver appoints Andrea Schukler as Marketing Manager.
Dynapar shares updated pricing for HS20 Series.
NOSHOK, Inc. introduces re‑engineered 200 Series SPDT Switch.
Wachendorff Automation expands its portfolio with FDA-compliant couplings designed for hygienic production environments.
Weidmuller USA unveils WM4 C PV Connectors for solar applications.

Have any company events or updates to share with fellow AHTD members in our "What's Up?" sections? Please send newsletter submissions to Heidi Wadzinski by the 2nd Friday of the month. Find guidelines and past newsletters here.

What's Up, Strategic Business Partners?

We're grateful for our Strategic Business Partners. These companies offer strategic products or services in the industrial automation distribution industry.

Interlynx Systems shares the Company Scorecard with Interlynx Intelligence.

Looking to strengthen your workforce? Partner with MRA for the expert HR support, training, and resources you need to thrive.

Reshape outlines what happens when every customer gets your best sales engineer.

Get to Know Our Strategic Business Partners

AHTD’s Strategic Business Partners play a key role in supporting our members with tools, expertise, and solutions that help drive stronger performance across the automation channel. From data insights to process improvements and industry‑leading resources, these partners bring tremendous value to our community. Be sure to visit them at SM26 and discover how their offerings can help your organization grow and excel.

Guided by Our Mission

AHTD’s mission reflects our commitment to strengthening the industrial automation channel and supporting members as they navigate a rapidly evolving industry. Grounded in collaboration, innovation, and shared success, our mission guides the work we do every day.