AHTD October 2026 Newsletter

October 2026

Would They Know It's Yours?

When Professional Becomes Forgettable

"Innovative solutions... industry-leading expertise... trusted partner." Sound familiar? They should! But when everyone uses the same language, how does anyone stand out? In Marketing Minute #31, AHTD's Marketing Director Mara Dickson explores what makes a brand recognizable, why being polished isn't the same as being distinctive, and how a little personality can make a company more memorable.

Read the full article here.

ITR October Report - Uneven Sector Growth

The U.S. economy is seeing modest, uneven growth, with inflation and high interest rates pressuring consumers, housing, construction, and margins. Manufacturing is split, with AI/high-tech, defense, machinery, and electrical equipment outperforming more traditional segments. The broader industrial economy is expected to remain flat in 2027, favoring companies exposed to data centers, defense, energy, and related capital investment.

Read the full report here.

There Is ALWAYS More to Learn.

The AHTD Marketing Roundtable Is BACK for Winter 2027!

Join your trusted network of industrial automation marketers for three interactive, peer-driven conversations tackling today's real-world marketing challenges. Share ideas, exchange insights, challenge assumptions, and gain new perspectives to help you market smarter.

Harness the power of AHTD's marketing community! Register today to join the conversation.

Ready to Fuel Your Team’s Growth in 2027?

In preparing your 2027 budget, plan for your team to

access the education, resources, and networking for

#DoingHighTechBetter. AHTD programs and events

strengthen skills, provide fresh industry perspectives, build professional relationships, and develop talent.

Help your team become #BetterWithAHTD in 2027.

Mark Your Calendars - WIA November Meet-up

AHTD's Women in Automation will be discussing

how to Lead with Confidence, Self-Advocate with

Purpose at our final 2026 meet-up. Sign up to join us at 1 p.m. CST on November 17 as we explore how initiative, everyday leadership, and self-advocacy create new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Stay connected with AHTD's WIA:

AHTD’s WIA is #DoingHighTechBetter, together!

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.

Encoder Products Company introduces the 36RT/H Accu-CoderPro®.
Fortress Safety appoints Tom Crane as New Managing Director.
Helix Linear announces new product launch.
Piab launches PS Series for smarter vacuum automation.
Triad Technologies expands with Filtration Corporation of America.
Weidmüller named 2026 Rockwell Automation Direct Supplier of the Year.
Wieland Electric energizes its lineup with new single-phase power supplies.

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.

Pricing GPS: How a distributor of HVAC supplies unlocked $1M+ in margin dollars.

What could your business achieve with MRA as your strategic HR partner?

Your website needs an AI Assistant that actually knows your products.

AHTD Members in action: Rubber Tree Systems powers a more connected sales organization for MCE Automation.

Your CRM should update itself: Why industrial sales teams need a different approach to CRM.

Why starting exit conversations early helps business owners maximize value.

Is Your Sales Compensation Competitive?

Looking to explore how different organizations compensate their employees in sales management, inside & outside sales, and route sales? Check out the updated National Sales Compensation Survey here.