AHTD September 2026 Newsletter

September 2026

Fresh Perspectives from Carlsbad

AHTD’s members proved that we are #BetterWithAHTD at the Fall Meeting in Carlsbad. Thank you to our sponsors, members, and everyone else who helped make it such a great meeting!

Coming soon… Watch for the photos and video highlights capturing the meeting’s energy, connections, and key moments. Join the AHTD Members and Guests Facebook page to see it all!

And, be sure to mark your calendar for April 13-15. We can't wait to see you at the spectacular El Conquistador for our 2027 Spring Meeting in Puerto Rico.

October's Free Webinar: AI for Distribution

Explore the latest installment of our members-only webinar series, designed to sharpen your competitive edge and uncover new growth opportunities. In AI for Distribution, attendees will discover practical ways to leverage AI-powered insights to better understand customers, monitor market activity, and make more informed business decisions.

Stay one step ahead in an evolving industry. Click here to learn more and register today.

ITR September Report - Plan for Modest Gains

The U.S. economy continues to grow despite ongoing inflation, supply chain disruptions, and trade uncertainty, with technology, automation, power generation, and defense leading investment activity. While growth is expected to slow in 2027, resilient consumers and businesses should help sustain expansion, making it important for companies to focus on stable, high-growth markets and plan for more modest volume gains ahead.

Read the full report here.

Lead the Way in 2027

As you plan for 2027, consider investing in opportunities that inspire growth, strengthen connections, and help your team reach its full potential. AHTD's programs and events offer meaningful ways to engage emerging talent, hone skills, gain fresh industry perspectives, and build valuable professional relationships.

Now is a great time to explore which opportunities align with your goals and include them in your 2027 planning so your team can continue learning, growing, and thriving in the year ahead.

Mark Your Calendars - WIA November Meet-up

Join us November 17 for our final Women in Automation 2026 meet-up, Lead with Confidence, Self-Advocate with Purpose. Together we'll explore how confidence, everyday leadership, and self-advocacy create new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Even when we can't meet in person, there are plenty of ways to stay connected:

AHTD’s WIA is #DoingHighTechBetter, together!

Want Stronger Profitability & Financial Stability?

Thanks to AHTD's Financial Benchmarking Survey, we all have access to comparative aggregate data derived from our own membership! Want to access the report that assists our industry's managers in achieving robust profitability and financial security for their companies? The most up-to-date Financial Benchmarking Report is available for purchase by any AHTD member company. Purchase yours today.

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.

Air Hydro Power announces leadership transition.
EPC partnership creates new opportunities for distributors.
Lakeland Engineering names Ken Chamberlain President.
Techmaster hosts Brats & Robots 2026.
Wachendorff Automation presents new absolute encoders with screw-on flanges.
Weidmüller achieves new record title in Guiness World Records.
Wieland Electric launches 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.

New to AHTD, and ready to talk smarter e-commerce.

Continuum launches ReFlow, turning inventory forecasts into recovered capital.

epaCUBE shares insights into identifying costs to serve in distribution.

Empower your HR team with MRA and master compliance, build culture, and drive lasting growth.

Before you automate your catalog, find out who owns the compatibility rules. Reshape shares why.

Meet the Program Committee

Selecting speakers... reviewing member survey feedback... brainstorming potential topics... it's just the beginning for the AHTD Program Committee! To serve our members the right mix of information and inspiration, each committee member watches hours of speaker tapes and decides together what the membership needs. Get to know these unsung heroes here. BY members FOR members - YOUR AHTD!