June 2026

Are you ready for a change of scenery and a world of opportunity? Join us this fall as AHTD hosts our 2026 Fall Meeting in Carlsbad, CA. We will all discover what it means to be #BetterWithAHTD, through a program filled with industry insights, content for leadership and personal development, and networking with the meaningful connections that make every AHTD event unforgettable. Take advantage of early-bird rates by securing your spot today and experience it all alongside your AHTD community. Fresh perspectives start here!

What's Driving LinkedIn Visibility Right Now?

People follow people.

People trust people.

People engage with people.

So why are so many companies still treating LinkedIn like a broadcasting platform?

In Marketing Minute #30, AHTD's Marketing Director, Mara Dickson, explores three shifts she is seeing in LinkedIn visibility and why the organizations gaining the most traction today are focused less on promotion and more on participation. Click here to discover why participation beats promotion!

ITR June Report - Overall Growth Continues

With inflation and high costs putting pressure on both businesses and consumers, the U.S. economy is experiencing slow growth. Manufacturing and industrial activity remain uneven, with modest gains overall masking uneven performance between sectors. Looking ahead, elevated interest rates are expected to continue constraining expansion across many key industries.

Read the full report here.

Every Organization Needs Leaders Who Are Ready for What's Next.

AHTD's Future Leaders Program brings emerging leaders together from across the automation channel to build leadership skills, strengthen professional relationships, and prepare to take on greater responsibility within their organizations. As one graduate shared, "The skills, relationships, and insights gained can extend far beyond the program itself, creating lasting value for both individuals and their organizations."

Discover how FLP helps our member organizations prepare their next generation of leaders, and why companies across our industry continue to invest in the program. Click here to learn more.

Spots are limited. Apply today and invest in the leaders who will shape your company's future.

DSG State of E-Commerce Survey

AHTD and the Distribution Strategy Group are surveying distributors and manufacturers of automation products to understand how our industry is progressing with e-commerce strategies, investments, and results. This quick, confidential survey offers participants the opportunity to contribute their progress and receive valuable insights in their resulting benchmarking report. And, there is an incentive for you early responders!

Why participate?

• Participants will receive a copy of the survey results

• The survey takes just 8 minutes to complete.

• All responses will remain confidential.

• DSG will send the first 200 participants a $10 e-gift card.

Take the survey

Continue Learning with Free Webinars

AHTD members have access to valuable learning opportunities year-round.

As a founding sponsor of the University of Innovative Distribution, AHTD provides members with complimentary access to expert-led webinars covering leadership, sales, AI, economics, and more. Whether you're looking for fresh perspectives on today's business challenges or want to stay ahead of industry trends, these sessions make it easy to continue learning between our Spring and Fall Meetings. Explore the upcoming webinar lineup and register 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.

Airline Hydraulics expands footprint with Industrial Automation Supply (IAS).
Cattron celebrates 80th anniversary.
Helix Linear Technologies releases a new Motion Profile Configuration tool.
LUTZE named technology partner in global automation ecosystem.
Piab brings new BCP Suction Cups to market.
Weidmüller announces Schneider Electric's selection of its SNAP IN technology for new TeSys Series
SMAC launches “RACE to Replace” GUI to simplify Pneumatic-to-Electric Actuator Conversion.
Wachendorff Automation partners with Encoder Products Company to expand access to high-quality motion feedback solutions in North America.

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 provides a centralized SKU Scorecard view within Inventory Management System for manufacturers.

Looking to enhance communications skills for yourself, your team, or your company? Explore these communication training offerings from MRA.

Reshape shares twelve questions to ask before you buy AI for your line card.

The Beringer Group offers AHTD-specific insights into how business owners and families can transition and protect wealth, in their webinar: Estate Planning for Wholesale Distributors.

Expand Your Reach

Looking to expand your reach, start meaningful conversations, and generate new business? AHTD Sponsorship Programs give you direct access to leaders across the industrial automation channel, helping you elevate visibility and position your company as a trusted partner in high technology. Whether through Cornerstone or Conference sponsorships, this is your opportunity to stand out and make a lasting impact. Learn more here.

Get Involved. Make an Impact.

Strengthen Your Network.

Maximize your AHTD membership by getting involved! Whether you join the Program, Membership, or Promotions & Communications Committees, the Manufacturers Advisory Council (MAC), or Women in Automation (AHTD-WIA) Steering Committee, serving on a committee expands your network, builds valuable skills, and strengthens the association. Experience firsthand how an organization built by members, for members continues to grow stronger - because of YOU. #AHTDrocks

Check out the details.