(Pictured above: The Breaking Barriers sign – From left to right, mthe host Alexis Gladstone, DeLene Martin Bane (President, Martin Equipment), Kelly Olson (President, Western States Equipment) and Talena Hooper (Executive VP, Wells Fargo)

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) successfully hosted its fifth annual Women in Equipment conference, held September 25-27 at the Limelight Hotel in Denver, with a record attendance of more than 125 attendees. The Women in Equipment conference is designed to empower and equip women leaders in the equipment industry by focusing on leadership development, networking and breaking down barriers in what is traditionally a male-dominated field .

The conference began with a keynote address by Sarah Hurwitz, former speech editor for First Lady Michelle Obama. Hurwitz provided insight into how leaders can harness the power of language to inspire and influence, drawing on his rich experience in crafting impactful communication at the highest levels.

Attendees participated in impactful sessions, including Amy Parrish’s “From Chaos to Calm” workshop on work-life balance, and the “Breaking Barriers” panel, where DeLene Martin Bane (President of Martin Equipment) , Talena Hooper (Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo) and Kelly Olson (President of Western States Equipment) shared their insights on overcoming the challenges they have faced in the industry.

The conference also focused on allyship with the “Partnering for Progress” panel, comprised of Marshall Anderson (Executive Vice President, RDO Equipment Co.) and John Shearer (President of AED, CEO of 4Rivers Equipment) , discussing the vital role men play in supporting women. in the industry.

“Empowering women in the equipment industry is crucial to fostering innovation and driving success,” said Diane Benck, president of West Side Tractor Sales Co. and president of the AED Foundation. “The AED Women in Equipment conference not only highlights the immense talent of women in our field, but also provides valuable networking and mentoring opportunities. Together, we can develop the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our industry. »

Benck led an engaging fireside chat with keynote and former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos. Participants benefited from candid discussions and gained practical advice on career development, stress management and resilience.

“The value of this event for me is the support,” said first-time attendee Alexandra Norris of Specialty Equipment Insurance Services. “Really being able to see so many women coming together to support each other and be vulnerable and talk about things together was so empowering.”

With its record attendance and dynamic lineup of speakers, the Women in Equipment 2024 conference has solidified itself as a transformative event, reinforcing AED’s commitment to fostering leadership, diversity and inclusion within the equipment industry. For more information about AED’s Women in Equipment conference and future events, please visit www.aednet.org.