2026 AED Summit Brings Record Number of Industry Leaders Together in Dallas
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) successfully concluded the 2026 AED Summit, held January 19–21 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. The premier event brought together over 2,500 equipment distributors, manufacturers, and industry partners from across North America for three days of education, networking, and strategic insight. More than 50 percent of AED member companies were represented at the event, underscoring the Summit’s importance as the industry’s leading annual gathering.
The 2026 AED Summit featured more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services, with Congressmen Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) and Lance Gooden (R-Texas) joining AED leadership to commemorate the opening of the 2026 Conference Dealer Expo (CONDEX). The 2026 AED Summit featured more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest Attendees also took part in more than 40 educational sessions covering leadership, sales, rental operations, technology, management, and product support, gaining practical insights and actionable strategies for businesses across the industry.
“This Summit is an incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders and connect with peers facing the same challenges,” said AED member Keith Kreps, president, 21st Century Equipment. “Every session I attended gave me ideas I can take back and implement in our business.”
This year’s Summit was highlighted by a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers who delivered timely and impactful perspectives:
- Ambassador Nikki Haley shared insights on global leadership and public policy during the featured “Dinner and a Conversation” with AED President & CEO Brian P. McGuire, a highly anticipated fireside chat–style event that offered attendees a candid and engaging discussion on leadership and decision-making in today’s global environment.
- Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, addressed the state of American agriculture, policy priorities impacting rural communities, and the critical role of equipment dealers in supporting farmers and ranchers nationwide.
- First Sergeant Matt Eversmann (Ret.), whose story was portrayed in Black Hawk Down, delivered a powerful address on resilience, leadership under pressure, and decision-making in high-stakes environments.
- An OEM Leadership Panel, moderated by Marc Johnson of Pinion Global, brought together top executives to discuss the future of the equipment industry. Panelists included:
- Rod Bull, Chief Executive Officer, Komatsu North America Corp.
- Scott Young, President and Head of Region North America, Volvo Construction Equipment
- Michael Ballweber, President, Doosan Bobcat North America
- Andrew Ryan, President, LiuGong North America
- Alex Woods, President, Kubota Tractor Corporation
- Kurt Coffey, Vice President of Case IH North America, CNH Industrial America LLC
- Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics delivered essential economic analysis, equipping attendees with data-driven insights to support strategic planning for 2026 and beyond.
“The AED Summit continues to be the industry’s most important gathering for education, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership,” said McGuire. “The strong member participation, robust exhibitor presence, and high-caliber content at this year’s Summit reflect the strength, resilience, and innovation of the equipment industry.”
The 2026 AED Summit reinforced AED’s commitment to supporting its members through education, advocacy, and meaningful connections that strengthen the industry today and into the future. The event also hosted the annual meeting of the Deep Southern Equipment Dealers Association (DSEDA), which co-located its gathering at the Summit, further enhancing networking and industry collaboration.
AED also announced that the 2027 AED Summit will be held January 25–27, 2027, in Orlando, Florida, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel.
Photo: Moderated by Marc Johnson (Pinion Global), the panel featured senior leaders from across the equipment industry:
Michael Ballweber, President, Doosan Bobcat North America
Rod Bull, CEO, Komatsu North America
Kurt Coffey, Vice President, CASE IH North America
Andrew Ryan, President, LiuGong North America
Alex Woods, President, Kubota Tractor Corporation
Scott Young, President / Head of Region, Volvo Construction Equipment