Disruptive innovation (think Uber) is here to stay and the heavy equipment industry is not immune. However, equipment manufacturers and distributors can recognize and leverage disruptive innovations and create new value to stay in business and prosper.

Disruption expert Luke Williams will tell them how as keynote speaker of the AEM/AED Forum: Drivers of the Industry set for September 12-14 in Chicago.

Williams, founder of W.R. Berkley Innovation Labs and Professor, NYU Stern School of Business, is a leading educator, consultant, speaker and author of “Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business.”

Held annually by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the forum brings together OEMs and dealers to discuss the challenges, threats and opportunities they face and learn how they can position themselves for long-term success in a changing marketplace.

In a dozen sessions, including manufacturer and dealer panels, AEM/AED Forum attendees will hear from industry and business experts on:

• Business drivers including the economy, political and legislative landscape, building, roads, energy, oil and rental

• Technology tools to deliver more value to the customer including telematics, machine connectivity, advanced analytics and automation.

Plenty of networking opportunities, including the AED Foundation golf tourney, offer additional invaluable opportunities for manufacturers and dealers to share opinions and insights with their channel partners.

For more information, visit www.aem.org.