Q: In what way is the show’s new name — The Motion + Power Technology Expo — reflected in its mission moving forward?
A: We have a saying at AGMA when people ask about the importance of what our members manufacture. We tell them “Gears make the world move.” The show’s new name is a direct reflection of the most simple and important function of a gear. Although the name is new, the foundation of what the show represents is still very present, with the entire gear manufacturing supply chain represented.
Motion + Power Technology Expo is not just a tradeshow, but a technical reality that is coming to fruition as we speak. All over the world we see industries teaming up to offer consolidated supply chains where customers can meet all their needs in one place. In a global marketplace, with steep competition and technology changing rapidly, AGMA thought it was time to have a show that represents all the power transmission sectors that make the world move – fluid and electric power included. The name is part of this new vision for the show, bringing all types of power transmission buyers together to network, see the latest technology, and to learn about new processes. We are very excited to work with all parts of the industry to give exhibitors and attendees what they need to be successful.
Q: Can we expect new events, seminars, or education platforms in Detroit this year?
A: We are really excited about all the new events and educational opportunities that we are offering in Detroit this October. It was important that with the new branding, we developed new ways in which we can support all parts of the power transmission industry and our expanded audience. The industry is busy, and letting staff leave their everyday work to attend a tradeshow is a tough decision for companies. That is why we wanted to make sure we offered more than just a place to do business by creating a two-track MPT Conference that includes 16 speakers on Emerging Technology and Business Intelligence topics. These presentations come from subject matter experts in the fields of 3D printing, IIoT, Electric Drive Technology, Robotics, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Market Information and Workforce. In addition, we teamed up with expert instructors that will cover all parts of the power transmission industry with education seminars on topics such as Supply Chain Management, Fluid Power Components, Bearings, Heat Treatment, Gear Engineering and more.
Additionally, we know that the show floor offers exhibitors the space to make sales, but we have extended this concept with new networking events that showcase the diversity of our industry. With a Young Professionals networking event and a Women in Manufacturing Breakfast, AGMA and partners are providing exhibitor and attendees the time to build relationships and business contacts for the future. We want exhibitors to come to MPT Expo knowing that they have every available resource provided to them. We respect that coming to a trade show can be expensive, so we want to make sure that we offer everything they need for the best ROI.
Q: It’s really exciting to see this burst of fresh energy for the show. Does it also signal any new directions within the AGMA itself?
A: AGMA has been strategically working to build new and stronger relationships with other sectors of the power transmission industry. The energy you see is reflective of the hard work, from members, our board and staff to make sure the gear industry stays current, relevant and up-to-date on the changing technology of the global marketplace. AGMA has been collocating its show with ASM International’s Heat Treat Exposition for more than a decade, and has also had a long relationship with the American Bearing Manufacturers Association, who are supporting the show with an education seminar. Motion + Power Technology Expo also brings a new partner with the National Fluid Power Association having a pavilion of more than 20 fluid power companies, which is also offering three seminars.
The show is a great way to represent how interconnected the power transmission industry is, and AGMA will continue to build strong partnerships with associations that can help bring value to our exhibitors and attendees.
Q: What do you hope attendees will find most valuable about this new format? What do you feel might generate the most buzz?
A: The name change and rebrand has generated quite the buzz already. Gear Expo was a staple for our primary members, and the work we all did to bring the show to where it is today was significant. Attendees will find that legacy is still there, and the fact that our exhibitors are not just companies that have been around for five years, but instead have over 50 years of experience, demonstrates the strength and quality of what we offer.
I think that history mixed with the new demographics, the MPT Conference, and the expanded education seminars will give companies a reason to send multiple people to the show with the confidence that they will be investing not only in growth, but in training. Having a “one-stop shop for all things power transmission” will be convenient for many, so we look forward to hosting everyone this October in Detroit.
Learn more at motionpowerexpo.com and agma.org.
