Heavy Duty Dialogue ’08 to Focus on ‘Insight’

Heavy Duty Dialogue ’08, the annual conference for executives and leaders in the heavy duty industry, is set for Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 at The Mirage, Las Vegas.

The HD Dialogue theme this year is “Insight: The Future of the Global Commercial Vehicle Industry.”

Organized by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the event will precede Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), which kicks off the evening of Monday, Jan. 21, and continues through Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at The Mirage.

HD Dialogue ’08 will continue the event’s tradition of offering a stellar line-up of analysts and industry experts forecasting the future of the global commercial vehicle industry.

Select “Agenda” on the menu at left for full program details, and click on “Speakers” to view photos and biographics of the presenters at HD Dialogue ’08.

Highlights include:

Thomas P.M. Barnett, Ph.D. -- Opening Keynote address - The Global Strategic Market: Barnett, a noted author, consultant, strategy expert, and partner with Enterra Solutions, will provide opinions, facts, figures and a view of the global market unlike anything previously presented in our industry. Keynote address sponsored by Weyforth-Haas Marketing.

Martin Regalia, Ph.D., vice president and chief economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; In, “Economic Forecast and Trends,” Regalia will discuss a wide range of economic trends and drivers affecting the transportation industry for the next few years. Sponsored by Transport Topics Magazine.

Barb Murphy, president of Weyforth-Haas Marketing will lead a panel discussion of “Global Branding Trends, Challenges and Possible Solutions.” This panel of industry leaders with their views and strategies for multi-national, multi-brand, and global marketing of products and companies. Sponsored by Fleet Owner magazine.

Panelists include:

• John F. Beering, director, Global Marketing, Truck Components Group, Eaton Corp.
• Mike Brown, vice president of strategic marketing, YRC, World Wide
• Walt Delevich, vice president, SKF Marketing Communications and Branding

Dee Kapur, president of International Truck -- Keynote Luncheon Address; Kapur will offer his thoughts on the future of the global commercial vehicle industry. Kapur’s remarks will reflect the conference theme, and the relevance to his company’s global strategy. He will discuss how he and his team have focused on re-vitalizing the International Truck product line, brand, global presence, and profitability. International Truck and Engine Corp. is a leading supplier of trucks and diesel engines. Sponsored by Heavy Duty Trucking magazine.

Stephen Kratzke, Associate Administrator for Rule Making, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). - "NHTSA and Vehicle Safety Related Products: How is the Industry Doing?" Kratzke will report on how our industry is doing and will discuss the future of transportation safety, as seen by the US Department of Transportation’s main safety agency.

The Commercial Vehicle Industry Outlook, What Will Drive the Business in the Future? A panel discussion on trends and forces driving the industry. Each panelist will address a specific area, such as economic, social, political/regulatory, and “wild-card” drivers impacting the commercial vehicle industry. In conclusion, the panel will present a combined 5-year forecast for our industry.  Sponsored by Citation Corporation.

The panel will feature:

• Jim Mele, editor in chief, “Fleet Owner” magazine (moderator)
• Wendy Leavitt, director of editorial development, “Fleet Owner” magazine (moderator)
• Stu MacKay, MacKay & Co.
• Martin Labbe, ML Labbe and Assoc.
• Chris Brady, Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting
• Kenny Vieth, ACT Research

Derek Kaufman, president and CEO of C3 Network -- A Presentation on the Future of Industry and an Overview of HD Dialogue ‘08; A highly popular return-speaker from past HD Dialogue meetings, Kaufman’s deep thoughts and vast experience in our industry will provide for a unique view of the world and stimulate further “Did you hear that?” conversation. Sponsored by Fleet Equipment magazine/Babcox Publishing.

Early-bird registration, prior to Dec. 15, 2007, cost for HD Dialogue is $595 for HDMA, AASA and OESA (MEMA) members and $695 for non-members. Registration includes the full conference, breakfast, refreshment breaks, a luncheon and a post-conference reception. After Dec. 15 registration increases to $695 for members, $795 for non-members. Register early for savings.

HD Dialogue will precede HD Aftermarket Week, which kicks off the evening of Monday, Jan. 21, and continues through Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at The Mirage. Visit the HDAW site, www.hdaw.org, for registration information and hotel accommodations at The Mirage.