More than 150 industry leaders converged on Bonita Springs, FL, February 16 – 19, for the 2011 NFPA Annual Conference--making the event an ideal place for them to share thoughts and hear new ideas on the globalization of the industry. According to NFPA executive director, Eric Lanke, "Our members have a variety of different objectives in the global economy—staying competitive here at home, increasing sales in export markets, and expanding operations in foreign countries.” Featured speakers were balanced to appeal to decision-makers across this global spectrum. Attendees heard expert economic analysis and realistic projections for 2011 and beyond, were presented with new approaches to global markets and global competitors, and were able to share thoughts with other members through lively group discussions and networking venues.

The 2011 speaker lineup included presentations from:
              
John Ferriola, Chief Operating Officer, Nucor
The Importance of American Manufacturing for Global Strength

Alan Beaulieu, President, Institute for Trend Research
U.S. and Global Economic Trends

William Copacino, President & CEO, Oco, Inc.
The Strategic Imperative to Manage the Supply Chain

Ted Gerber, Senior Consultant, Guttman Development Strategies
Building High-Performing Global Teams

This year's conference also featured NFPA members Tricia Fulton, Sun Hydraulics, and Jeff Hand, Ross Controls, who presented case studies that illustrated several strategies for how their companies are succeeding in the global marketplace.  The Friday morning networking breakfast provided an opportunity for “Going Global” Table Discussions where members engaged in productive conversations relating to self-selected global issues of direct concern to their businesses, including:

• International Market Research and Penetration
• Manufacturing in Other Countries
• The Global Talent War
• Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities
• Doing Business in Asia
• Competitiveness of U.S. Manufacturing
• Patent Protection
• Quality Management and Standardization
• World Currencies
• Trade Regulations and Taxes
• Data Management and ERP Systems

A Conference Recap is available at: http://www.nfpa.com/events/ac11_recap.asp

Stay tuned to the NFPA Reporter for updates on future conferences, including:

Industry and Economic Outlook Conference
August 16 - 17, 2011
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel
Schaumburg, IL

2012 Annual Conference
March 6 – 10, 2012
Mauna Lani Resort
Kohala Coast, HI