New Fedecom Annual Conference: compact, centrally located, versatile, and varied
New Fedecom Annual Conference: compact, centrally located, versatile, and varied
The new conference-style format of the Fedecom annual meeting drew 220 Fedecom members to the Bouw & Infra Park in Harderwijk. They were inspired by chapter presidents and other engaging speakers and learned how ChatGPT and AI can help them work even more efficiently.
The pace was brisk during Fedecom Annual Conference on February 6. It was no coincidence that the theme of the versatile and compact afternoon program was “Pace,” and that’s exactly how chairperson Johan Overdevest kicked things off. Director Caroline Bekkering addressed the various issues the trade association is working on behalf of its members, such as electrification, lobbying efforts with government agencies, safety, innovation, and, of course, labor and the workforce. “Everything here also revolves around pace,” she emphasized. Chairman Menko Boersma noted that, thanks to targeted lobbying, Fedecom has been able to prevent the government and society from expecting that all agricultural tractors will be electrically powered within a few years. He also cited the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations in the Fedecom sectors” and advised his members to factor in further wage increases in their new cost calculations.
Electrification: Both a Challenge and an Opportunity
During the wide-ranging roundtable discussion with chapter presidents Joris van Dijk, Erik Jansen, Ivo de Schepper, and Hans Quint, topics such as electrification were discussed, along with how members of the four chapters can inspire one another in this area. With the motto “practice what you preach,” Erik Jansen noted that he not only sells and services electric forklifts but has also been driving an electric vehicle himself for 10 years, which means he visits a repair shop much less frequently. “That last point also touches on an aspect of the revenue model for many Fedecom members. Maintenance of vehicles with internal combustion engines and transmissions is a key pillar of any mechanization business,” said Hans Quint. “And I’ve noticed that many of our mechanics still have diesel running through their veins.” Outgoing department chair Ivo de Schepper spoke about the unexpectedly rapid rise of battery-powered hand tools and garden equipment. “By 2023, 50 percent of that equipment was already electric. The Netherlands is—and can be—a leader in this field in Europe,” he noted.
Showcasing Innovation
According to Joris van Dijck, the Fedecom sectors are exceptionally innovative but, at the same time, too modest to claim that success and adequately showcase it. “At Lely, for example, they’ve succeeded in doing this with the Lely Exos autonomous harvesting and feeding robot for fresh grass. It manages to convey that innovative enthusiasm to other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and to attract entrepreneurs and workers.” Hans Quint suggested that “larger” members could take the lead so that smaller companies and startups can follow suit. “That’s exactly why Fedecom recently launched the new autonomous vehicles and robotics network group,” said Menko Boersma.
Smarter and More Effective with AI
Jarno Duursma, a technology expert and trend watcher, inspired the audience to embrace the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by sharing examples from his daily practice. “I save at least six hours a week by optimizing my schedule with AI. And with the help of the now-familiar ChatGPT application, you can draft a business plan or grant application more quickly and successfully, and summarize any research report concisely and clearly. But do remain critical, because AI doesn’t always tell the truth, and the data you enter—such as a business plan or strategy—may be shared with others.”
(Too) Short Breakout Sessions
By attending various breakout sessions, Fedecom members were given a brief but impactful overview of opportunities and pitfalls in three key areas. Jelte Wiersma, Secretary General of CEMA, spoke about the role his organization plays within Europe and globally for manufacturers of agricultural machinery and equipment. Roëlle van Esch of GetyourGrip challenged the entrepreneurs regarding their leadership styles. The younger generation, in fact, wants to be coached very differently and places greater value on a different work-life balance than many business owners and managers. Karen van Riel of Outdo provided guidance and tips on how to successfully win and retain new customers—and on how to bring the right decision-makers to the table so that entrepreneurs in the manufacturing, software, and technology sectors can significantly increase their revenue and margins.
During the reception, lunch, and networking breaks, attendees could gather information at the information booths of various Fedecom companies and partners, such as Fedecom Fairs, TIM, VA-keur, Mevas Verzekeringen, Stichting OOM, Teqnow, and, of course, Koninklijke Metaalunie. During the closing plenary session, illusionist Steve Carlin captivated everyone with his mesmerizing act. In particular, 10 attendees were invited to join him on stage to experience his illusions up close.
