CHICAGO — Oak Brook, Ill.-based Associated Equipment Distributors expects between 400 and 500 senior-level managers to attend its fourth AED Executive Forum Sept. 12-13 at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago.

The forum's theme is “The Future of Independent Distribution,” and registrations are running about five times higher than they were last year, according to AED. Though the event targets distributor business issues, about 45 percent of all attendees are manufacturer and service firm executives. Primary topics include why dealer profits are eroding, the evolving dealer/manufacturer relationship, competitive turbulence in the rental industry, cash flow strategies for tough times and identifying new profit opportunities.

For questions about the Executive Forum, contact Tom Astrene at 800/388-0650, ext. 340 or ttastrene@aednet.org. Contact Janet Dixon for information about registration, travel or hotel accommodations at 800/388-0650, ext. 321 or jdixon@aednet.org.