ORLANDO, Fla. — Attendance increased 20 percent at the Associated Equipment Distributors 85th annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 8-10, AED officials said. More importantly, the increased attendance was a reflection of a renewed spirit of optimism among equipment manufacturers and distributors, as well as owners of rental companies in attendance.

“I don't think I spoke with a single person who didn't express optimism for this year,” Dave Christifulli, vice president of sales and product support for Menomenee Falls, Wis.-based Wacker Corp., told RER.

“We're expecting a good year and from the response from people here at the show, most of our customers are as well,” added Bob Fien, CEO of Stone Construction Equipment based in Honeoye, N.Y.

During the convention, Dale Vaughn, of Oct Equipment, Oklahoma City, was installed as AED's new president.

Next year's AED annual meeting and CONDEX trade show will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 27-29.