Partnerships, Perspectives and Possibilities Take Center Stage at PTDA Canadian Conference

Photo above: (left to right) Craig Bobbie, PTM Industries Inc. moderates the panel discussion, Distributor/Manufacturer Relationships Through the Eyes of the Next Generation, with David Russell, Gordon Russell Limited; Fiaz Mohammed, RotoPrecision Inc.; Kris Walchuk, Applied Industrial Technologies and Ryan Poppler, Martin Sprocket & Gear Inc.

More than 160 power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industry professionals gathered in Montréal, Québec, June 2-4, for the 2026 PTDA Canadian Conference. The event brought together manufacturers, distributors and associates from across Canada and the United States to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and explore the trends shaping the future of the industry.

A highlight of the conference was Distributor-Manufacturer Idea Exchange (DM-IDEX). Over two days, participants met face-to-face in for conversations designed to help channel partners reconnect, explore opportunities and build new relationships. Combined with networking receptions, meals and informal discussions throughout the conference, attendees had ample opportunity to connect with the people who help drive business success across the PT/MC channel.

This year’s educational program offered a mix of practical business insights and big-picture perspectives.

Sales Strategist Fergal O'Carroll shared how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping organizations improve sales effectiveness and create more time for customer-facing activities. His session focused on practical applications for AI, including customer communications, proposal development, objection handling and knowledge sharing.

Political Commentator Chantal Hébert examined the political and economic forces influencing Canadian businesses. Her presentation explored Canada's evolving relationship with the United States, the importance of competitiveness and productivity, and how businesses can navigate uncertainty while continuing to invest for the future.

Jeremy Leonard, managing director of global industry services at Oxford Economics, provided an economic outlook shaped by global conflict, trade policy and technological investment. While acknowledging ongoing uncertainty, Leonard highlighted Canada's relative resilience and pointed to opportunities tied to energy production, infrastructure development and growing investment in artificial intelligence and data centers.

Attendees also heard from a panel of emerging industry leaders who discussed how communication expectations are evolving within manufacturer-distributor relationships. The conversation explored topics including responsiveness, transparency, technology and the importance of maintaining trust as business practices continue to change.

PTDA's next Canadian Conference will take place June 8-10, 2027, in Québec City, Québec.

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