ConExpo’s sponsoring association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, will see a leadership change in the new year.

After 23 years at the helm, Dennis Slater is retiring as AEM president, effective Dec. 31. Megan Tanel, currently the group’s senior vice president, construction and utility sector, will succeed him.

Slater, 63, joined AEM’s predecessor the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association in 1982, becoming president in 1998. When AEM formed after the merger between CIMA and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute, Slater continued his president role. Since then, AEM has grown by 50% to more than 1,000 member companies, and revenue has increased nearly 700% to $60 million annually.

“Through Dennis’ leadership and impressive contributions to the industry for nearly 40 years, AEM has built tremendous value and momentum for our members and the industry,” says Steve Berglund, 2021 AEM chair and Trimble executive chairman. “He has been an outstanding leader of the equipment manufacturing industry.”

Tanel, 48, joined AEM in 1995. For many years she lead AEM’s exhibitions and events initiatives and helped launch the World of Asphalt in 2001. In addition, she’s served as show director for The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE) and North America’s largest construction equipment trade show, ConExpo-Con/Agg. Tanel led a team that grew AEM’s trade show revenue by 80% in 12 years. 

“Megan has successfully led key initiatives and been a major driver in building relationships across our industry throughout her 20+ year tenure at AEM,”  Slater says. “With the support of the AEM senior team and our membership, I’m confident she will provide the leadership needed to continue AEM’s success in the future.”