Networking and business building prevailed at the latest event hosted by the Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA). The group’s Annual Meeting again surpassed attendance records for the 23-year-old association. The theme this year was “Building Connections, Forging Futures.”
Hosted at the Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, February 14–16, 2025, IEDA’s biggest gathering of the year attracted 250 registered attendees and drew 144 golfers for the annual tournament. In addition, approximately 300 members, industry dealers, and suppliers flocked to the closing party featuring live country music, food, and drink.
IEDA’s Annual Meeting kicked off with the Third Annual Live/Online Auction on the front lawn of the Reunion Resort on Friday, February 14. The auction raised over $10,000 for the IEDA Foundation’s technician scholarship fund that funnels $5,000 merit scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary heavy equipment programs to become qualified diesel technicians.
The hotel’s lobby and veranda were crowded with over 200 attendees at the Friday evening welcome party, featuring lavish spreads of gourmet food, a full bar, and live entertainment.
“The networking at IEDA is incomparable — our members always look forward to connecting with one another in grand style here at the Reunion,” said IEDA President Caleb Phillips, Granite Mountain Machinery. “Our organization is growing exponentially and our events have become a skybeam among all the equipment industry events that gravitate to Orlando in the winter months.”
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Saturday’s business program opened with a sweep of the political landscape and a breakdown of President Donald Trump’s mindset with Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), followed by more Q&A than the event has ever seen.
Discussion of business goal setting, the equipment market, and legal priorities followed. A keynote with employee and culture-building expert Alyson Van Hooser rounded out a day of strategic planning and business education.
“On behalf of the IEDA Board of Directors and the IEDA staff, I want to thank our members for investing in themselves by attending the Annual Meeting,” said IEDA Executive Director Dave Gordon. “There’s a good reason contractors want to do business with IEDA member companies: These businesses are the most ethical, solution-minded, and truly customer-centric independent equipment dealers in the channel. One of their highest priorities is learning best practices and staying informed about industry trends and customer needs. IEDA is an important portal for business education content that helps our members grow and excel as leaders in the equipment marketplace.”
