Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) successfully concluded the 2026 Policy Conference & Advocacy Day, bringing together more than 75 equipment dealer executives, managers and industry professionals from across the United States for three days of education, advocacy and direct engagement with lawmakers, administration officials and policy experts in the nation's capital.
Discussions focused on key issues affecting the equipment industry, including the highway bill, farm bill, workforce development, trade and right-to-repair legislation.
"The Policy Conference & Advocacy Day provides equipment dealers with an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and advocate for the issues that impact their businesses every day," said Brian P. McGuire, president and CEO of AED. "The strong participation from dealers, lawmakers and policy experts demonstrates the value of bringing our industry together to advance policies that support economic growth, workforce development and the long-term success of the equipment industry."
"Advocacy starts with showing up," said Marshall Anderson, AED chairman and executive vice president of RDO Equipment Co. "This conference gives dealers the opportunity to build relationships with policymakers and share firsthand how legislative and regulatory decisions affect their businesses, employees and customers. Those conversations are critical to ensuring our industry has a seat at the table."
Held June 1–3, 2026, at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., the 2026 AED Policy Conference & Advocacy Day brought together equipment dealers and nearly three dozen members of the House and Senate for discussions on key federal policy issues.
AED was pleased to welcome members of the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) to this year's event, and through conference sessions, the Bipartisan Congressional Reception and the Industry Champions Breakfast, attendees strengthened relationships with policymakers and advanced a united voice for the equipment industry in Washington.
The conference opened with a Chairman's Welcome Reception hosted by AED 2026 Chairman Marshall Anderson of RDO Equipment Co., featuring House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx. Highlights also included a White House visit for AED's board of directors and remarks from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on legislative priorities and civic engagement.
The conference concluded with Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where attendees met with lawmakers and congressional staff to discuss the industry's legislative priorities.
AED coordinated more than 100 meetings with congressional offices, advancing the interests of equipment dealers and their customers on issues including infrastructure investment, agriculture policy, workforce development, immigration, trade and right-to-repair legislation.
Through its comprehensive government affairs program, AED equips members with the tools, access and opportunities needed to influence public policy and build relationships with decision-makers at every level of government.
From the annual Policy Conference & Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., and Parliament Hill Day in Ottawa to state and provincial advocacy events and in-district dealership visits with elected officials, AED provides year-round opportunities for members to share their stories, educate policymakers and advocate for the issues that impact their businesses, employees and customers.
