Nearly 150 Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) members and invited guests gathered in Savannah, Ga., from June 22-24, 2026, for three days of networking, industry updates and perspective from leading authorities on international trade, geopolitics and macroeconomic trends.

"What we heard from our speakers and guests in Savannah was that the industry remains in a dynamic period of uncertainty," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. "Participation in a trade association like OPEI has never been more important. Meetings like this help our members find context and connection, as well as opportunities and growth."

"OPEI has been around for nearly 75 years, and the association is tremendously healthy," Kiser added. "We have highly engaged members, our trade show is sold out for the fifth year in a row, and we continue to protect and promote the industry."

Keynote speakers covered the global geopolitical landscape, trade and tariff state of play, current political state of play, as well as macroeconomic trends and industry-specific forecasts for the industry. Business session speakers included:

• Peter Rupert, a professor of economics at the University of California at Santa Barbara and director of USCB's Economic Forecast Project

• Jennifer McCadney, a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren specializing in customs and international trade

• Grant Farnsworth, president of the Farnsworth Group, OPEI's market and economic forecasting partner

• Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

• Robert Costa, national political correspondent and senior Washington analyst for CBS

OPEI senior staff also held a wide-ranging conversation on the most pressing policy issues impacting the outdoor power equipment industry at the local, state, and federal level, including developments in consumer product safety, engine emissions, batteries, recycling and EPR, chemicals and right to repair.

During the event, the association approved the incoming slate for the 2026-2027 OPEI board of directors.

Rick Olson, chairman and CEO, The Toro Co., ended his term as chair, and passed the gavel to Harold Redman, president and CEO of Echo Incorporated.

Nelson Wilner, senior vice president and general manager, engines, Kawasaki, moves into the role of vice chair, and Tom Rugg, senior vice president and president — power and energy solutions, Briggs and Stratton, joins the executive committee as secretary/treasurer. Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO, Ariens Co., remains Equip Exposition chair.

The remaining board members include:

• Jonathan Chase, vice president, turf and utility business unit, Deere & Co.

• Mike Clancy, executive chairman, Chervon North America

• Peter Hampton, president and CEO, Active Dynamics

• Brian Melka, president and CEO, Rehlko

• Drew Patrick, group president – RYOBI Outdoor, TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Inc.

• Doug Redpath, president and general manager, outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

• Gent Simmons, president, Husqvarna Forest & Garden North America

• Scott Tilley, general counsel, STIHL Inc.

Next year's OPEI annual meeting will be held at the El Dorado Hotel and Spa in Santa Fe, N.M., June 15-17, 2027.

For more information, visit opei.org.