The Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP), the premier organization for asset management professionals of off-road fleets, will present its annual Asset Management Symposium Nov. 1-2 in Nashville, Tenn.

AEMP members and other qualified industry professionals will share their expertise on current fleet-asset issues and management tactics, all based on the symposium’s theme “Making Yellow Safe, Green and Profitable.”

This year’s event marks the 5th anniversary of the symposium and will feature keynote speaker Pat Quinn, President of the American Trucking Association, and co-founder of U.S. Xpress. The symposium’s sessions will focus on AEMP’s executive tract, providing insight to fleet owners, managers and other executive-level members.

Opening day events will begin with a welcome from AEMP’s President and CSO Stan Orr, CAE, and continue on with seminars. A diverse range of topics will be featured, highlighting areas from financial and telematics information to hazardous material safety.

Philip C. LaGatta, Director of Construction and Forestry Sales for John Deere Financial in the U.S. and Canada, along with Neil Ariano, Sales Manager for John Deere Corporate Accounts, will speak on “Financial Options for the Equipment Industry.”

This session will help attendees understand decisions affecting the financial impact of equipment purchases. Attendees can expect to learn about the role of IRS and FASB, as well as common types of depreciation.

Lagatta and Ariano will also explore the tax considerations when acquiring new equipment, and will help attendees learn how to weigh which acquisition method – cash, loan, lease or rent – is the best option for their fleet.

Financial planning and cost savings will also be addressed in a session titled “Where’s The Money?” presented by Peter Causer, Vice President of National Accounts and David Nus, Customer Solutions Director for Global Mining, Quarry and Aggregates, both of Volvo Construction Company. Their seminar will outline practical cost reduction strategies by analyzing examples of how small steps like operator training and utilization can affect the bottom line.

Additionally, updates on AEMP’s Green Fleet Initiatives, Telematics Standard and AEMP University will be presented.

Guy Gordon, CEM, Director of Asset Management for Insituform Technologies, Inc. and current AEMP President-elect will present on “Life Cycle Analysis - Applications for Upper-level Management” within the construction and fleet management industry.

Gordon has more than 25 years of experience in equipment management. In his current position, he is responsible for all asset management activity including equipment, transportation and fabrication operations.

In addition to seminars, discussions, and peer-to-peer networking, attendees will also have the opportunity to take advantage of AEMP’s Professional Development Institute (PDI). Through the PDI, participants will be able to attend classes relevant to AEMP’s professional certifications: Certified Equipment Manager (CEM), Equipment Manager Specialist (EMS) or Certified Equipment Support Professional (CESP).

Each class will cover one of the 17 core competencies identified by AEMP as necessary for a successful career in equipment management. Though strongly encouraged, attending the PDI is not a prerequisite to take the exam.

Additional details, including the conference schedule and cost and registration info can be found at aemp.org/education/meetings/2011_ams.html .