Agenda
One Day. One Room. The Full AI Agenda. A curated day of keynotes, sponsor-led AI solution sessions, a distributor leader panel, and four dedicated networking touchpoints with senior distribution leaders.
7:00 – 8:15 AM
Breakfast & Networking
Foyer + Expo Hall ·
8:15 – 8:30 AM
Welcome & Table Sponsor Intros
Main Room
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Opening Keynote: Overview of AI in Distribution
Jonathan Bein, PhD — Co-Founder, DSG
About Jonathan
Jonathan Bein Ph.D. has worked with over 100 distributors to apply advanced analytics and AI to improve customer experience, define value proposition, estimate sales potential and create digital strategy.
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Before Distribution Strategy Group, Bein has successfully led and been part of executive management for software product and services companies in information technology, healthcare and communications. Bein has been CEO of several companies including:
- SkyeTek — grew revenues and valuation four-fold of RFID manufacturer in seven months.
- IGS, Inc. — delivered software solutions for companies such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and Lucent.
- Bolder Heuristics, Inc. — achieved Inc 500 ranking with software services for telecommunications, healthcare, and IT.
As CTO at Informed Access, a provider of phone-based healthcare triage, he drove development of core products and services and the company was subsequently sold for $300 million. At Martin Marietta, he applied artificial intelligence to perform automatic real-time fault handling of spacecraft hardware.
Bein earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Colorado with a focus in Artificial Intelligence and a BA in Computer Science at Indiana University.
9:05 – 10:30 AM
AI Solutions Session
Brief, insightful presentation from the people building AI solutions for the distribution industry.
9:35 – 10:00 AM
AI Solutions Sessions – Proton.ai
Three 25-minute sponsor presentations · Main Room
10:05 – 10:30 AM
AI Solutions Sessions – GAINSolutions
Session description coming soon.
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Networking Break
Foyer + Expo Hall
11:00 – 11:30 AM
The CIO’s AI Playbook: What BlueLinx Learned Building an AI-Ready Distribution Operation
When BlueLinx shifted its digital strategy from traditional ecommerce to artificial intelligence, the challenge of making the business AI-ready fell to the IT organization.
In this keynote fireside chat, Chief Information Officer Praveen Gautam will discuss the infrastructure, data, and technology decisions shaping BlueLinx’s transformation. He will share lessons learned building an AI-ready distribution business, including what worked, what didn’t, and where the company is still investing.
With more than 25 years of experience in enterprise architecture, data management, and technology strategy, Gautam has led BlueLinx’s digital transformation since 2021. His session offers a practical roadmap for distributors seeking to turn AI ambition into operational reality.
Praveen Gautam, Chief Information Officer, BlueLinx
Praveen Gautam has served as Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer since May 2021. In this role, Praveen is responsible for working closely with BlueLinx leadership to understand their business strategy while developing and executing an IT strategy that supports the Company’s digital transformation journey. Praveen has more than 25 years ofInformation Technology experience, with expertise in IT Strategy, IT Governance, Enterprise Architecture, IT Security & Risk Management, Enterprise Applications, Business Intelligence & Reporting, Data Management, Application Integration, Web Application Development, and IT Audit & General Controls. Prior to joining BlueLinx, he held IT leadership positions at Altium Packaging, Brambles, and Tellabs.
Praveen holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and a Master of Business Administration (MIS & Finance) from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
11:30 – 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Conference Dining Room
12:30 – 1:55 PM
AI Solutions Session – Navu
Session description coming soon.
12:30 – 1:55 PM
AI Solutions Session
Brief, insightful presentation from the people building AI solutions for the distribution industry.
12:30 – 1:55 PM
AI Solutions Session
Brief, insightful presentation from the people building AI solutions for the distribution industry.
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Featured Talk: LLMs & Agentic AI
Brian Hopkins, COO, Distribution Strategy Group
About Brian
Brian Hopkins is recognized for his expertise in customer service and operational efficiency within the industrial distribution sector. His career trajectory showcases a series of impactful leadership roles, marked by innovation and strategic growth.
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Notably, at W.W. Grainger (2002–2011), Brian significantly enhanced call center operations, and deployed the Grainger strategy by leading an operational staff of 7 direct reports and more than 800 employees in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa Call Centers. His tenure as District Branch Operations Manager and Branch Manager demonstrated his proficiency in managing large-scale operations, overseeing 18 branches with $200 million in revenue, and effectively running a $25 million branch operation.
Subsequent roles include driving operational and customer service transformation at HD Supply Power Solutions (2011–2015), leading customer experience innovations at Hisco (2015–2020), and enhancing multi-site customer service strategies at Redi Carpet (2020–2022) and AZP Multifamily (2022–2023).
Brian Hopkins’ career is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to customer service excellence and operational efficiency in industrial distribution. His tenure, especially at W.W. Grainger, has had a lasting impact, showcasing his capacity to innovate and lead in complex, multi-site operational environments. His academic background, including an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, complements his extensive practical experience.
Brian has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead, innovate, and drive sustainable growth across various operational landscapes.
2:45 – 3:30 PM
Distribution Leader Panel
A moderated panel of people putting AI to work at their distribution companies and amplifying the capabilities of their teams.
3:30 – 5:00 PM
Networking Reception
Refreshments served
