2027 Agenda
Applied AI for Distributors
Join distribution leaders June 22-24, 2027, to discover how AI is already creating market leaders and leaving others behind.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Workshop 1: Coming Soon
*Separate Registration Required
Schaumburg EFG
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Workshop 2: Coming Soon
*Separate Registration Required
Schaumburg ABC
12:15 – 12:25 PM
Opening Remarks from conference Hosts
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.
About Ian
Ian Heller has more than 30 years of experience executing marketing and e-business strategy in the wholesale distribution industry. He has written and spoken extensively on the impact of digital disruption on distributors.
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12:25 – 1:25 PM
Welcome Event Sponsors
A brief introduction round for event sponsors where each sponsor is given 1 minute to introduce themselves, share their core offerings, and explain how they align with the event’s mission.
1:25 – 2:10 PM
Opening Keynote
2:10 – 2:55 AM
Official Exhibit Hall Opening
Connect with your peers and Sponsors in the Exhibit Hall for a networking break. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks as you mingle, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to make meaningful connections.
2:55 – 3:25 PM
AI Solution Sessions: Series A
2:55 – 3:25 PM
Breakout AI Solution Session
Session Details Coming Soon!
Speaker: Justin Johnson, founder and CEO of Motivate
Justin Johnson is the founder and CEO of Motivate, an AI-driven sales process automation platform for B2B distributors. Motivate empowers inside sales teams to reduce quote and order times by more than 50%, while its patent-pending eCommerce module has been shown to boost distributor online sales by more than 300%. A seasoned tech entrepreneur, Justin has a proven track record in B2B distribution and manufacturing solutions, having successfully built and sold multiple high-growth software companies, including LeadMethod (acquired by Revalize, backed by TA Associates) and MightyRep (acquired by Blue Agave). Justin is a regular contributor to technology and sales process automation thought leadership for B2B manufacturers and distributors.
2:55 – 3:25 PM
Breakout AI Solution Session
Session Details Coming Soon!
Speaker: Ilia Papas, CEO, Band
Ilia is the CEO of Band, a rebate & SPA management plaform for distributors. Band works with distributors across all industries, including electrical, industrial, and building materials.
Before starting Band, Ilia co-founded Blue Apron and grew it to a $2B IPO serving 1 million customers.
2:55 – 3:25 PM
Breakout AI Solution Session
Session Details Coming Soon!
Speaker: Dylon Chafin, Sales, Canals AI
Dylon Chafin is a sales professional currently driving growth at Canals AI, where he focuses on building client relationships and delivering strategic solutions in the tech space. He holds a degree from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, grounding his work in strong business fundamentals. With experience at firms like Fictiv Manufacturing and a knack for connecting with customers, Dylon combines analytical insight with a people‑first approach to sales. Based in San Francisco, he is passionate about leveraging AI‑driven tools to solve real‑world challenges and help teams succeed.
2:55 – 3:25 PM
Breakout AI Solution Session
Session Details Coming Soon!
Speaker: Div Makkar, Co-Founder and CEO, WizCommerce
Div Makkar is the Co-Founder and CEO of WizCommerce, the AI Operating System transforming wholesale distribution across North America. Under his leadership, WizCommerce has become the leading platform powering hundreds of customers including Atlas Lighting, Innovations Lighting, Ganz, Sagebrook Home, and Loloi Rugs.
An alumnus of UC Berkeley and a former EY-Parthenon consultant, Div spent his early career advising Fortune 500 CEOs across 20+ countries on digital transformation and growth strategy. He later joined Bessemer Venture Partners—a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm and early investor in companies like Shopify and Toast—where he focused on SaaS and AI investments, shaping his perspective on how technology transforms traditional industries.
At WizCommerce, Div leads a fast-growing team reimagining how manufacturers and distributors sell, service, and operate through AI. The company is rapidly expanding across the U.S., helping B2B businesses modernize their sales, eCommerce, and operations through intelligent automation.
Div is a frequent speaker on AI adoption, digital transformation, and the future of B2B commerce, and believes that AI’s purpose isn’t to replace people—it’s to amplify human intelligence, creativity, and connection in every business.
3:40 – 4:10 PM
AI Solution Sessions: Series B
3:40 – 4:10 PM
Breakout AI Solution Sessions
Session Details Coming Soon!
4:25 – 5:10 PM
Day 1 Closing Keynote
Session Details Coming Soon!
5:10 – 5:55 PM
Technology Leader Panel
Session Details Coming Soon!
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Opening Night Reception
Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration as you mingle with fellow attendees in the Exhibit Hall.
Enjoy a delectable selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a variety of drinks while you network and set the stage for an unforgettable event. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to make new connections and reconnect with colleagues!
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking – All Attendees
Expo Hall · Adventure Hall
8:15 – 8:30 AM
Welcome | Day 2 Opening Remarks
Schaumburg West-East Ballroom
8:10 – 8:55 AM
Keynote
Session Details Coming Soon!
8:55 – 9:40 AM
Technology Leader Panel
9:35 – 10:00 AM
AI Solution Sessions: Series C
10:40 – 11:10 AM
AI Solution Sessions: Series D
11:25 – 11:55 AM
AI Solution Sessions: Series E
11:55 – 12:55 PM
Networking Lunch – All Attendees
12:55 – 1:40 PM
Keynote
Session Details Coming Soon!
1:55 – 2:25 PM
AI Solution Sessions: Series F
2:40 – 3:10 PM
AI Solution Sessions: Series G
3:25 – 3:55 PM
AI Solution Sessions: Series H
4:10 – 4:40 PM
AI Solution Sessions: Series I
4:55 – 5:40 PM
Day 2 Closing Keynote
5:40 – 7:10 PM
Networking Reception
7:00 – 8:15 AM
Breakfast & Networking – All Attendees
Expo Hall · Adventure Hall
8:15 – 8:30 AM
Welcome & Last Day Remarks
8:10 – 9:00 AM
Distribution Leader Panel
10:00 – 12:00 PM
Speed Networking
Maximize your conference experience with this fast-paced and fun speed networking session! This interactive event gives you the opportunity to make meaningful connections with solution partners. In a series of quick, one-on-one conversations, you’ll have the chance to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and explore potential collaborations.
12:00 – 12:45 PM
Closing Keynote
Session Details Coming Soon!
10:05 – 10:30 AM
The End of Planner Heroics: How AI and Decision Engineering Are Reshaping Supply Chain Planning
In this 25-minute session, Jeff Metersky challenges two widespread assumptions in supply chain: that agentic AI is a direct path to autonomous planning, and that AI can automate decisions without the guidance of planners.
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Networking Break
Foyer + Expo Hall
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Post Conference Workshop 1
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Post Conference Workshop 2
June 22–24, 2027
Renaissance® Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Schaumburg, IL