Artificial intelligence is no longer touching isolated parts of the distribution business—it’s reshaping cost structures, customer expectations, labor productivity, and competitive dynamics across the entire industry. As AI adoption accelerates, distributors face a defining moment: implementation now or risk falling behind. That urgency is driving strong interest in Applied AI for Distributors 2026; the only event focused entirely on real-world AI execution in the distribution sector.
Set for June 23–25, 2026, at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare, the summit brings together advanced adopters, technology innovators, and distribution strategists to demonstrate exactly where AI is delivering results today—and how to build an implementation roadmap that produces measurable gains.
Jonathan Bein, co-founder and managing partner of Distribution Strategy Group, said AI’s impact is now industrywide. “The distributors gaining share today are the ones implementing AI in targeted, practical ways,” Bein said. “This event shows what’s working and gives leaders a roadmap they can put to use immediately.”
Ian Heller, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Distribution Strategy Group, said the competitive gap is widening quickly. “AI is already operating reality,” Heller said. “Companies that hesitate will lose ground to competitors using AI to reduce costs, improve service, and make faster, smarter decisions.”
A Clear View into How Distributors Are Using AI Today
Conference sessions highlight practical use cases already delivering returns, including:
- Automated workflows that cut operating costs.
- AI-driven pricing, forecasting, and replenishment.
- Digital tools that improve conversion and customer experience.
- Productivity improvements in sales, service, and IT.
- Omnichannel enhancements that reduce customer friction.
Every example is based on live deployments inside distributor operations, not theory.
How to Move from Pilot Projects to Full-Execution
Executives often struggle with prioritization, sequencing, and scaling. The summit provides a step-by-step framework:
- Identify high-value use cases with near-term ROI.
- Build the necessary data and governance foundations.
- Redesign workflows to integrate automation.
- Prepare teams for new ways of working.
- Scale safely and systematically across the enterprise.
Bein said this clarity is what many companies are missing. “Leaders need to know what to do first,” he said. “There’s a predictable pattern to successful AI adoption.”
Exclusive Strategy Session for Early Registrants
The first 75 registrants are invited to a pre-conference briefing led by Distribution Strategy Group’s research team. The session will outline which AI applications are delivering results now, help distribution executives at all levels define and set strategic priorities and develop an action plan
Hands-on Workshops Offering Facilitated Implementation Work
Two additional workshops are being offered after the sessions wrap up to take the information discussed throughout the conference and apply it directly to attendees’ businesses with expert facilitators. The first option is to explore Agentic AI and how to build agents. The other workshop will expand on how to utilize Distribution Strategy Group’s AI ROI Calculator to build out a customer AI Roadmap.
These conference add-ons are an additional cost for conference attendees and are also available to non-attendees.
Meet AI Vendors Vetted for Distribution
Attendees will connect with technology providers whose platforms are already proven in distributor environments. Through demos and structured networking, executives can evaluate partners who understand complex pricing, inventory variability, and B2B buying cycles.
Heller said this matchmaking is a major advantage. “The right partner can speed up your AI progress by months or years,” he said.
A Critical Moment for The Distribution Industry
With AI adoption accelerating across the supply chain, the next two years will determine which distributors extend their lead—and which struggle to catch up.
- Dates: June 23–25, 2026
- Location: Marriott Chicago O’Hare
- Included: All sessions, meals, receptions, and structured networking
As Bein summed up: “This is not just another conference. It’s where distributors come to understand—and prepare for—the future.
Register for Applied AI For Distributors today and secure your ticket for the hottest AI event in distribution. https://appliedaifordistributors.com/
