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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T144954
CREATED:20260424T034736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T170828Z
UID:10000572-1777982400-1777986000@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:05/05/26 SME: Navigating the New Normal  
DESCRIPTION:Subject Matter expert  \n\n\n\nNavigating the New Normal: Live From B2B Online Chicago\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPractical moves: what distributors are doing right now to protect profitability and position for recovery \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ground has shifted for wholesale distributors. Tariffs\, supply chain disruptions\, cost volatility\, global conflicts and softening demand are no longer isolated shocks — they are the operating environment. The question is no longer how to respond to disruption\, but how to build a business that performs through it.  \n\n\n\nThis session examines how distribution leaders are adapting their strategies\, pricing models\, supplier relationships\, and customer engagement to sustain margins and momentum in an increasingly unpredictable market. The focus is on practical moves: what distributors are doing right now to protect profitability and position for recovery.  \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are adjusting pricing and costing strategies to protect margin under cost pressure \n\n\n\nApproaches to supplier diversification and contract renegotiation in a tariff-driven environment \n\n\n\nWhat customer retention looks like when budgets are tighter and buying cycles are longer \n\n\n\nOperational levers that preserve cash flow without sacrificing service levels \n\n\n\nHow to communicate market conditions internally and externally without losing confidence \n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPractical strategies for managing volatility in cost\, demand\, and supply simultaneously \n\n\n\nHow to prioritize investments when capital and bandwidth are constrained \n\n\n\nLeading indicators distribution executives are tracking to stay ahead of market shifts \n\n\n\nDecision frameworks for navigating uncertainty without waiting for clarity that may not come \n\n\n\n\nJoin Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us on May 5\, 2026 at 9PT/12ET to explore strategies for protecting margin and sustaining growth in today’s volatile distribution environment. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelists\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStu Tisdale \n\n\n\nSenior Vice President and Chief Experience Office\, ADI Global \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelists & Hosts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStu Tisdale \n\n\n\nSenior Vice President and Chief Experience Office\, ADI Global \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStu Tisdale is the Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer for ADI\, responsible for setting the strategic direction and managing the company’s digital footprint to deliver a leading omnichannel customer experience across all touchpoints. He oversees the company’s e-commerce websites and apps\, digital marketing\, loyalty programs\, strategic pricing\, data science and analytics\, creative services and technical sales support. \n\n\n\nFocused on delivering an exceptional omnichannel customer experience\, Stu drives initiatives to enhance the customer journey across all channels. He has played a key role in leading numerous strategic initiatives including online shopping and e-commerce platform enhancements\, cloud-based pricing\, touchless ordering\, ADI Pro Rewards\, analytics\, AI/ML-powered sales tools and more. \n\n\n\nStu also leads all Voice of the Customer initiatives for the company\, ensuring customer feedback is integrated into all product and services offerings. Additionally\, he plays a vital role in cultivating M&A opportunities to accelerate ADI’s growth\, resulting in seven acquisitions since 2020. \n\n\n\nStu is an accomplished leader with deep expertise in B2B marketing\, digital strategy and commercial excellence. Previously\, he served as Vice President\, Strategy and Commercial and has held a variety of roles within the company’s marketing and category management functions. Prior to ADI\, Stu held roles in product management and marketing at Henry Schein\, Inc. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Brohan \n\n\n\nExecutive Editor\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Brohan is a journalist and market researcher focused on B2B ecommerce\, wholesale distribution and digital transformation. With more than three decades of experience\, he analyzes how manufacturers and distributors use ecommerce\, data and emerging technologies to modernize sales and operations. He is a frequent conference speaker and moderator\, known for clear\, data-driven insight into B2B commerce strategy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/05-05-26-sme-navigating-the-new-normal/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T144954
CREATED:20260421T190309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132126Z
UID:10000570-1778068800-1778072400@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:05/06/26 AIN&G
DESCRIPTION:AI News and Gurus \n\n\n\nAI News and Gurus: The Show for Intelligent Distributors \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe show that tells distribution leaders what AI actually changes for their business. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDistributors are sitting on more data than ever\, yet profit continues to leak out of the business one transaction at a time. New research from Distribution Strategy Group and Cavallo finds an execution gap that costs the industry an estimated 3-5% of revenue annually\, driven by incomplete supplier pass-through\, manual pricing errors\, small order losses\, and unasked-for discounts. At the same time\, financial crime and fraud are accelerating\, with AI amplifying both the sophistication of attacks and the tools available to defend against them. \n\n\n\nThis episode brings two distinct perspectives to the table. Joining us is J. Michael Skiba\, MBA\, Ph.D. (Dr. Fraud)\, COO/President of International Fraud Training Group\, to examine the evolving financial crime and fraud landscape distributors face today. In a separate segment\, Michael Biwer\, CEO of Cavallo\, will walk through findings from the new DSG/Cavallo research report\, “Closing the Execution Gap\,” along with a Cavallo case study showing how distributors are applying profit intelligence to recover margin at the transaction level. \n\n\n\nOur expert hosts Brian Hopkins and Brooks Hamilton cut through the AI noise with the AI Pulse Check on recent developments\, Industry Gurus Unplugged on real-world wins and lessons\, a Tech Guru Spotlight on solutions that move the needle\, and an Emerging Blueprint on trends poised to reshape competitive advantage. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways \n\n\n\n\nThe four profit leakage points costing distributors 150-200 basis points of margin annually\n\n\n\nWhy measurement without action creates the illusion of control while profits leak away\n\n\n\nA Cavallo case study showing order-level profit intelligence in practice\n\n\n\nWhere financial crime and fraud are hitting distributors hardest right now\n\n\n\nHow AI is reshaping both the threat landscape and the defense toolkit\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn \n\n\n\n\nHow to put transaction-level profit insights in the hands of the people quoting orders\n\n\n\nWhat the 12-18 month competitive advantage window looks like for early movers on profit intelligence\n\n\n\nHow to assess your organization’s exposure to AI-enabled financial crime\n\n\n\nPractical fraud prevention approaches working in distribution today\n\n\n\nThe AI developments distribution leaders can’t afford to ignore this month\n\n\n\n\nWho Should Attend \n\n\n\nSales\, technology\, and operations leaders evaluating AI solutions for profit and risk together distribution knowledge and technical expertise to help you identify the competitive edge while competitors struggle to separate hype from reality.. \n\n\n\nCEOs and COOs responsible for margin performance and operational discipline \n\n\n\nCFOs and finance leaders focused on profitability\, pricing governance\, and fraud prevention \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndustry Guest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJ. Michael Skiba\, MBA\, Ph.D. “Dr. Fraud” \n\n\n\nCOO/President\, International Fraud Training Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael Biwer \n\n\n\nCEO\, Cavallo \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsor\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJ. Michael Skiba\, MBA\, Ph.D. “Dr. Fraud” \n\n\n\nCOO/President\, International Fraud Training Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. J. Michael Skiba\, also known as Dr. Fraud ®\, is an international expert on financial/cybercrime and has been named one of the top crime fighters in the world. He worked in the fraud industry for 22 years (investigator\, analyst\, director\, and Vice President International Counter Fraud) and for the last nine years has worked as COO/President of the International Fraud Training Group\, a company he cofounded\, in every international region (101 countries!) as a consultant\, trainer\, and speaker on financial crime. International governments\, private companies\, and colleges regularly call upon him to speak (over 400 keynotes) and offer training on his global expertise including recent engagements in South Africa\, Brazil\, Malaysia\, and the Nordics. He is also an International Financial Crime Expert and Tactical Intelligence Officer for the United Nations and is the lead consultant and trainer globally for the UN in his area of expertise. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael Biwer \n\n\n\nCEO\, Cavallo \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael Biwer is the CEO of Cavallo. Under Michael’s leadership\, Cavallo has accelerated product development and driven double-digit recurring revenue growth. He previously served as CEO of Mapp Digital and held executive roles at Trilogy and Acxiom. Michael holds both a BBA and MBA from the University of Michigan and is known for his curiosity and innovation-driven approach. \n\n\n\n\n\nHosts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Hopkins \n\n\n\nChief Operations Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrooks Hamilton \n\n\n\nFounder and CEO\, AI Strategy Advisors \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrooks Hamilton is the founder and CEO of AI Strategy Advisors\, which helps large enterprises build and implement AI strategies. With a deep understanding of both AI technology and business operations\, his company is positioned to help organizations navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Previously\, Brooks held executive positions at Zilliant\, where he worked with dozens of leading distributors to design and deploy AI sales\, pricing\, and revenue management applications.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Heller \n\n\n\nChief Strategy Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Heller joined Grainger as a part-time truck unloader in college and left fifteen years later as the VP Marketing. Since then\, he’s held senior executive positions at four other publicly-held firms\, consulted with dozens of distributors\, and continues to write and speak extensively on how AI\, strategy\, channel evolution\, and other major trends affect the industry. Ian holds a B.A. in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/05-06-26-aing/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T144954
CREATED:20260421T190637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T165812Z
UID:10000574-1778673600-1778677200@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:05/13/26 TLP: Emerging Digital Tools for Distributors
DESCRIPTION:Technology Leader Panel \n\n\n\nEmerging Digital Tools for Distributors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnology leaders share what’s working\, what isn’t\, and how they’re sequencing investments that compound. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe distribution technology landscape is expanding rapidly. From AI-powered demand forecasting and configure-price-quote (CPQ) platforms to product information management (PIM) systems\, conversational AI for customer service\, and advanced analytics dashboards\, distributors are evaluating a growing range of digital tools that promise to improve efficiency\, customer experience\, and competitive positioning. But with so many options and limited implementation capacity\, knowing which tools to prioritize and how to deploy them effectively is a critical challenge for technology and operations leaders. \n\n\n\nIn this Technology Leader Panel\, panelists will share firsthand experience evaluating and implementing emerging digital tools across key functional areas\, including sales enablement\, customer experience\, supply chain visibility\, and analytics. You’ll hear practical perspectives on what’s working\, what isn’t\, and how to build a digital capability roadmap that delivers results. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmerging digital tools gaining traction in distribution\, from generative AI and predictive analytics to modern e-commerce platforms and integration middleware\n\n\n\nEvaluation criteria for prioritizing technology investments with limited resources\n\n\n\nImplementation approaches that accelerate adoption and minimize disruption\, particularly for tools like CPQ\, PIM\, and warehouse management systems\n\n\n\nCommon barriers to digital tool success and how to overcome them\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are sequencing digital capability investments across ERP modernization\, customer-facing platforms\, and back-office automation\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow distributors are evaluating and selecting emerging digital tools — including AI-driven sales enablement\, IoT-enabled supply chain visibility\, and self-service e-commerce — across sales\, operations\, and customer experience functions.\n\n\n\nPractical implementation approaches that accelerate adoption\, manage change\, and minimize disruption to ongoing operations.\n\n\n\nCommon barriers that prevent digital tools from delivering expected value\, and strategies for overcoming them.\n\n\n\nHow technology leaders are sequencing digital investments to build compounding capabilities over time.\n\n\n\n\nJoin Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister to hear technology leaders discuss the digital tools reshaping distribution operations and how to put them to work in your organization. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelist\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrank Heenan \n\n\n\nGroup Vice President\, Epicor Software \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAaron Sheehan \n\n\n\nB2B Commerce and Technology Leader\, Oro Commerce \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRyan Ayers \n\n\n\nCo-Founder and CEO\, Suppli \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPaneliSTS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrank Heenan \n\n\n\nGroup Vice President\, Epicor Software \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrank Heenan brings over 20 years of software experience serving the supply chain with particular focus on distribution. He has spent several years working with distribution companies transforming their business to become leading edge providers in the markets they serve. As a supply chain executive\, Frank has assisted companies with operational efficiency\, revenue generation and growth\, warehouse automation\, eCommerce strategies\, customer relationship tools and methodologies\, and business intelligence processes. At Epicor\, Heenan is responsible for driving revenue growth and market expansion in the Americas. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAaron Sheehan \n\n\n\nB2B Commerce and Technology Leader\, Oro Commerce \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAaron Sheehan is a B2B commerce and technology leader with 15+ years of experience across product\, engineering\, and go-to-market. He’s known for turning complex ideas into clear strategies and making them land\, whether in boardrooms\, on stage\, or on a podcast. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRyan Ayers \n\n\n\nCo-Founder and CEO\, Suppli \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRyan Ayers is the Co-Founder and CEO of Suppli\, the digital credit teammate built for distribution that integrates with your ERP to monitor customers for changes in credit health\, proactively manage dunning\, and automate cash application. Under his leadership\, Suppli has become a trusted industry partner recognized by AD\, NAW\, ISA\, LMC and NACM. \n\n\n\n\n\nHost\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Hopkins \n\n\n\nChief Operations Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/05-13-26-tlp-emerging-digital-tools-for-distributors/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T144954
CREATED:20260421T184510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T191404Z
UID:10000573-1779192000-1779195600@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:05/19/26 SME: Navigating the New Normal  Transforming Wholesale Distribution Warehousing with AI
DESCRIPTION:Subject Matter expert  \n\n\n\nTransforming Wholesale Distribution Warehousing with AI\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom slotting to picking to labor planning\, see where AI is earning its keep in distribution warehouses\, and where it isn’t. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarehousing has long been one of the most operationally intensive functions in wholesale distribution. As labor costs rise\, order complexity increases\, and customer expectations around speed and accuracy tighten\, distributors are turning to AI to drive meaningful improvements in warehouse performance. The results are real\, but so are the implementation challenges. \n\n\n\nThis session examines how AI is being applied across the warehouse environment\, from demand-driven slotting and labor planning to picking optimization and inventory positioning. You’ll gain a grounded understanding of where AI delivers the strongest ROI in warehouse operations\, what it takes to implement successfully\, and how to evaluate the tools and vendors shaping this space. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAI applications delivering measurable results in distribution warehouse operations\n\n\n\nImplementation requirements\, including data readiness\, technology integration\, and change management\n\n\n\nEvaluation criteria for AI-powered warehouse tools and vendors\n\n\n\nRealistic ROI expectations and how leading distributors are measuring success\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow AI is being applied to core warehouse functions\, including slotting\, labor planning\, picking optimization\, and inventory positioning.\n\n\n\nImplementation requirements for AI in warehouse environments\, including data readiness\, integration with existing WMS and ERP systems\, and change management considerations.\n\n\n\nHow to evaluate AI-powered warehouse tools and vendors\, including capability assessment\, total cost of ownership\, and implementation support.\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are measuring ROI from warehouse AI initiatives and what realistic performance improvements look like.\n\n\n\n\nJoin Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us on May 19\, 2026 at 9PT/12ET to explore how AI is transforming warehouse operations in wholesale distribution. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComing Soon \n\n\n\nTBD \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHost\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Heller \n\n\n\nChief Strategy Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Heller joined Grainger as a part-time truck unloader in college and left fifteen years later as the VP Marketing. Since then\, he’s held senior executive positions at four other publicly-held firms\, consulted with dozens of distributors\, and continues to write and speak extensively on how AI\, strategy\, channel evolution\, and other major trends affect the industry. Ian holds a B.A. in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/05-19-26-sme-navigating-the-new-normal-transforming-wholesale-distribution-warehousing-with-ai/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T144954
CREATED:20260421T205217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T172852Z
UID:10000571-1779278400-1779282000@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:05/20/26 WC: Wholesale Change: Arrow & Graybar
DESCRIPTION:Wholesale Change \n\n\n\nFeaturing David Collier\, Arrow Electronics\, and Danna Stone\, Graybar \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA grounded perspective from the front lines at Arrow Electronics and Graybar. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Changed and Why It Matters to Distributors \n\n\n\nWholesale Change delivers expert\, no-nonsense analysis of the forces shaping wholesale distribution\, grounded in decades of reporting\, research\, and hands-on work with distributors\, technology firms\, manufacturers\, and investors. \n\n\n\nThis month’s episode features two senior leaders from major North American distributors\, bringing operational and commercial perspectives to the most significant developments in distribution right now. \n\n\n\nThis Month’s Focus \n\n\n\n1. Supply chain\, logistics\, and operational signals With ongoing pressure from tariffs\, inventory positioning\, and sourcing complexity\, we examine what the latest data means for distribution leaders managing large-scale logistics environments. \n\n\n\n2. Marketing\, customer experience\, and competitive positioning As distributors compete on more than price\, we look at how leading companies are evolving their marketing strategies\, building customer loyalty\, and positioning for growth. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat current supply chain and logistics signals mean for distribution operations\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are adapting marketing strategy and customer experience\n\n\n\nIndustry developments and their strategic implications\n\n\n\nPractical perspectives from senior leaders at two of North America’s largest distributors\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent supply chain\, logistics\, and inventory trends distribution leaders need to understand\n\n\n\nHow distributors are evolving marketing and customer experience strategies to compete and grow\n\n\n\nThe most important industry developments and what they mean for your business\n\n\n\nHow major distributors are navigating today’s operational and commercial pressures\n\n\n\n\nWhy attend\n\n\n\n\nHear from senior leaders at Arrow Electronics and Graybar on what’s shaping the industry now\n\n\n\nStay current without chasing headlines\n\n\n\nGet grounded\, data-informed perspectives\, not speculation\n\n\n\nLeave with clearer context for strategic and operational decisions\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavid Collier \n\n\n\nSVP and Chief Logistics Officer\, Arrow Electronics\, Inc. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDanna Stone \n\n\n\nSVP of Marketing\, Graybar \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJosh Bardell \n\n\n\nPrincipal\, Global Industries\, Conga (former PROS B2B) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavid Collier \n\n\n\nSVP and Logistics Officer\, Arrow Electronics\, Inc. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavid Collier is senior vice president and chief logistics officer for Arrow Electronics\, Inc. He is responsible for driving operational excellence in the global logistics organization\, including warehouse operations\, transportation\, programming\, integration services and quality.  Collier holds an MBA from Emory University and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Brigham Young University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDanna Stone \n\n\n\nSVP of Marketing\, Graybar  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDanna Stone is Senior Vice President\, Marketing at Graybar\, where she leads marketing strategy\, customer experience\, and commercial positioning for one of North America’s largest distributors. With more than 26 years of industry experience\, she was named Vice President of Marketing in 2024 before being promoted to her current role. Stone was elected to Graybar’s Board of Directors in December 2025 and serves on the IDEA Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJosh Bardell \n\n\n\nPrincipal\, Global Industries\, Conga (former PROS B2B) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJosh brings seven years of experience partnering closely with prospects and customers to ensure platforms and implementations are strategically aligned to deliver maximum customer value. In his role\, he supports pre-sales throughout the sales cycle and is passionate about value realization through effective go-to-market strategies.Josh has built his career around strategic pricing initiatives\, with a strong focus on driving margin growth and long-term business impact. He is also a frequent keynote speaker at pricing conferences. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining Conga\, Josh spent 20 years as a pricing practitioner across the retail\, manufacturing\, and distribution industries. His experience includes leading pricing teams and selecting and implementing pricing systems—expertise that will be a significant asset to our customers and our broader team. \n\n\n\n\n\nHosts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Heller \n\n\n\nChief Strategy Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Heller joined Grainger as a part-time truck unloader in college and left fifteen years later as the VP Marketing. Since then\, he’s held senior executive positions at four other publicly-held firms\, consulted with dozens of distributors\, and continues to write and speak extensively on how AI\, strategy\, channel evolution\, and other major trends affect the industry. Ian holds a B.A. in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJonathan Bein\, Ph.D. \n\n\n\nManaging Partner\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJonathan 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/05-20-26-wc-wholesale-change-arrow-graybar/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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UID:10000575-1779883200-1779886800@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:05/27/26 BPS: State of Agentic AI in Distribution: Rise of the Autonomous Assistant  
DESCRIPTION:Best Practice Study \n\n\n\nState of Agentic AI in Distribution: Rise of the Autonomous Assistant\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom order management to supply chain decisions\, see where agentic AI is earning trust in distribution and how leaders are governing the risk. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgentic AI represents the next frontier in artificial intelligence for wholesale distribution. Unlike earlier AI tools that surface recommendations and respond to prompts\, agentic systems can plan\, act\, and execute across complex workflows with minimal human intervention. For distributors\, this shift introduces both significant opportunity and new questions about implementation\, governance\, and risk. \n\n\n\nIn this Best Practice Study\, we examine current and emerging adoption of agentic AI in wholesale distribution\, including: \n\n\n\n\nAutonomous agents in order management and customer service\n\n\n\nAI-driven supply chain coordination and inventory decisions\n\n\n\nSales support and outbound automation\n\n\n\nGovernance frameworks and human oversight models\n\n\n\nImplementation requirements and readiness assessment\n\n\n\n\nKey Takeaways\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere agentic AI is being deployed in distribution and what early results look like.\n\n\n\nHow autonomous AI differs from earlier AI tools and why the distinction matters operationally.\n\n\n\nImplementation requirements\, including data infrastructure\, integration\, and risk controls.\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are defining the human-AI boundary as autonomy increases.\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere agentic AI is gaining traction in distribution operations\, including order management\, customer service\, supply chain coordination\, and sales support\, and what early deployments are delivering.\n\n\n\nHow agentic AI systems differ from earlier generations of AI tools\, and why that shift creates both new capabilities and new operational considerations for distributors.\n\n\n\nThe implementation requirements for deploying autonomous AI responsibly\, including data readiness\, system integration\, governance frameworks\, and risk management controls.\n\n\n\nHow distribution leaders are approaching decisions about autonomy\, defining where AI can act independently and where human oversight remains essential.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou will leave with actionable guidance to evaluate your readiness for agentic AI\, prioritize the highest-value use cases\, and build a responsible implementation roadmap. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTBD \n\n\n\nTBD \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Hopkins \n\n\n\nChief Operations Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJonathan Bein\, Ph.D. \n\n\n\nManaging Partner\, Distribution Strategy Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJonathan 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/05-27-26-bps-state-of-agentic-ai-in-distribution-rise-of-the-autonomous-assistant/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://distributionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BPS-Featured-Image.png
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