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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260804T120000
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UID:10000593-1785844800-1785848400@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:08/04/26 AIN&G: Justin Racine  
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\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenerative AI is reshaping how B2B buyers discover and buy. Here’s what that means for distributors. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenerative AI is not just changing how distributors sell — it is changing how customers expect to buy. From AI-powered product discovery to conversational commerce\, the gap between distributors who are adapting and those still watching is widening fast. \n\n\n\nIn this session\, we examine what the latest developments in AI mean for B2B commerce strategy. Joining us is Justin Racine\, Chief Digital Officer at Geriatric Medical & DDP Medical Supply\, and Derek Gregg\, CEO and Co-Founder at Kaavio\, to explore how distributors can translate AI trends into practical improvements in digital selling\, customer experience\, and revenue growth. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways \n\n\n\n\nHow generative AI is reshaping product discovery and the B2B buying journey\n\n\n\nWhat conversational commerce means for distributor digital strategy\n\n\n\nPractical steps distributors can take now to modernize AI-powered selling\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are using AI to personalize at scale without sacrificing operational efficiency\n\n\n\nWhat to watch in commerce AI in the months ahead\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn \n\n\n\n\nHow generative AI tools are changing the way B2B buyers search\, discover\, and evaluate products — and what distributors must do to stay visible.\n\n\n\nWhat conversational and AI-powered commerce looks like in practice\, with examples relevant to wholesale distribution.\n\n\n\nHow to assess your current digital commerce capabilities against where AI is taking the market.\n\n\n\nPractical approaches for using AI to personalize the customer experience at scale without requiring a complete platform overhaul.\n\n\n\nKey AI developments in commerce to monitor and how to separate signal from noise.\n\n\n\n\nWho Should Attend \n\n\n\nSales and operations leaders who want a grounded\, practical perspective on what AI in commerce actually delivers today. \n\n\n\nOperations leaders managing global supplier relationships. \n\n\n\nDistribution executives setting digital commerce strategy and looking to understand AI’s near-term impact on revenue and customer experience. \n\n\n\nEcommerce\, marketing\, and technology leaders evaluating where AI fits into current platform and customer engagement investments. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndustry Guest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJustin Racine \n\n\n\nChief Digital Officer\, Geriatric Medical & DDP Medical Supply \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerek Gregg \n\n\n\nCEO and Co-Founder\, Kaavio \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJustin Racine \n\n\n\nChief Digital Officer\, Geriatric Medical & DDP Medical Supply \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJustin Racine is Chief Digital Officer at Geriatric Medical & Surgical Supply\, focused on building digital technology that elevates customer experiences through AI\, design and unified processes.  Previous to that he was AVP\, Commerce Strategy at Perficient\, a global digital consulting firm where he drove digital commerce strategies that assisted Fortune 500 brands to achieve and exceed business goals through commerce-enabled technologies. Justin has more than 16 years of experience in ecommerce\, customer-focused experiences and branding strategy. In addition\, Justin has been published in Forbes\, Digital Commerce360 and Henry Stewart’s Journal of Brand Strategy. Justin is also a four time recipient of CMSWire’s Contributor of the year\, where he has a monthly column that details relatable real-life experiences and how they apply to exceptional customer experience opportunities for brands. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerek Gregg \n\n\n\nCEO and Co-Founder\, Kaavio \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerek is an entrepreneur and life-long learner who sits at the intersection of technical systems\, messy data\, and real-world workflows. His superpower? Getting the ideal and reality to meet. He first co-founded Vandalia Research where he built products that spanned forensics\, scientific tooling\, and STEM education. From there\, following completion of an MBA at Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)\, Derek led go-to-market and operations at Quartzy\, helping scale enterprise and mid-market SaaS businesses serving scientific and technical customers. Outside of the time spent partnering with B2B manufacturers and distributors to scale their businesses\, Derek is an avid cyclist\, sailor\, and SCUBA diver. \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\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\nRegister Now
URL:https://distributionstrategy.com/event/08-04-26-aing-justin-racine/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T130000
DTSTAMP:20260729T195544Z
CREATED:20260714T212212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T195544Z
UID:10000594-1785931200-1785934800@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:08/05/26 TLP: Data-Driven Distribution: Transforming with Clean\, Connected Data
DESCRIPTION:Technology Leader Panel \n\n\n\nData-Driven Distribution: Transforming with Clean\, Connected Data\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou have more data than ever. The problem is you can’t trust most of it. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDistributors are sitting on more data than ever\, yet many still struggle to act on it. Disconnected systems\, inconsistent data definitions\, and siloed information create a gap between what the data says and what leaders can actually use to make decisions\, serve customers\, and drive growth. \n\n\n\nIn this Technology Leader Panel\, we examine what it takes to build a data foundation that works: clean\, connected\, and accessible across the business. Panelists will share how they are tackling data quality challenges\, integrating systems to create a unified view\, and turning data discipline into a competitive advantage. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways \n\n\n\n\nWhat “clean data” actually means in a distribution environment\, and why it is harder to achieve than it sounds\n\n\n\nHow connected data architecture reduces friction in sales\, operations\, and customer service\n\n\n\nPractical approaches to data governance that do not require a full IT overhaul\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are using unified data to power analytics\, AI\, and better decision-making\n\n\n\nCommon failure points in data transformation initiatives and how to avoid them\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn \n\n\n\n\nWhat separates distributors with functional\, trusted data from those still managing around broken systems and conflicting reports.\n\n\n\nHow to evaluate your current data architecture against the demands of AI\, analytics\, and real-time customer expectations.\n\n\n\nPractical steps for improving data quality and connectivity without replacing your entire technology stack.\n\n\n\nHow to build the internal alignment and governance structures that make data transformation stick long-term.\n\n\n\n\nJoin Us \n\n\n\nRegister to learn how distribution technology leaders are turning data quality from a persistent problem into a strategic asset.on.\, and operations leaders managing global supplier relationships. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrank Heenan \n\n\n\nGroup Vice President – Americas\, Epicor Software \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJeff Camporini \n\n\n\nTechnical Consultant\, Professional Services\, Phocas Software \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\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\n\n\nFrank Heenan \n\n\n\nGroup Vice President – Americas\, 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\nJeff Camporini \n\n\n\nTechnical Consultant\, Professional Services\, Phocas Software \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJeffrey Camporini is a Technical Consultant in Professional Services at Phocas Software\, where he helps organizations transform ERP data into trusted\, actionable analytics. With more than 20 years of experience spanning purchasing\, inventory management\, sales\, IT\, ERP implementations\, and business intelligence\, Jeff brings a practical understanding of how businesses use data to drive better decisions. He has worked with customers across a wide range of industries—including distribution\, manufacturing\, building materials\, industrial supply\, and retail—helping them build clean\, connected data foundations that improve reporting\, planning\, and operational performance. Before joining Phocas\, Jeff led ERP and analytics initiatives for a multi-site building materials distributor\, giving him firsthand experience with the operational and data challenges many organizations face today. \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\nCo-Founder and Chief 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/08-05-26-tlp-data-driven-distribution-transforming-with-clean-connected-data/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260812T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260812T130000
DTSTAMP:20260714T220806Z
CREATED:20260714T220804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T220806Z
UID:10000595-1786536000-1786539600@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:08/12/26 BPS: State of CRM and Sales Analytics in Distribution
DESCRIPTION:Best Practice Study \n\n\n\nState of CRM and Sales Analytics in Distribution\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost distributors have a CRM. Far fewer have one that actually works. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost distributors know they have a CRM problem. What fewer have diagnosed is why — and what it actually costs them in sales performance\, customer retention\, and data quality. In this Best Practice Study\, Jonathan Bein\, Ph.D.\, Managing Partner of Distribution Strategy Group\, presents new research on how distributors are using CRM and sales analytics today\, where the gaps are widest\, and what separates high-performing organizations from the rest. \n\n\n\nDrawing on DSG’s research with distributors across the industry\, this session delivers a data-backed look at CRM adoption\, sales analytics maturity\, and the organizational practices that drive better outcomes. Attendees will leave with a clear picture of where they stand relative to peers and a framework for closing the gap. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways \n\n\n\n\nCurrent state of CRM adoption and utilization across wholesale distribution\n\n\n\nWhere sales analytics maturity breaks down — and why most CRM investments underperform\n\n\n\nHow high-performing distributors are using data to drive sales team accountability and customer growth\n\n\n\nThe link between clean CRM data and effective AI and analytics applications\n\n\n\nPractical steps for improving CRM discipline and sales analytics without a full technology overhaul\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn \n\n\n\n\nHow distributors across the industry are currently using CRM and sales analytics tools\, and where adoption remains shallow or inconsistent.\n\n\n\nThe most common reasons CRM implementations fail to deliver on their promise\, from data quality to user adoption to process gaps.\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are structuring sales analytics to drive rep performance\, identify growth opportunities\, and reduce customer churn.\n\n\n\nWhat it takes to build a CRM foundation capable of supporting AI-driven insights and more sophisticated customer analytics.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker\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\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\nSpeaker\n\n\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/08-12-26-bps-state-of-crm-and-sales-analytics-in-distribution/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T130000
DTSTAMP:20260730T150125Z
CREATED:20260715T205727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T150125Z
UID:10000579-1787140800-1787144400@distributionstrategy.com
SUMMARY:08/19/26 WC: Featuring David Collier
DESCRIPTION:Wholesale Change \n\n\n\nFeaturing David Collier with Arrow Electronics and Bill Erdely with Lucas Systems\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 Lucas Systems. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen logistics is the strategy\, not just the function. \n\n\n\nSupply chain and logistics have moved from back-office operations to boardroom priorities. For distributors managing complexity at scale\, the decisions made in warehousing\, transportation\, inventory\, and fulfillment are now core to competitive performance. David Collier\, Senior Vice President and Chief Logistics Officer at Arrow Electronics and Bill Erdely with Lucas Systems\, join this session’s Wholesale Change to discuss how large\, complex distribution organizations are building logistics capabilities that drive results rather than just keep pace. \n\n\n\nThis Session’s Focus \n\n\n\nHow distribution leaders are rethinking logistics as a strategic advantage\, from warehouse operations and transportation to inventory planning and integration services\, and what it takes to build an organization that can execute at scale without sacrificing agility. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways \n\n\n\n\nHow logistics leadership is evolving in large distribution organizations\n\n\n\nWhere operational discipline and strategic agility intersect in modern distribution\n\n\n\nWhat it takes to drive change across a complex\, global logistics operation\n\n\n\nHow technology and process work together to improve fulfillment performance\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn \n\n\n\n\nHow leading distributors are structuring logistics for both efficiency and resilience\n\n\n\nWhat separates logistics organizations that improve over time from those that plateau\n\n\n\nHow to build internal capabilities that scale without breaking\n\n\n\nWhat distribution executives should be paying attention to in logistics right now\n\n\n\n\nWhy Attend \n\n\n\n\nHear directly from a logistics executive managing operations at significant scale\n\n\n\nGet a practitioner’s perspective on what is actually working in distribution logistics\n\n\n\nWalk away with frameworks and ideas applicable to your own operation\n\n\n\nGain insight into how top distributors are approaching the next phase of supply chain investment\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\n\n\n\n\n\nBill Erdely \n\n\n\nSenior Director\, Solution Consulting & Project Management\, Lucas Systems \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\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\nBill Erdely \n\n\n\nSenior Director\, Solution Consulting & Project Management\, Lucas Systems \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBill Erdely is the Senior Director of Solution Consulting and Project Management at Lucas Systems\, bringing over 25 years of experience in supply chain execution and technology. His expertise spans warehousing and distribution\, transportation\, automation\, and labor management systems\, with a deep background in serialization\, RFID\, and software validation. Throughout his career\, Bill has led solution design and delivery for Tier-1 organizations across industries\, holding leadership roles at companies like Körber\, DM Logic\, and RedPrairie. He has extensive hands-on experience with a significant number of distribution and supply chain systems and platforms.  \n\n\n\nBill holds a B.S. in Industrial Management from Carnegie Mellon University. \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\nCo-Founder and Chief 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/08-19-26-wc-featuring-david-collier/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Program
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