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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T130000
DTSTAMP:20260515T044452
CREATED:20260421T184510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T143347Z
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\nWill Quinn \n\n\n\nThe Distribution Guy® \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\nSpeaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWill Quinn \n\n\n\nThe Distribution Guy® \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWill Quinn\, known as The Distribution Guy\, has spent 25+ years at the intersection of people\, process\, and technology. Leading distribution centers for Coca-Cola\, Grainger\, MSC Industrial Supply\, WEG\, Capstone Logistics\, and Infor\, he’s witnessed warehouse operations evolve from paper pick tickets to AI-driven automation. \n\n\n\nAs a consultant\, writer\, speaker\, and educator\, Will helps distributors\, manufacturers\, and logistics leaders cut through the noise and focus on what matters: empowering teams\, building trust\, and using technology to serve people\, not replace them. His approach is grounded in candor\, respect\, and common sense. Great operations start with great communication\, and every improvement begins by listening to the people doing the work. \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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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T130000
DTSTAMP:20260515T044452
CREATED:20260421T205217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T152011Z
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; Danna Stone\, Graybar; and Josh Bardell\, Conga \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\,  Graybar\, and Conga. \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\, Graybar\, and Conga 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\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,Wholesale Change Show
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T130000
DTSTAMP:20260515T044452
CREATED:20260427T193534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T194214Z
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\nBrian Hopkins \n\n\n\nChief Operations Officer\, Distribution Strategy Group \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\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
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