Artificial intelligence is no longer nibbling at the edges of the distribution business. It is rewriting cost structures, reshaping customer expectations, accelerating productivity, and redefining competitive advantage across every segment of the industry. As adoption moves from experimentation to execution, distributors face a defining choice: build AI into the operating model now or fall behind competitors who already are.
That sense of urgency is fueling strong early interest in Applied AI for Distributors 2026, the only event dedicated fully to real-world AI execution in wholesale distribution. Scheduled for June 23–25, 2026, at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare, the summit gathers advanced adopters, technology innovators, and distribution strategists to demonstrate—not theorize—where AI is delivering results today and how leaders can build a roadmap that drives measurable improvement.
“The distributors gaining share today are the ones implementing AI in targeted, practical ways,” said Jonathan Bein, co-founder and managing partner of Distribution Strategy Group. “This event shows what’s working and gives leaders a roadmap they can put to use immediately.”
A Competitive Gap That’s Already Opening
AI deployment is expanding fast, and the performance gap between early adopters and late movers is widening. Distributors using automation, predictive intelligence, and AI-driven workflows are lowering costs, improving service reliability, and tightening their connection with customers in ways that traditional models cannot match.
“AI is already operating reality,” said Ian Heller, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Distribution Strategy Group. “Companies that hesitate will lose ground to competitors using AI to reduce costs, improve service, and make faster, smarter decisions.”
Where AI Is Delivering Results Now
The conference program focuses on use cases already live inside distributor operations, including:
- Automated workflows that reduce operating costs.
- AI-driven pricing, forecasting, and replenishment.
- Digital commerce tools that improve conversion and customer experience.
- AI-powered productivity gains in sales, service, and IT.
- Omnichannel enhancements that reduce friction and speed fulfillment.
Every session emphasizes execution: what works, why it works, and what it takes to replicate results.
Solving the Hardest Problem: Moving from Pilots to Full Execution
Many distributors have pilot projects underway. Far fewer have scaled AI across the enterprise. The summit aims to break that bottleneck with a clear implementation framework built around:
- Prioritizing high-value, near-term ROI use cases.
- Strengthening data and governance foundations.
- Redesigning workflows to integrate automation.
- Preparing and upskilling teams.
- Scaling safely and systematically.
This practical sequencing, Bein said, is what most companies lack. “Leaders need to know what to do first,” he said. “There’s a predictable pattern to successful AI adoption.”
Early Registrants Get Exclusive Strategy Access
The first 75 registrants will attend a pre-conference briefing led by Distribution Strategy Group’s research team. The session will highlight the AI applications producing results right now and help executives define strategic priorities and build an actionable plan.
Workshops That Turn Insight into Implementation
Two post-conference workshops offer hands-on, facilitated working sessions:
- Agentic AI Workshop – How to design, build, and deploy AI agents in distribution use cases.
- AI ROI Calculator Workshop – Expert guided use of DSG’s ROI model to build a measurable AI roadmap tailored to an individual company.
The workshops are available to conference attendees and non-attendees for an additional fee.
Meeting the Right AI Partners—Vendors Vetted for Distribution
Attendees will connect with technology providers whose platforms already operate inside distributor environments. Through demos and structured networking, leaders can evaluate partners who understand complex pricing, inventory variation, contractor workflows, and the long B2B buying cycle.
“The right partner can speed up your AI progress by months or years,” Heller said.
A Pivotal Moment for Distributors
The next two years will decide which distributors widen their lead—and which ones scramble to catch up. Early adopters are already building AI into forecasting, fulfillment, customer service, and sales. As these capabilities mature, the industry is shifting from “whether” to adopt AI to “how fast.”
The 2026 summit aims to give leaders a clear, reality-based view of the path forward.
Event Details
Dates: June 23–25, 2026
Location: Marriott Chicago O’Hare
Includes: All sessions, meals, receptions, and structured networking opportunities.
As Bein put it, “This is not just another conference. It’s where distributors come to understand—and prepare for—the future.”
Registration: https://appliedaifordistributors.com
