Upcoming Programs
Wholesale Change – Leading Change: Transforming Independent Distributors into a Unified Force
March 20 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
We’re delighted to welcome Renata Morgan to the Wholesale Change show on March 20 at 9 PT / 12 ET. Renata was recently promoted to President of Rheem Northeast Distribution, which is a combination of four previously independent distributors: United Supply Company, P&N Distribution, Mechanical Supply and MCN Distributors.
The new division will incorporate 32 branches selling both Rheem and Ruud products across Eastern Pennsylvania, all of New Jersey, and parts of New York and Connecticut. Renata will be tasked with defining core values and setting a vision for the combined enterprise to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. As in any merging of companies, establishing a new culture that takes in the best aspects of each individual organization will be a key challenge.
An HVAC industry veteran with experience driving organizational change and leading diverse cross-functional teams, Renata’s leadership has been recognized by being named a Top 20 Woman in HVAC in 2021 along with a HARDI 40 Under 40 honor in 2016. Renata received a Master of Industrial Distribution degree from Texas A&M University, where she currently serves as a member of the MID Advisory Board, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston.
Details
- Date:
- March 20
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Upcoming Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/transforming-independent-distributors-into-a-unified-force
Related Events
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Wholesale Change: Driving Rapid Growth and Profits with Technology, Talent, Training & Culture
April 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT -
Wholesale Change: Unlocking the Power of AI – A Case Study with Millcraft
May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Distribution Leader Panel: Advancing Distributor eCommerce in 2024 and Beyond
March 27 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Mark your calendars for March 27 at 9 PT / 12 ET and join us for an engaging panel discussion where we’ll explore the future of digital for distributors. We’re bringing together industry leaders who will offer their insights into emerging technologies, shifting customer expectations and innovative tactics that will reshape the ecommerce landscape.
In this thought-provoking session, we’ll delve into how ecommerce technology will continue to evolve, how AI will bring new capabilities and benefits, and enable personalized experiences and seamless omnichannel integration. We’ll also talk about how these advancements are revolutionizing customer engagement, loyalty and satisfaction while unlocking new avenues for revenue growth.
Whether you’re seeking to stay ahead of the curve or striving to enhance your existing ecommerce strategies, bring your questions to our panel and participate in this exciting conversation around the future of digital for distributors.
Details
- Date:
- March 27
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Upcoming Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/advancing-distributor-ecommerce-in-2024-and-beyond
Related Events
Cybersecurity in the Age of AI
April 3 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
In an era where algorithms reign supreme and digital threats lurk around every corner, safeguarding your company from cyber threats has never been more critical.
Join us on April 3 at 9 PT / 12 ET for an eye-opening webinar, where we’ll dive deep into the digital battlefield and arm you with the knowledge to defend your business against modern-day threats.
Led by industry experts and cybersecurity gurus, this webinar will cover the hottest topics that keep executives like you up at night. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- The Rise of AI-Powered Cyber Attacks: Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape and enabling sophisticated cyber threats that traditional defenses struggle to counter.
- Data Breach Epidemic: Protecting Your Digital Fortresses: Learn strategies to fortify your distribution company’s defenses against data breaches, ransomware attacks and other malicious intrusions that can wreak havoc on your operations and reputation.
- Securing Supply Chains in a Hyper-Connected World: Discover best practices for securing your supply chain against cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and reliability of your products and services in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
- Human Factor: Building a Cyber-Aware Culture: Uncover the importance of fostering a cyber-aware culture within your organization and empowering your employees to become the first line of defense against cyber threats.
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Stay ahead of the regulatory curve by gaining insights into the latest cybersecurity regulations and compliance requirements that impact your distributorship.
Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your cybersecurity game and protect your distribution company from digital predators. Register now to secure your spot and join us on April 3 for a cybersecurity masterclass like no other.
Stay secure, stay vigilant, and see you at the webinar!
Details
- Date:
- April 3
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Upcoming Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/cybersecurity-in-the-age-of-ai
Related Events
-
Distribution Leader Panel: Advancing Distributor eCommerce in 2024 and Beyond
March 27 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Wholesale Change: Driving Rapid Growth and Profits with Technology, Talent, Training & Culture
April 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Join us on April 10 at 9 PT/12 ET when we welcome Tim Brooks, CEO and co-owner of Lohmiller & Company, an HVAC distributor in Denver, Colo. Tim has built a highly successful company based on extensive employee training, aggressive expansion of value-added services, a willingness to invest in new technologies and a focus on building an exceptional culture.
These capabilities offer customers the best high-touch experiences with personal interactions but also top-notch digital tools that resulted in 27% of sales coming through electronically in 2023.
Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to – and ask questions of – the CEO of a fast-growing, privately-held HVAC distributor who will be sharing his tips for success.
Details
- Date:
- April 10
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Upcoming Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/driving-rapid-growth-and-profits-with-technology-talent-training--culture
Related Events
-
Wholesale Change – Leading Change: Transforming Independent Distributors into a Unified Force
March 20 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT -
Wholesale Change: Unlocking the Power of AI – A Case Study with Millcraft
May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Breakthrough Sales Coaching with Gap Analysis
May 1 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Any distributor with an outside sales force should use gap analysis to review sales performance and provide coaching for their reps. While this is a common approach for driving results, it’s not universal and it’s often applied inconsistently or infrequently.
In this webinar, DSG Chief Strategy Officer, Ian Heller will describe exactly how you should use this essential process to create accountability and help clarify and drive alignment around account potential. Ian will also talk about tools that help you do the job and offer best practices around actions you can take to ensure you close the gaps you identify.
If outside sales reps are an important part of your demand generation and customer management strategy, don’t miss this event. Join us on May 1, 2024 at 12 ET/9 PT. Bring your own ideas and questions and participate in the conversation.
Details
- Date:
- May 1
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Upcoming Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/breakthrough-sales-coaching-with-gap-analysis
Related Events
-
Distribution Leader Panel: Advancing Distributor eCommerce in 2024 and Beyond
March 27 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Wholesale Change: Unlocking the Power of AI – A Case Study with Millcraft
May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Can AI truly make a real-world difference, today, in a mid-sized distribution company? The answer is yes and Millcraft is one company who did it by focusing on adopting the latest technology and recruiting and training a workforce that understands how to use it. Among other solutions the company has implemented AI tools for order automation that has increased touchless ordering to 60%.
Join us on the Wholesale Change Show with hosts Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein, Ph.D. when we’ll welcome our guest Travis Mlakar, president of Millcraft. Learn how Travis incorporated AI to make a significant difference, freeing up employee time to focus on what is truly valuable to the customer. Travis will also discuss the next steps for the company. Using advanced analytics along with AI, Travis will be optimizing cross selling, supply, and other areas for ready for advancement.
Details
- Date:
- May 8
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Upcoming Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/unlocking-the-power-of-ai
Related Events
-
Wholesale Change – Leading Change: Transforming Independent Distributors into a Unified Force
March 20 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT -
Wholesale Change: Driving Rapid Growth and Profits with Technology, Talent, Training & Culture
April 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
On-Demand Programs
- This event has passed.
2024 State of Distributor Technology: Building Your Tech Stack for Success
March 13 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Join Distribution Strategy Group on March 13, 9 PT / 12 ET, for an exclusive webinar as we unveil the latest insights into distributor technology trends and strategies for success.
Hosted by industry experts Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., and Ian Heller, this session will focus on the transformative power of AI and other emerging technologies in the distribution sector. From ERP and CRM to ecommerce and AI-driven analytics, discover how leading distributors are leveraging technology to drive growth and competitive advantage.
You’ll go away with actionable recommendations to optimize your technology investments and propel your business forward. Reserve your spot now to stay ahead of the curve and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Details
- Date:
- March 13
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/2024-state-of-distributor-technology
- This event has passed.
Technology Leader Panel: How Tech Elevates Customer Experience and Personalization
March 6 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Business buyers appreciate it when suppliers make it easy to do business with them. Your customers want an efficient, relevant and productive experience.
A great customer experience isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a must. Research proves that there’s a correlation between how customers rate their supplier experiences and their likelihood of buying more – and more often. And that translates into increased profitability.
Join us on March 6 at 9 PT / 12 ET to learn about the technology that can enable a better customer experience both offline and online. AI, machine learning, mobile platforms, ecommerce and more are transforming the landscape, making it easier than ever for distributors to add a personal touch to every interaction – no matter the channel.
How will you create a real connection with your buyers in 2024 and beyond? This is a can’t-miss event for executives who are mapping out the next frontier in their digital journey.
Details
- Date:
- March 6
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/tech-elevates-customer-experience-and-personalization
- This event has passed.
The 4 Pillars of Profit Improvement
February 28 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Join us for an exclusive webcast on “The 4 Pillars of Profit Improvement” with Dr. Albert Bates, a luminary in the field of distribution profitability. In this timely presentation, Dr. Bates will delve into the remarkable surge in profitability levels within the distribution sector, where profit margins have soared from a historical 3.0% to an unprecedented 5.0% and beyond in the past two years.
This session promises to be a celebration of success while also addressing the looming challenge: sustaining these profit levels as the economic landscape shifts.
Dr. Bates will dissect the critical role inflation has played in driving profits to new heights, a factor often viewed with disdain yet undeniable in its impact. Through a detailed examination, participants will gain insights into the mechanics of inflation-driven profitability and the lag in expense increases that has temporarily buoyed profits.
More importantly, this webcast will pivot to the strategic actions necessary to maintain and potentially elevate profit margins in changing economic conditions. Dr. Bates introduces the “4 Pillars of Profit Improvement,” a pragmatic framework designed for distributors to navigate the competitive tumult and secure enduring profitability. Each pillar – Sales Growth, Gross Margin, Payroll Expenses, and Non-payroll Expenses – will be explored in depth, offering attendees a comprehensive blueprint for profit planning.
Details
- Date:
- February 28
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/the-four-pillars-of-product-enhancement
- This event has passed.
Wholesale Change: The New BradyPLUS, featuring Chief Marketing Officer Ian Gresham
February 21 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
BradyIFS + Envoy Solutions, a national distributor of janitorial-sanitation, foodservice disposables and industrial packaging products, just unveiled their new name: BradyPLUS. The new corporate identity follows the October 2023 merger of the two companies and is a step toward realizing the company’s priority of operating as one.
Get an inside view of the rebranded distributor’s story when we welcome BradyPLUS Chief Marketing Officer Ian Gresham to the Wholesale Change show on Feb. 21 at 9 PT/12 ET. His specialty in marketing, omnichannel strategy and corporate communications is critical in a time of transformation for the merged organization.
Hosts Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein will talk with Gresham about:
- The power of the combined distributors and their member companies
- How BradyPLUS will leverage data to understand customers better
- Building a digital experience to enable more efficient buying
- How the distributor balances digital with in-person expertise and value-added services
Register to attend live and ask Gresham questions, or get the link to watch on-demand.
Details
- Date:
- February 21
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/the-new-bradyplus-featuring-chief-marketing-officer-ian-gresham
- This event has passed.
Distribution Leader Panel: How Distributors are Building AI Capabilities
February 14 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Don’t drown in AI information overload – instead, attend a discussion with distribution executives who will share how they’re taking steps to build a foundation of technology, people and processes to ensure they can leverage AI long into the future.
They’ll also share where they’ve already found wins. You’ll learn how they’re planning to use AI to improve sales effectiveness, target marketing, improve ecommerce performance and drive operational efficiencies.
You won’t want to miss this session, when your peers will share their successes – and lessons learned – so far with AI as an emerging tool for their businesses. Join us Feb. 14 at 9 PT / 12 ET.
Details
- Date:
- February 14
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/how-distributors-are-building-ai-capabilities
- This event has passed.
Technology Leader Panel: Understanding the New Wave of eCommerce Technology
February 7 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Emerging technologies and increased customer expectations are reshaping B2B ecommerce for distributors in 2024.
Join us for this expert panel discussion on Feb. 7 at 9 PT/12 ET on what the next wave of B2B ecommerce technology will look like, including technologies that drive greater personalization, prioritize seamless omnichannel integration and increase visibility into future buying behaviors.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered functionality is top of mind for many distributors as they explore ways to build powerful digital capabilities at scale. We’ll talk about new ways to help your customers find what they need through voice and visual search. New technologies are also enabling greater operational efficiency for distributors selling online, including inventory management, product data and logistics.
Our panel will share the latest in B2B ecommerce and how distributors can evaluate and prioritize these tools for their own businesses.
The goal is to enable a better customer experience across the board – increasing customer engagement, solidifying customer loyalty and satisfaction, and growing wallet share.
Details
- Date:
- February 7
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/understanding-the-new-wave-of-ecommerce-technology
- This event has passed.
Distribution Leader Panel: Pricing Precision – Maximizing Profit Margins
January 31 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Join us for an exclusive panel discussion designed for distributors seeking to master the art of pricing precision and optimize profit margins. In this insightful session, a distinguished panel of seasoned distribution executives will unravel the strategies and best practices crucial for achieving pricing accuracy and driving profitability in a competitive market landscape.
They’ll discuss:
- Navigating Pricing Dynamics: Explore the intricate interplay between market demand, cost structures and competitive positioning to set optimal prices that maximize returns.
- Data-Driven Insights: Leverage advanced analytics and cutting-edge tools to harness data for informed decision-making, enabling precise pricing strategies.
- Effective Pricing Models: Gain insights into different pricing models and their applicability across diverse product lines and market segments.
- Aligning Pricing Strategies with Business Goals: Understand how to align pricing strategies with broader business objectives to enhance overall performance and competitiveness.
This session includes:
- Practical Insights: Gain actionable insights and proven strategies directly from industry leaders.
- Q&A Session: Engage directly with our panelists during the Q&A session to get answers to your specific queries.
Join us on Jan. 31 at 9 PT/12 ET. Register to attend live or to get a link after the event to access on-demand.
Details
- Date:
- January 31
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/pricing-precision--maximizing-profit-margins
- This event has passed.
2024 State of AI in Distribution
January 24 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
AI technology is moving at an astounding pace, yet practical, scalable solutions remain elusive to distributors. Still, distributors can and are already gaining an edge with early AI-enabled capabilities.
They are also looking into applications in supply chain and warehouse, finance, HR, sales, marketing and customer service that will be available within the next 12-24 months.
These applications promise to deliver not just greater efficiency, but also greater effectiveness for distributors.
Join Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein as we reveal the results of our exclusive survey of distributors about how they’re leveraging AI today in their businesses. We’ll also share how distributors plan to use AI in 2024 and beyond to improve productivity, quality and profitability in their organizations.
The reveal happens Jan. 24, 2024, at 9 PT/12 ET. Register to participate live, or to access the program on-demand.
Details
- Date:
- January 24
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/2024-state-of-ai-in-distribution
- This event has passed.
Wholesale Change: How Distributors Can Become More Important to Manufacturers
January 17 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Traditional and emerging competitors make it more difficult than ever for distributors to hold on to their role as manufacturers’ primary partners in going to market. Marketplaces, large retailers and even options for selling direct to end-users become more tempting to manufacturers when distributors offer poor digital capabilities or are weak at marketing.
In this episode of Wholesale Change, representatives from two major manufacturers – ABB and Signify – will share how distributors can become more important to them. Instead of taking defensive action to hold onto existing market share, we’ll discuss how distributors can go on offense and take share from other channels.
Don’t miss the unique opportunity to hear directly from major manufacturers on how you can become more important in the channel. Join hosts Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein live on Jan. 17 at 9 PT / 12 ET to ask questions or sign up to listen to the archive.
Details
- Date:
- January 17
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/how-distributors-can-become-more-important-to-manufacturers
- This event has passed.
Wholesale Change: FleetPride CEO Kevin Weadick – Charting a Journey of Success
December 13, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
During his two-decade tenure with Grainger companies, Kevin Weadick demonstrated his versatility by contributing his expertise across multiple countries and diverse divisions such as Supply Chain, Marketing and Product Management. However, he attained the pinnacle of his Grainger career when he assumed the role of President for the company’s B2B Marketplace Enterprise, Zoro.
Given his remarkable track record, it’s no surprise that when FleetPride embarked on its quest for a new CEO, Kevin emerged as an exceptional candidate. Few can boast of extensive experience within a prominent branch-based distribution enterprise, coupled with a history of significant accomplishments in the dynamic realm of digital commerce, exemplified by his achievements at Zoro, a 100% online company.
At Zoro, it wasn’t just about sales growth; the company’s outstanding culture earned it numerous accolades as an exemplary employer. As CEO of FleetPride, Kevin is committed to replicating this culture success while strategically integrating digital solutions alongside FleetPride’s existing Branch and Sales strategy, while expanding the company’s emerging Service channel. All of this is in service to the company’s core purpose: “FleetPride keeps the country running.”
Join us on the Wholesale Change show on December 13 when we talk to Kevin about what he’s learned over his long distribution career, how he’s adapting to a new industry and how he plans to leverage his experience to achieve big goals at FleetPride.
Details
- Date:
- December 13, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/charting-a-journey-of-success
- This event has passed.
What Customers Want 2023: A Great Customer Experience Online and Offline
December 7, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Partnering with distributors, Distribution Strategy Group has surveyed more than 15,000 customers across diverse sectors and geographies over the past 18 months on how they like to shop and buy, as well as what they require in the customer experience with distributors.
This research builds on prior surveys of more than 20,000 customers. While there has been a clear trend toward digital engagement and higher expectations around digital, our research revealed that it is definitely not one size fits all for customers in different sectors such as construction, industrial and retail. And there are meaningful differences in what large vs. small customers expect.
Our research also incorporates how distributors are responding to the demand to provide a better shopping and buying experience, as well as a better overall customer experience.
Join us on Dec. 7 at 9 PT/12 ET to hear the most important takeaways from our research, and their supporting data and analysis.
Details
- Date:
- December 7, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/a-great-customer-experience-online-and-offline
- This event has passed.
Distribution Leader Panel: How Distributors Can Use Marketing to Drive Sales
November 14, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
A great marketing department can help a distributor drive better sales, profits and long-term growth.
Traditionally, however, the role of marketing in distribution has been limited – tasked with managing tchotchkes, product promotions and supplying the sales team with flyers. Many marketers in distributors feel like they have little influence on high-level strategic and tactical decisions.
If distributors want to compete successfully, they need to take a more strategic approach.
In a world where customers use upwards of 10 channels to research and make purchases, the role of marketing has become critical to managing and nurturing leads; targeting messaging based on segment or behavior; gaining greater visibility into the customer’s journey; and engaging at the right moments and with the right message.
A strategic approach to marketing holds clear benefits for distributors:
- Increased sales productivity
- Increased top and bottom line through greater customer experience
- Greater visibility into and impact on the customer journey
- Improved internal cooperation across all customer-facing team members
Distributors also need to integrate the right technologies into their arsenal to support these goals.
Join our panel of distribution leaders on Nov. 14 at 9 PT / 12 ET, when they will share how they’ve transformed their marketing roles and tools to reach more customers, more efficiently, across channels.
Details
- Date:
- November 14, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/how-distributors-can-use-marketing-to-drive-sales
- This event has passed.
How Distributors Can Build Their AI Roadmap
November 8, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Generating leads, managing customer relationships, improving working capital performance, creating marketing content, expediting financial analysis, automating order entry, optimizing delivery routing – these are just a few areas where AI can help a distributor improve its effectiveness, productivity or accuracy.
But where to start?
AI veteran Brooks Hamilton will help you sort it out in this webinar. Brooks was one of the most popular speakers at Distribution Strategy Group’s recent AI conference. He has years of experience developing and implementing cutting-edge technology specifically for distributors.
Over the past several years, he’s worked on how distributors can apply AI to improve their business outcomes.
In this session, Brooks will share how to understand which AI applications have the most potential for you, where you should start on your AI journey and the steps you need to take to put together your plan.
Join us on Nov. 8 at 9 PT / 12 ET to jumpstart your AI journey. This webinar is sponsored by our friends at Netsuite and Conexiom.
Details
- Date:
- November 8, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/how-distributors-should-build-their-ai-roadmap
- This event has passed.
Technology Leader Panel: Navigating the Digital Customer Experience Frontier in Wholesale Distribution
October 24, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the distribution industry stands at a pivotal juncture. With shifting customer expectations and the integration of advanced technologies, there’s a pressing need for distributors to optimize their digital platforms and amplify customer experience. But how do you ensure your business is poised to leverage these advancements effectively?
Join us for a deep dive into the world of Customer Experience (CX) and Digital Experience Platforms (DXP). Seasoned technologists with hands-on experience across distribution channels will unpack the challenges, strategies and innovations shaping the future of wholesale distribution.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Real-World Insights: Case studies and stories of digital transformations that redefined customer engagement for distributors.
- Technological Breakdown: Explore the latest in AI, machine learning, mobile platforms and more, all contextualized for the distribution sector.
- Strategic Roadmaps: From integrating legacy systems to anticipating trends, get a blueprint for your digital journey.
For distribution executives committed to staying ahead of the customer experience curve, this discussion is a can’t-miss event. Reserve your spot and shape the digital destiny of your distribution enterprise.
Details
- Date:
- October 24, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/navigating-the-digital-customer-experience-frontier
- This event has passed.
Wholesale Change: AI Done Right – Where Distributors Should Start
October 18, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
AI is powering a new wave of applications in supply chain and warehouse, finance, HR, sales, marketing and customer service. These promise to deliver not just greater efficiency, but also greater effectiveness for distributors.
The key, according to AI expert Brooks Hamilton, is to “understand where humans act like machines. That’s where the opportunities lie.”
At the first-ever event on AI for distributors this month, Hamilton, who helps distributors build and implement AI strategies, gave our attendees the tools to get started with AI. Tapping into his extensive real-world experience, Brooks instructed distributors to embrace, educate and then expand their use of AI – building a solid foundation to reap the rewards of this game-changing technology.
Hamilton will join Wholesale Change hosts Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein on Oct. 18 at 9 PT/12 ET to share his takeaways from our Applied AI for Distributors event. They’ll also dig into what comes next – after distributors decide to take their first steps.
Details
- Date:
- October 18, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/ai-done-right
- This event has passed.
Sales Force Compensation: Challenges and Solutions
October 11, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
For many wholesale distribution companies, sales compensation is an essential piece of their overall commercial performance. The long-term trends driving change in customer acquisition behavior that were accelerated during the pandemic along with levels of inflation unseen for decades have led many distributors to reexamine the effectiveness of their current programs.
As distributors explore the introduction of new or refined selling roles and look to mitigate the pressures on their bottom lines, they have realized that changes to their sales compensation programs are required.
This session will focus on how sales compensation programs can be developed that support evolutions in selling roles without diminished risk or opportunity for program participants. Attendees will walk away with actionable approaches to mitigate compensation related obstacles along with implementation best practices.
Details
- Date:
- October 11, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/sales-force-compensation-challenges-and-solutions
- This event has passed.
Wholesale Change: PE Expert Talks Equity Events and M&A Trends
September 20, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Supply Chain Equity Partners (SCEP) is “North America’s only committed private equity firm focused exclusively on making investments in the distribution and logistics industry,” says Jay Greyson, the firm’s co-founder and partner. He’ll join hosts Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein, Ph.D. of Distribution Strategy Group on September 20 to discuss industry trends in M&A, along with how distributors can prepare for an equity event.
Jay, Ian and Jonathan will discuss how factors like strategic vs. financial buyers, company size, and many other elements impact valuation. They’ll discuss how a hot second quarter of distribution M&A activity was followed by the “summer doldrums” of fewer deals, as well as how positioning your company to be a “platform” player can help you acquire more effectively and be more valuable when it’s time to sell.
Sign up now to listen in as Ian and Jonathan spend time with one of the leading experts in distribution M&A.
Details
- Date:
- September 20, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- Wholesale Change Show
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/pe-expert-talks-equity-events-and-ma-trends
- This event has passed.
Technology Leader Panel: Cash Flow and Financial Management Systems
September 19, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Managing cash flow and driving profitability is a critical component of any distributor’s operations. The goal is to:
- Work more efficiently
- Speed the order-to-cash cycle
- Optimize the procure-to-pay cycle
- Gain full visibility into financial management
- Expand margins
Distributors know that to drive more to the bottom line, as well as fuel future growth, they need state-of-the-art technologies:
- Pricing/Margin
- Sales Order Management
- Financial Management
Distributors must have these systems in place to increase profits, reduce risk and drive operational efficiency.
Developing and implementing these architectures takes expertise. Tune in September 19, 9 PT/12 ET, to hear from our experienced panelists, who will help you make the most of them.
Details
- Date:
- September 19, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/technology-leadership-panel-cash-flow-and-financial-management-systems
- This event has passed.
Warehouse and Supply Chain Technology
September 13, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Warehouse automation is proving to be a compelling investment for distribution operations seeking reduced labor costs and improved throughput efficiencies.
Many businesses rely on paper-based picking, discrete order-picking processes or ERP/WMS. But businesses with omnichannel order fulfillment operations that lack the tools needed to optimize and manage a complex order fulfillment operation will struggle to control labor costs.
This webinar will discuss the role ERP and WMS play in distribution operations and explore how Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) can support those functions.
Learn which systems are best suited to optimize order release while managing both traditional warehouse automation, as well as the latest automation technologies such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and Robotic Goods-to-Person (G2P) systems.
This presentation will show how small and mid-sized distribution center operations benefit when investing in a WES-WCS system to extend productivity of an existing ERP or WMS system.
Learn:
- What size picking staff justifies an investment in picking automation
- Components of packing, manifesting and shipping automation
- How to eliminate errors to increase customer satisfaction and retailer chargebacks
- How to reduce reliance on manual labor
Details
- Date:
- September 13, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://pages.distributionstrategy.com/acton/media/6612/role-of-a-wes-wcs-in-todays-warehouse-operations
- This event has passed.
Distribution Leader Panel: How to Make Your CRM Initiative Successful
September 7, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
CRM is finally gaining traction in distribution. Leading distributors have integrated CRM with their ERP and are using CRM as a point of integration for applications that support customer facing personnel including marketing automation, web analytics, cross-sell/up-sell and other analytics. In this distribution leader panel, we will be looking at several key areas including:
- Implementing CRM
- Integrating CRM with ERP
- Integrating apps into CRM
- Evolution of business processes
- Driving adoption and creating buy-In
Join us to learn how distributors who are successful with CRM are navigating these topics.
Details
- Date:
- September 7, 2023
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Event Category:
- On-Demand Program
- Website:
- https://Pages.DistributionStrategy.com/acton/media/6612/how-to-make-your-crm-initiative-successful