The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) represents the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry and serves as its voice in Washington and beyond. By combining the strength of its membership with insights from the top minds in our industry, NAW delivers more than value: it drives influence, shapes policy, and ensures its members lead in a rapidly changing economic and regulatory landscape.
Representing 35,000 Distributors in the United States
Benefits of Joining NAW
NAW brings together the most innovative and forward-thinking wholesale distributors across every line of trade, creating a trusted environment where leaders can engage with peers, exchange ideas, and tackle shared challenges without competing with one another.
Advocacy
NAW is recognized in Washington, D.C. as one of the most effective pro-business lobbying organizations. Year after year, we leverage the power of the wholesale distribution industry to deliver real policy results for our member companies, who steer our efforts toward the issues most impactful to their businesses. NAW remains laser-focused on defending our industry and saving members millions in tax and regulatory costs.
Education
NAW offers the most comprehensive suite of research, content, and learning resources across the entire distribution industry. Members benefit from industry‑leading in-person events and virtual webinars that deliver timely, practical insights. Members receive full access to Modern Distribution Management (MDM)’s extensive premium content, including in‑depth research, market analysis, benchmarking, and expert commentary—forming a robust foundation of knowledge that helps leaders stay current and make confident decisions.
Collaboration
Our executives lead the largest and fastest-growing distribution firms in North America, representing every line of trade. Peer learning and collaboration through NAW occur between non-competitors operating in different lines of trade, but at a comparable scale and level of business complexity. Participating executives all speak a common distribution language and tackle common challenges in their businesses, but they have taken different approaches to solving those challenges that they can share with collaborators, so both parties benefit.
Innovation
NAW partners with investors, technology start-ups, and established innovators to create or accelerate unique solutions tailored specifically to distribution. We consult with members individually, focus on their top-of-mind business challenges and opportunities, and save them time and resources by bringing vetted solutions to the table. This concierge service alone often pays for the cost of our members’ annual membership investment.
Discover Which NAW Membership Is Right for You
NAW members are innovators, leaders, and change-makers, and our association is organized to deliver value tailored to their specific needs. Explore the NAW membership tiers to determine which level aligns best with your needs.
| Premier Membership | Enterprise Membership | Professional Membership | Affiliate Membership | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who’s it For | Market‑leading distributors seeking maximum access & partnership | Growing distributors strengthening teams | Individual professionals working in or alongside wholesale distribution | Partners of the Distribution Industry |
| Enrollment Type | Organization | Organization | Individual | Organization |
| Primary Value | Highest‑tier access, strategic engagement & leadership visibility (Member Experience team, dedicated onboarding, exclusive Roundtables) | Company‑wide engagement & benchmarking | Personal development & access (education, knowledge, growth) | Engage and network with leaders of the industry, brand acknowledgment, certified partner of distribution |
| Who Can Join | Over $250M in revenue | Under $250M in revenue | No revenue restriction | No revenue restriction |
| Cost | Determined by revenue range | Determined by revenue range | $850 Annually | Determined by revenue range |
| Learn More | Learn More | Join Now or Learn More | Learn More |
Exclusive Tools Built With Your Needs in Mind
NAW Nucleus
NAW members have access to NAW Nucleus — our exclusive AI‑powered platform built specifically to connect, inform, and support warehouse and distribution professionals. Nucleus centralizes industry intelligence, practical tools, and peer engagement, delivering tailored insights and solutions that address real‑world challenges in wholesale distribution.
MDM Premium
NAW members have access to MDM Premium, NAW’s premier source of market intelligence built on more than 50 years of independent reporting and analysis of wholesale distribution by Modern Distribution Management (MDM). Anchored by NAW’s flagship publication, MDM Daily Update, MDM Premium delivers trusted research, benchmarking, and market insight that leaders and professionals rely on to understand industry dynamics, anticipate change, and make informed decisions.
Hear Why Our Members Choose NAW
Hear From Our Board Chair: Kathy Mazzarella, CEO, Graybar
To learn more about the benefits of membership and determine if NAW is a good fit for your business, e-mail [email protected] or call (202) 872-0885.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individuals join NAW, or is it only for distribution companies?
Yes, individuals can join NAW through our Professional Membership. The Professional Membership option is designed specifically for individual professionals working in or alongside the wholesale distribution industry who want to expand their skills and network with other industry professionals.
I provide services or products to the distribution industry. Can my company join?
Yes, partners of the distribution industry can join NAW through our Affiliate Membership. The Affiliate Membership allows service providers, manufacturers, and other partners to engage and network with distribution leaders, build brand awareness, and become certified partners of NAW.
How much do Premier and Enterprise memberships cost?
NAW Premier and Enterprise membership costs depend on your company’s annual revenue range. To get an exact quote, fill out our Membership Interest Form.
How does NAW membership provide a direct return on investment (ROI)?
Many members find that NAW pays for itself through NAW Business Solutions, NAW’s strategic partner, sponsorship, and audience activation network. NAW partners with best-in-class technology and business service providers to help members accelerate innovation and digital transformation to improve profitability.
Members access exclusive programs, tailored specifically to distributors, that drive value in areas ranging from business intelligence to enterprise risk management. The direct ROI generated through these programs often covers the cost of NAW’s annual membership dues.
