NAW Innovators Summit, powered by Applico Capital
NAW’s and Applico Capital’s technology showcase, designed to accelerate participants’ investment in game-changing solutions tailored specifically to America’s largest distribution companies. The Innovators Summit features main stage presentations from the founders of cutting-edge startups, focused on innovation in the areas of artificial intelligence, digitization, automation, and eCommerce. Presentations are followed by private meeting opportunities with each of the founders, providing distribution CEOs and technology executives with the information and partnerships they need to design their technology investment roadmap.
Date: September 15-17, 2025
Location: Austin Texas: Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, 700 San Jacinto, E 8th St, Austin TX 78701
Time: The event kicks off in the afternoon on September 15 and ends in the afternoon on September 17.
Who Should Attend?
Attendance is reserved for top-decisions making executives within leading distribution firms across the nation focused on innovation and technology solutions to drive change and optimize operations.
Why Attend?
- Fast-track your future: Discover game-changing solutions from our hand-picked startups focused on AI, digitization, automation, and eCommerce.
- Stay ahead of the curve: Gain exclusive insights from leading innovators, shaping your investment roadmap for success.
- Meet 1-1 with Top Tech Innovators: Schedule private meetings with CEOs of tech innovators to discuss cutting-edge tech for your company’s needs.
- Rise above the competition: Equip your business with the tools and partnerships to conquer the evolving distribution landscape.
- Insider Access: Get the inside scoop in an off-the-record, invite-only, no pay-to-play environment. No other event brings together distribution and Silicon Valley like this one.
Event Cost?
$1,750 per person regular price (Early bird: $999. Promo code IS25EARLYBIRD. Ends April 30.)
Hotel Information:
We have reserved a block of rooms at in the event hotel the Omni Downtown Austin.
Be sure to book your room before the Monday, August 18, 2025, deadline as the hotel is sure to sell out.
Keynote Speakers
Brad Jacobs
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
QXO, Inc
Carol B. Tomé
Chief Executive Officer
UPS
Agenda
DAY 1 – September 15, 2025
4:00 PM: Mainstage Sessions:
| Applico Benchmark Info Presentation | A data-driven look at the state of the distribution industry, highlighting the impact of technology investment and AI adoption – focusing on key technology trends, performance benchmarks, and where innovation is delivering outsized returns |
| Customer Tech Panel | This panel explores how leading distributors are using technology to elevate customer relationships, enhance service delivery, and personalize engagement at scale. |
| Innovation in Action Case Study | This session highlights a partnership forged at a previous Innovators Summit between a leading distributor and a returning tech-innovator. Hear first-hand how innovative technologies are being successfully implemented within the industry. |
5:40 PM: Break
6:00 PM: Networking Reception and Dinner
8:30 PM: Evening Concludes
DAY 2 – September 16, 2025
8:00 AM: Breakfast Begins
8:30 AM: Mainstage Session: A Conversation with Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS
9:30 AM: Break
9:45 AM: Research, Breakthroughs & Next-Gen Solutions
Join returning tech innovators as they showcase their latest innovations, research, and product advancements, highlighting solutions that address key distribution challenges and evolving industry needs.
| Time | Pennybacker Room | Mansfield Room |
| 9:45 – 10:05 AM: | Returning Innovator TBA | Returning Innovator TBA |
| 10:05 – 10:25 AM: | Returning Innovator TBA | Returning Innovator TBA |
10:25 AM: Coffee and Networking Break
10:40 AM: Distributor Only Roundtable Discussion
11:40 AM: Coffee and Networking Break
11:55 AM: Networking Lunch
1:00 PM: Tech Innovator Pitches
Split between two concurrent rooms, distributors will choose from two 30-minute moderated fireside chats with tech innovators for each round of pitches. These CEOs will communicate the relevance of their solution to the distribution industry.
| Time | Pennybacker Room | Mansfield Room |
| 1:00 PM | New Innovator TBA | New Innovator TBA |
| 1:30 PM | 10-minute coffee and networking break | |
| 1:40 PM | New Innovator TBA | New Innovator TBA |
| 2:10 PM | 10-minute coffee and networking break | |
| 2:20 PM | New Innovator TBA | New Innovator TBA |
| 2:50 PM | 10-minute coffee and networking break | |
| 3:00 PM | New Innovator TBA | New Innovator TBA |
3:30 PM: Break
3:45 PM: Private Company Appointments
Designed as a closed-door meeting between top decision-makers, distributors can schedule 20-minute appointments with returning tech innovator CEOs to discuss how their solutions can fit their company.
6:30 PM: Networking Reception
7:30 PM: Dinner
DAY 3 – September 17, 2025
8:00 AM: Breakfast Begins
9:00 AM: Mainstage Session: Designing Successful POCs & Pilots
Join this session as CIOs share insights on how to effectively design and implement successful proof-of-concepts (POCs) and pilots, discussing key strategies and practical steps that ensure these initiatives deliver real value and drive results.
10:15 AM: Private Company Appointments
Designed as a closed-door meeting between top decision-makers, distributors can schedule 20-minute appointments with returning tech innovator CEOs to discuss how their solutions can fit their company.
12:00 PM: Lunch Buffet Opens – Grab and Go Option Available
12:00 PM: Event Concludes
Here from last years attendees:
“Invaluable exposure to top-notch vendors and insightful conversations about distribution and logistics. Their deep understanding of the industry was evident, and I came away with valuable insights. Networking with peer organizations was invaluable as always.”
The Summit provides a platform where we can engage in open dialogues, establish relationships, and enhance our company while potentially gaining new business partners. Networking with distributors in related fields has proven immensely beneficial. It’s not just about sharing challenges and opportunities but also uncovering new avenues for growth and collaboration.
“This was definitely a worthwhile investment of my time, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities that will undoubtedly benefit my work in the future.”
Returning Innovators
We are excited to reveal the first few returning customer tech innovators.
OneRail is a comprehensive last-mile delivery solution that connects supply chain systems with an expansive network of couriers, from dispatch to doorstep. By providing real-time visibility, dynamic routing, and automated exception management, OneRail helps businesses reduce shipping costs, accelerate delivery times, and create a seamless, responsive customer experience.
Proton.ai is an AI-powered CRM and sales enablement platform specifically designed for distributors. It consolidates customer data, automates insights, and prioritizes sales activities—allowing teams to know exactly where to focus to drive revenue. With intelligent recommendations and accountability tools, Proton enables distributors to transform data into high-impact actions.
Prokeep is a communication and engagement platform designed specifically for distributors. It enables teams to increase revenue through centralized messaging, quicker response times, and actionable customer data. By consolidating text, email, and web chat into a single platform, Prokeep empowers distributor teams to foster stronger customer relationships and actively generate demand.
SAP offers scalable and cost-effective ERP and digital transformation solutions specifically tailored for the wholesale distribution industry. From supply chain optimization to customer experience and sustainability, SAP assists distributors in modernizing operations, unlocking growth, and adapting with confidence in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
A Few Tech Innovators from Past Summits:
Previous Attendees Include:
ABC Supply Co Inc
ADI
Alex Lee Inc
Arrow Electronics Inc
Behler Young Co
Ben E Keith Co
Benco Dental Co
Berlin Packaging
BlueLinx
Bob Barker Co Inc
Boeing Distribution Services Inc
Breakthru Beverage Illinois
Campbell Companies
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc
City Electric Supply
COE Distributing
Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network
Convenience Distribution Association
Copper State Bolt & Nut Co Inc
Core & Main
Dakota Supply Group
Davidsons Inc
Distribution Solutions Group
Dot Foods Inc
DW Distribution Inc
Ellsworth Adhesives Specialty Chemical Distribution
Envoy Solutions
Ferguson Enterprises
Field Fastener
First Supply LLC
FleetPride Inc
GCG – Genuine Cable Group
Gordon Food Service
Grainger Inc
Graybar Electric Co Inc
Gypsum Management & Supply Inc/GMS
Hillman Group
IEWC
IFP Motion Solutions
Imperial Dade
Industrial Supply Association
Insco Distributing Inc
Kelly Paper/Spicers Paper Inc
Kendall Group
Kimball Midwest
Lawson Products Inc
M R C Global
Mayoreo
MGX Beverage Group
Midwest Wheel Co
Millcraft Paper Company
Motion & Control Enterprises LLC/MCE
MRC Global
MSC Industrial Supply Co
National Oak Distributors Inc
Nelson-Jameson Inc
Neuco Inc
OmniCable Corporation
ORS Medco
Pace Supply Corp
Palmer Donavin
Parksite Inc.
Parts for Trucks Inc
Plaza Provision/Plaza Food Systems
Polyconcept North America Inc
Power & Telephone Supply Co
Reece USA
RelaDyne LLC
Reliable Parts
RS Hughes Co Inc
Ryerson
Skidmore Sales & Distributing Co Inc
Sonepar USA
SP Richards Co
Specialty Building Products
SRS Distribution Inc
Summit Electric Supply Co Inc
The Stevens Co Ltd
Turtle
Uline
US Electrical Services LLC
US LBM Holdings LLC
Vallen North America
Veritiv Corp
WESCO Distribution Inc
Winsupply Inc
Thank you to our sponsors
Thank you to our Strategic Partners:
Cancellation Policy
Any cancelation received 120 days prior to the start date of this event will be refunded 100%. Cancellations received between 120 and 30 days before the start date of this event will be held as a credit that your organization can apply to any event registration fee for employees of the same company for 18 months from the cancelation date. Any cancellations closer to an event than 30 days will not be eligible to receive a credit. All cancellations must be sent to [email protected] for processing. Any credits unused after 18 months from the cancelation date will be written off.
