Please note, this meeting is for association leaders who are members of NAW’s Association Executives Council and their key staff.

NAW Policy & Strategy Forum

January 28–29, 2026 | Washington, DC

Formerly the NAW AEC Winter Meeting

The NAW Association Policy & Strategy Forum is the reimagined annual gathering of association executives and senior staff serving the distribution industry. Redesigned with a sharper strategic purpose, the Forum equips leaders with the intelligence, alignment, and peer connections needed to navigate an increasingly complex policy environment.

Whether your members are based in the U.S., Canada, or beyond, this meeting is your opportunity to strengthen your advocacy voice and elevate your association’s strategic impact.

What to Expect

✔ High-value policy insight
Get clear, timely briefings from NAW’s government relations and legal policy teams on the federal issues shaping distributor competitiveness across North America.

✔ Strategic alignment across associations
Work with peer executives to compare approaches, refine messaging, identify common priorities, and strengthen the collective influence of the distribution sector.

✔ Professional development for leaders
Sessions designed specifically for CEOs, senior staff, and teams responsible for strategy, communications, and policy leadership inside their associations.

✔ Practical, actionable outcomes
Walk away with sharper talking points, frameworks you can apply immediately, and a more coordinated network of association leaders facing similar challenges.

Why Attend

Your members depend on you to anticipate risks, translate complexity, and guide them through change.
The Policy & Strategy Forum gives you the clarity, tools, and relationships to deliver exactly that.

This January, the AEC community gathers in Washington to align, strategize, and prepare for the year ahead.
Will you be in the room?

For Our Canadian Association Members

Many U.S. policy decisions—including those related to labor, trade, competition, and compliance—directly affect Canadian distributors.
Canadian executives will gain:

• Cross-border perspective on emerging policy and market trends
• Alignment with U.S. peers on shared advocacy priorities
• Opportunities for North American collaboration

Your voice is essential.
The Forum prepares all distribution associations—not just U.S.-based organizations—to navigate what comes next.

Accommodations

NAW has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the event facility, the Grand Hyatt, Washington on 1000 H Street NW. Room block closes January 4, 2026. This hotel will sell out so be sure to book to stay at the event hotel.

Make the most of your time in DC! Explore what the area has to offer.

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.