Practical Strategies for Business Model Evolution
Navigate Distributionโs Rapid Transformation
Disruption is reshaping distribution – sales, digital, data, and culture are evolving faster than ever. AI is accelerating this shift, and traditional structures are giving way to agile, networked teams. SHIFT equips you with actionable insights, peer-driven discussions, and first access to AI applications built for distribution.
In addition to the mainstage and breakout programming, attendees will participate in focused strategy discussions with their cohort of choice.
SHIFT features four distinct, well-focused cohort tracks of instrumental content, each designed to show distributors how to:
- Build a ‘strong(er)’ hybrid sales organization
- Benefit from the ceaseless digital advancements youโre bound to face,
- Build a high-performing team to attract and retain talent, and
- Reinforce your organization by applying data analytics that will clarify and allow you to adjust your KPIโs.
Digital Cohort
Smarter Tech, Seamless Integration
Learn how to:
- Overcome resistance to new digital platforms
- Integrate technology seamlessly without disrupting operations
- Sequence modernization without destabilizing legacy operations
Perfect for:
CEO / President; COO, Financial Leaders; Data/Sales Analysts; Marketing Leaders; BI Managers
Data Analytics Cohort
Unlock the Power of Data to Drive Profitability
Learn how to:
- Leverage underutilized proprietary data for strategic insights
- Improve customer segmentation to boost margins
- Overcome resistance to data-driven decision-making
Perfect for:
Tech Leaders โ CTO; CIO; CX Director / Managers; Marketing Leaders โ CMO, VP; Operational Leaders โ CFO, COO, CEO, President
Culture Cohort
Build and Retain a Future-Ready Workforce
Learn how to:
- Unify teams through constant change and disruption
- Align workplace culture with Gen Z and Millennial expectations
- Sustain energy and accountability through transformation
Perfect for:
CEO / President; Human Resources; Marketing; Operations; Organization Development; Talent Acquisition
Hybrid Sales Cohort
Optimize Revenue Strategies
Learn how to:
- Modernize coverage without sacrificing margin
- Align pricing and incentives with hybrid models
- Motivate teams to adopt new selling behaviors
Perfect for:
CEO / President; VP Sales & Marketing; Marketing & Sales Directors; Sales Managers
SALES MODEL to create leaner and stronger teams that have the ability to drive more revenue
CULTURE to break down silos and create cross functional, integrated teams that work together to meet/exceed customer expectations
DIGITAL STRATEGY to drive and nurture leads that result in expedited closing times for salespeople
DATA TACTICS to support sales and increase productivity through omnichannel tools
Which Ticket Is Right for Me?
NAW Member Ticket
$1,295
This ticket is available to all NAW Wholesaler-Distributors Members
MDM Premium Subscriber Ticket
(Wholesaler-Distributor)
$1,995
This ticket is available to MDM Premium Subscribers who are employed by wholesale distribution companies.
Price is not transferable to non-MDM Premium Subscribers. Only valid for Annual Subscription.
Non-MDM Premium + SHIFT
(Wholesaler-Distributor)
$2,745
Not a NAW or Premium Member? Gain full access to SHIFT plus a year of MDM Premium through this exclusive bundle for nonmembers who are employed by distribution companies.
Save $100 on the bundle
NAW Affiliate Member Ticket
$2,495
This ticket is available to all NAW Affiliate Members.
MDM Premium Subscriber Ticket
(Non-Wholesaler-Distributor)
$2,995
This ticket is available to MDM Premium Subscribers who are NOT employed by wholesale-distribution companies.
Price is not transferable to non-MDM Premium Subscribers. Only valid for Annual Subscription.
Non-MDM Premium + SHIFT
(Non-Wholesaler-Distributor)
$3,745
Not a NAW or Premium Member? Gain full access to SHIFT plus a year of MDM Premium through this exclusive bundle for nonmembers who are NOT employed by distribution companies.
Save $100 on the bundle
Leaders & Innovators at past SHIFT
ABC Supply Co Inc
Acumental B2B
Airframe Group
AIS Industrial & Construction Supply
ARG Industrial
Baird
Benco Dental Co
Building Products Inc.
Celveland Steel Container
DCA Delta Cable Americas
Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc.
Endries International, Inc.
Famous Supply
Field Fastener
First Supply LLC
Graybar Electric Co Inc
George T. Sanders Co
Hajoca Corporation
helix
HM Cragg
Hydradyne LLC
IBT Industrial Solutions
INPACS
John Brooks Company Limited
Johnston Industrial Supply
Lansing Building Products
LINC Systems
Locke Supply Co.
McKinsey & Co.
Mcnaughton McKay
Motion
MSC Industrial Supply
MSI Tex, Inc.
ORS Nasco
Panduit Corp
Pipeline Packaging
Pricing for Distributors
Promelsa
Promotores Electricos SA
Proton AI
Q-PAC
Ramco Innovations
RelaDyne LLC
Replenex
Richelieu Hardware Ltd.
Rocket Industrial
RS Americas
Schilling Supply Company
Sikich
SMC Electric Supply
Sonepar
Specialty Products & Insulation
Speedy Labs
Swish
T&S Brass
Triple S
UCS Forest Group
Valin Corporation
WD-40 Company
Wesco
Winsupply
Hotel: The Inverness Denver
200 Inverness Drive West Englewood, Colorado 80112 USA
We have reserved a room block for May 11, 12 and 13, 2026 at the special group room rate available for a limited number of rooms through April 20, 2026 โ OR โ until the group block is filled, whichever comes first.
For support email [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you in May!
Join the Golf Outing at SHIFT
Start your SHIFT 2026 experience with a relaxed morning on the course. On Tuesday, May 12 at 8:00 AM MST, attendees can join a casual golf outing at The Inverness Golf Club, the championship course located right at the host resort. This experience is designed for easy conversation, fresh air, and organic networking in a beautiful setting.
We’ll follow a scramble-style format to keep play fun and inclusive for all skill levels, with NAW assigning teams to help attendees meet new peers across companies and roles. Your $200 registration includes 18 holes, cart access, and friendly on-course competitions like closest-to-the-pin and longest drive, with prizes awarded. Club rentals are available directly through the course.
Pre-registration required. To join, simply add the golf outing during your SHIFT registration. For more information contact [email protected].
This event is sponsored by: Capital One Trade Credit
Pre-Conference Networking Activities
In addition to the Tuesday’s Golf outing, SHIFT offers two energizing, smallโgroup experiences designed to spark conversation and build new relationships in a relaxed, active setting. Both activities require preโregistration and can be added during your SHIFT event registration. For more information contact [email protected].
Guided Networking Hike
Join a facilitated, 1 hour 45-minute hike at 9:00 AM MST designed to spark conversation and connection in a relaxed, natural setting. Transportation, water, and snacks are included, and the route is rated easy to intermediate. Sneakers or hiking boots are recommended, with attire based on weather conditions.
Pickleball Tournament
At 10:00 AM MST, take part in a fun, fastโpaced pickleball experience designed for all skill levels. Your $50 registration includes paddles, balls, beverages, snacks, and prizes. Teams are assigned by NAW to encourage new connections across companies and roles.
This event is sponsored by: Instalily
Agenda
All times are in Mountain Time
Tuesday Day 1 – May 12
8:00 am โ Golf Tournament
(Optional: Pre-Registration Required)
9:00 am โ Guided Hike
(Optional: Pre-Registration Required)
10:00 am โ Pickleball Tournament
(Optional: Pre-Registration Required)
10:00 am โ Registration Open
2:00 pm โ Mainstage Session: Benchmark Your Innovation & Transformation Levers Workshop:
One of the unique differentiators of SHIFT is the ability to benchmark your progress and exchange insights with industry peers in our individualized welcome workshop. Using our custom comprehensive assessment tool focused on Hybrid Sales, Digital, Data Analytics and Culture, attendees are equipped with the tools to help guide your discussions throughout the entire program. Led by subject matter experts, you will leave with the tools to build a more profitable business model for the future. Featured Speakers: Ali Hasham, Founder & CEO, Revenue Optics, Elias Brown, Data Manager, Vallourec, Max Meister, CEO, Ludwig Meister, and Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam, Faculty, Texas A&M
4:00 pm โ Introductory Roundtable with your Pre-Selected Cohort
(Attendees select one cohort for the event upon registration: Hybrid Sales, Digital, Data Analytics, Culture)
6:00 – 7:30 pm โ Welcome Reception
7:30 – 8:30 pm โ Women in Distribution Forum
(Pre-Registration Required – Open to All)
The Women in Distribution Forum returns following its debut last year, bringing together professionals from across the industry for an evening of connection, conversation, and community. Now open to all attendees interested in supporting and strengthening womenโs leadership in distribution, the forum creates space to exchange perspectives, build relationships, and expand professional networks. Featured Speakers: Anesa Chaibi, CEO, Global Industrial Company, Allison Sabia, President & CEO, Galco, and Tina Hueppe, President & CEO, Marshall Wolf Automation, Inc. Moderated by: Vesna Brajkovic, MDM Senior Editor, NAW
Wednesday Day 2 – May 13
7:00 am โ Breakfast
8:00 am โ Mainstage Sessions:
AI in Practice at Leading Distributors – Based on confidential interviews and original research featuring leading distributors, this keynote offers rare insight into how AI is actually being used across the industry. Discover real-world use cases delivering outsized ROI through focused, low-investment approaches, along with a behind-the-curtain look at the organizational realities leaders donโt usually discuss publicly. Featured Speakers: Mike Hockett, MDM Executive Editor, NAW, and Patti Rausch, VP of Research & Innovation, NAW
Innovation Under Oversight – As distributors expand AI use cases, scrutiny around responsible deployment is increasing. Leaders must separate headline risk from real exposure. Grounded in NAW research and informed by regulatory perspective, this session examines how to approach AI investment with discipline while continuing to innovate in a shifting environment. Featured Speakers: Jenni Detert, VP of Information Technology, Endries International, Konrad Konarski, Ai Applied Consortium and Maxx Silvan, Government Relations Manager, NAW. Moderated by: Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer, NAW
9:45 am โ Educational Sessions
(Attendees self-select breakout on the day of the event)
HYBRID SALES: Turning Coverage Gaps into a Growth Lever with Sales-Driven AI – Every distributor knows they have under-penetrated accounts. Few have a systematic way to find them, prioritize them, and actually get reps calling on them consistently. This interactive session walks through a proven model for doing exactly that, combining AI-driven account intelligence with a structured outbound operating system, and features a candid discussion about the real-world challenges of adoption, including how to bring field sales along rather than alienate them. Featured Speakers: Benjamin Cohen, Founder & CEO, Proton.ai and Ali Hasham, Founder & CEO, Revenue Optics
DIGITAL: Driving Performance Through Digital Tools – High-performing teams use technology that simplifies, not complicates, their work. This session demonstrates how distributors can connect digital tools to streamline workflows, enhance pipeline visibility, and strengthen customer engagement, turning technology into a driver of measurable business results. Featured Speaker: Michael Crowley, Chief Information Officer, Shorr Packaging. Moderated by: Brandon Lassiter, Chief Data Officer, ProfitOptics
DATA ANALYTICS: Unlocking Clarity in Channel Performance – Distributors are exploring new ways to understand channel performance using business data. Join us for a discussion around reliable approaches to attribution and profitability to support clearer, more confident decision-making. Featured Speaker: Larry Walsh, CEO & Chief Analyst, Channelnomics
CULTURE: The Power of Storytelling – Culture shapes how a company is perceived, and making your organizational culture visible externally is no longer optional. Social media offers a way to bring values to life, building credibility, trust, and connection with both customers and talent. Discover why visible culture creates a real competitive edge and how organizations can start embedding it into their communications and everyday interactions. Featured Speaker: Kevin Keigley, Marketing Manager, IPS Packaging & Automation
10:45 am โ Roundtable with your pre-selected Cohort
(Attendees select oneโฏcohort for theโฏeventโฏupon registration: Hybrid Sales, Digital, DataโฏAnalytics,โฏCulture)
11:45 am โ Lunch
12:30 pm โ Mainstage Sessions:
Modernizing for Tomorrow, Maintaining What Matters: Learn how a multi-generation distributor modernized their digital foundation while preserving culture, trust, and day-to-day performance. Ludwig Meister CEO, Max Meister, breaks down the change management frameworks guiding their transformation, sharing repeatable innovation strategies for complex organizations. Featured Speaker: Max Meister, CEO, Ludwig Meister
Shaping Teams that Deliver: Leadership expectations are shifting as organizations navigate new ways of working and changing employee dynamics. This session examines how effective leaders are adapting their approach, moving beyond traditional management to create clarity, connection, and accountability in ways that earn commitment and strengthen teams. Featured Speaker: Clint Pulver, President & Founder, The Center for Retention
3:00 pm โ Educational Sessions
(Attendees self-select breakout on the day of the event)
HYBRID SALES: Adaptive Sales Enablement for Maximum Impact – One-size-fits-all development approaches no longer work for hybrid sales teams. Dive into strategies for timely, targeted, coaching methods that move beyond guidance and into measurable outcomes. Featured Speaker: Elizabeth Taylor, Founder & CEO, The Corporate Bestie
DIGITAL: From Platform to Performance – Launching an eCommerce platform is only the first step towards meaningful organizational impact. Examine how leading businesses have refined their digital storefronts to align with sales teams and integrate into daily customer workflows. Featured Speaker: Howard Blumenthal, Founder, Blumenthal Commerce. Moderated by: Vesna Brajkovic, MDM Senior Editor, NAW
DATA ANALYTICS: Operationalizing Analytics at Scale – As analytics maturity grows, data usage must evolve beyond better reports and into durable operating capabilities. This session explores how distributors embed analytics into day-to-day decision-making to reduce reliance on isolated analyses and create repeatable processes across an organization. Featured Speakers: Srini Naravatla, Vice President – Data, AI, & Innovation, SRS Distribution Inc. and Sumo Das, Co-Founder & COO, InstaLILY AI. Moderated by: Donnie Williamson, Director of Analytics, NAW
CULTURE: Perspectives from Emerging Leaders – As workforce demographics shift, distributors must rethink assumptions about careers and leadership. Hear from next-generation distribution professionals and academic voices sharing the next generation’s perspective and what these evolving needs, wants, and expectations mean for the future of work in distribution. Featured Speakers: Aaron Parker, Chief People Officer, Hillman, Jess Bauer, Chief of Staff at American Refrigeration Supply; Student, Master of Industrial Distribution Program, Texas A&M University, and Jordan Moore, Purchasing Manager at Watson Gloves; Student, Master of Industrial Distribution Program, Texas A&M University. Moderated by: Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam, Faculty, Texas A&M University
4:00 pm โ Roundtable with your pre-selected Cohort
(Attendees select one cohort for the event upon registration: Hybrid Sales, Digital, Data Analytics, Culture)
6:00 – 7:00 pm โ Chip, Putt, Drive Competition
(Optional: Pre-Registration Required – Open to All)
6:00 – 7:30 pm โ Evening Reception
Thursday Day 3 – May 14
8:00 am โ Breakfast
8:00 amโ โ Women in Distribution Honoree Breakfast
(Invitation Only)
8:45 am โ Mainstage Sessions
Women in Distribution Awards Presentation – The Women in Distribution Awards Presentation formally recognizes the Class of 2026 honorees; leaders whose impact, innovation, and dedication are helping shape the future of the distribution industry.
The Road to Future-Ready Distribution – What does a future-ready distributor look like? McKinsey experts examine the trends shaping 2026 and the capabilities distributors need to build now. Inspired by Rewired, explore how leading organizations are navigating change, integrating AI into everyday decisions, and positioning their teams for long-term growth. Featured Speaker: Sara Prince, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
Insights from the CEO Seat – With a track record of guiding Graybar through change, Kathleen Mazzarella offers a candid look at how CEOs think about transformation: what earns investment, what creates friction, and how leaders navigate change without losing sight of people, customers, and performance. Featured Speaker: Kathleen Mazzarella, CEO, Chairman, President & CEO, Graybar Electric Co Inc and Chairman of NAW Board of Directors. Moderated by: Eric Hoplin, President & CEO, NAW
Program Concludes – 11:00 am
Featured Speakers
Jess Bauer
Chief of Staff, American Refrigeration Supply;
Master of Industrial Distribution Program, Texas A&M University
Howard Blumenthal
Founder & CEO
Blumenthal Commerce
Vesna Brajkovic
Senior Editor
Modern Distribution Management
Elias Brown
Data Manager
Vallourec
Benjamin Cohen
Founder & CEO
proton.ai
Sumo Das
CoโFounder & COO
InstaLILY AI
Jenni Detert
VP of Information Technology
Endries
Ali Hasham
Founder & CEO
Revenue Optics
Mike Hockett
Executive Editor
Modern Distribution Management
Kevin Keigley
Marketing Manager
IPS Packaging & Automation
Konrad Konarski
Chairman
AI Applied Consortium
Kathleen Mazzarella
CEO
Chairman, President & CEO, Graybar Electric Co Inc and Chairman of NAW Board of Directors
Jordan Moore
Purchasing Manager at Watson Gloves; Student, Master of Industrial Distribution Program, Texas A&M University
Aaron Parker
Chief People Officer
Hillman
Clint Pulver
President & Founder
The Center for Retention
Patti Raush
VP of Research & Innovation
NAW
Maxx Silvan
Government Relations Manager
NAW
Srini Naravatla
VP Data, AI & Innovation
SRS Distribution Inc.
Elizabeth Taylor
Founder & CEO
The Corporate Bestie
Larry Walsh
CEO & Chief Analyst
Channelnomics
Brian Wild
Chief Government Relations Officer
NAW
Donnie Williamson
Director of Analytics
NAW
Attendee FAQ
WHAT IS A COHORT?:
During registration, attendees select a tailored cohort [Hybrid Sales, Digital, Data Analytics, or Culture] designed around their professional interests and expertise.
These cohorts create intimate networking opportunities, pairing participants with like-minded peers to exchange ideas, share best practices and collaborate on common goals.
Your selected cohort will meet 3 times during your time at SHIFT, allowing you to participate in meaningful conversations with individuals who share your challenges and can help you identify transformative next steps for your business.
HOW DO I PICK EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS?:
Vote with your feet on the day of the event to hear from subject matter experts on the topics that matter most to you and your business.
The educational sessions you opt into on May 13th do not need to be under the same umbrella as your selected cohort and are intentionally designed for cross-functional learning. We encourage you to attend sessions focused on other functions to hear how peers across the organization are tackling similar challenges and see your own work through a different lens.
HOW DO I PRE-REGISTER FOR AN OPTIONAL ACTIVITY LISTED ON THE AGENDA?:
When you register for the full SHIFT event, you will be prompted regarding the optional activities throughout the agenda.
If you do not register for an activity at the time you sign up to attend SHIFT, you can email [email protected] to opt-in.
Some activities have maximum capacities so please register as soon as you are able.
Challenge. Collaborate. Change the Model.
SHIFT | The Future of Distribution
welcomes a dialogue on the topics that matter the most to distributors โ with distribution leaders in the spotlight.
Sharpen Your Competitive Edge!
Bringing the best minds in distribution together โ across sales, digital, data analytic, and culture โ to share ideas and network to build your organization of the future: Hybrid Sales, Powered by Digital, Built on Data Analytics, Sustained by Culture.
Our agenda includes main stage sessions on transformational strategy, change management and case studies shared by highly successful distribution leaders who have guided teams โ small, medium and very large โ forward.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Thank you to our Strategic Partners:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Contact Adam Isenberg at [email protected] to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
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.
