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Colorado Sun Highlights AI Adoption in Distribution, SHIFT Conference

Featured coverage from The Colorado Sun focused on how distributors are approaching artificial intelligence with practical, operations-driven strategies based on conversations at NAW's SHIFT Conference.

May 18, 2026

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The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ SHIFT conference was featured in coverage by The Colorado Sun examining how distributors are adopting and applying artificial intelligence across operations and supply chains.

NAW’s Executive Editor of MDM Mike Hockett and Vice President of Research and Innovation Patti Rausch share findings from a joint NAW and MDM survey on AI adoption in the distribution industry.

The May 16 story by The Sun’s Technology and Business Reporter Tamara Chuang highlighted discussions from the Denver conference focused on the opportunities and challenges distributors face as they integrate AI tools into their businesses. Reporting centered on practical applications of AI, operational strategy and the importance of change management as companies invest in emerging technologies.

You can read more about what was covered at the SHIFT Conference from MDM: Our Biggest Takeaways from SHIFT 2026, Where Change Management was Center Stage

The article featured comments from Patti Rausch, NAW’s Vice President Research and Innovation, who discussed findings from a joint NAW and MDM survey on AI adoption in the distribution industry. Find the full research here.

The coverage also included remarks from NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin on how AI and automation technologies are improving worker safety and operational efficiency.

Read the full story from The Colorado Sun.

 

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