Top 10 Moments from the 2026 NAW Executive Summit

From historic conversations on the future of the industry to unforgettable moments of connection, leadership, and celebration, last year’s Summit brought together the executives shaping what comes next.

Against the backdrop of NAW’s 80th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, leaders from across distribution gathered in Washington to tackle the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

1. Opening After a Historic Snowstorm

Attendees arrived on delayed flights, in rental SUVs, and with unstoppable determination. The message was clear: when the industry comes together, nothing stands in the way.

2. A Historic Fireside Chat with President George W. Bush + Lifetime Achievement Award

We were honored to welcome President George W. Bush to the mainstage for a wide-ranging fireside conversation on leadership, service, national unity, and the enduring strength of American free enterprise.

Following his remarks, NAW proudly presented him with the Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lifetime of service and contributions to our country’s civic and economic fabric. This moment was especially meaningful as NAW marks 80 years and America approaches its 250th birthday.

3. A Fireside Chat with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

NAW CEO Eric Hoplin sat down with Secretary Sean Duffy to explore the future of American infrastructure, trucking and freight policy, port modernization, and the challenges reshaping the supply chain today.

4. An Elegant Evening at the NAW Gala

A celebration of the industry. It was an evening of connection, gratitude, and pride in the work distributors do every day to keep America moving.

At the NAW Institute Gala, honoring leadership, service, and the enduring impact of the distribution industry. We were honored to honor Uline with our 2026 Distributors Deliver Award.

5. CEO Panels That Looked Ahead to the Future

CEOs from across the industry shared insights on talent, technology, resilience, customer expectations, and the strategic pivots that will define the next decade of distribution. We hosted candid leadership conversations with CEOs Chuck Delph, Lance Devin, and Travis Sullivan, alongside a powerful Washington perspective from Brian Wild that connected policy decisions directly to real-world impact on the warehouse floor.

6. Celebrating 80 Years of NAW + America’s 250th

We premiered NAW’s new anniversary video—honoring eight decades of leadership, advocacy, and industry progress. A powerful reminder of the role distributors play in building America.

7. Deep-Dive Community Sessions with Real-World Application

From forecasting to operational excellence to evolving customer expectations, these sessions gave leaders practical tools they can bring home and implement immediately.

8. Honoring Legacy

The Summit opened with energy and intention as leaders explored how uncertainty, technology, and intuition are shaping long-term success. From Laura Huang’s challenge to rethink intuition in decision-making, to the Lessons in Legacy conversation with Patrick McCurdy III, Rob Onorato, and Katie Poehling Seymour, the focus remained clear: honoring what endures while preparing for what’s next. Community sessions delivered practical frameworks for navigating change, alignment, and growth, while moments of connection—from the Women in Distribution reception to CEO dinners—strengthened peer relationships across the industry.

9. Candid Conversations with Industry Leaders

We brought together CEOs Chuck Delph, Lance Devin, and Travis Sullivan, along with Brian Wild, who delivered a powerful Washington perspective connecting policy decisions to realworld impact on the warehouse floor.

10. A Shared Sense of Optimism for the Industry’s Future

Across every session and conversation, one message stood out: Wholesaler-distributors are resilient—and ready for what comes next.