2025 Agenda
Applied AI For Distributors
Join distribution leaders June 24-26, 2025, to discover how AI is already creating market leaders and leaving others behind.
Agenda
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Optional Workshop
Pre-Show Strategy Session | Distribution 2030: AI-Driven Transformation
The first 75 conference registrants are invited to an exclusive pre-conference strategy session. Jonathan Bein, PhD, and Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy Group will outline how distributors can leverage AI to stay competitive and thrive through 2030.
Ian Heller, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer
Distribution Strategy Group
Learn More
Ian Heller has more than 30 years of experience executing marketing and e-business strategy in the wholesale distribution industry. He has written and spoken extensively on the impact of digital disruption on distributors.
Ian entered the distribution industry as a truck unloader at a Grainger branch while in college. He eventually became Vice President of Marketing there and has since held senior executive roles at GE Capital, Corporate Express, Newark Electronics and HD Supply. Ian most recently served as President and COO for Modern Distribution Management, a specialized information and analytics firm serving the wholesale distribution industry.
Ian earned a BA in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was elected commencement speaker by his classmates and won the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award.
Jonathan Bein, PhD, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Distribution Strategy Group
Learn More
Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Distribution Strategy Group. At the conference, to be held in Chicago on June 4th–6th, Jonathan will deliver the keynote, “AI Driven Revenue Growth.”
He’ll explore how AI can bring new levels of effectiveness and efficiency to areas like:
- Salesforce management
- Customer relationship management
- Cross selling and upselling
- Marketing automation and campaign management
- Digital marketing
- eCommerce capabilities
Jonathan Bein Ph.D. has worked with over 100 distributors to apply advanced analytics and AI to improve customer experience, define value proposition, estimate sales potential and create digital strategy.
Before Distribution Strategy Group, Bein has successfully led and been part of executive management for software product and services companies in information technology, healthcare and communications. Bein has been CEO of several companies. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Colorado with a focus in Artificial Intelligence and his BA in Computer Science at Indiana University.
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Welcome + Agenda Review
Conference hosts Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein preview the conference!
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Keynote – Designing an AI-Enabled Business
In today’s fast-paced business environment, leveraging generative AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a game changer. With potential productivity boosts of up to 200% and $14 trillion in new value on the horizon, businesses face a crucial decision: adapt or fall behind. Yet, many leaders are stuck navigating a sea of hype without clear, actionable guidance on integrating AI effectively.
Join Trent Gillespie in this engaging keynote, where he cuts through the noise to deliver practical steps for transforming your business into a powerhouse of AI-driven growth and innovation. Drawing on his vast experience—from spearheading global growth at Amazon to leading Stellis AI’s cutting-edge AI advisory work—Trent demystifies generative AI, offering a clear roadmap to build organizations that can harness its power. Attendees will be ready to turn AI potential into real, tangible success.
Trent Gillespie, CEO
Stellis AI
Learn More
With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, Trent Gillespie demystifies and harnesses the power of generative AI to help organizations drive growth and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, leveraging generative AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a game changer. AI is causing business leaders to face the largest disruption of their careers, but few have the knowledge or experience to navigate the challenge successfully.
Trent Gillespie helps simplify and demystify the complex, dynamic landscape of AI. Drawing from decades of experience in tech innovation and hands-on application of AI, Trent shares invaluable insights and actionable strategies that can be put in place immediately. Audiences walk away from his keynotes empowered to turn AI potential into prosperity.
With a global perspective on AI and technology, Trent’s journey encompasses years of unrivaled expertise and transformative insights. His leadership prowess is epitomized by his near-decade as a Senior Technology Leader at Amazon. There, he championed Amazon’s worldwide growth across every business and geography, masterminded Alexa’s global privacy and compliance blueprint, and steered the revolutionary Last Mile Technology—the backbone of Amazon’s delivery mechanism. Today, Trent is CEO of the VC-funded startup Stellis.AI, helping organizations of all sizes and types adapt to the AI revolution, and harness its power to drive growth. Trent stands as a beacon in the AI landscape, offering transformative keynotes and training sessions that empower businesses to catalyze prosperity.
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Welcome Event Innovation Partners!
A brief introduction round for event sponsors where each sponsor is given 1 minute to introduce themselves, share their core offerings, and explain how they align with the event’s mission.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Official Exhibit Hall Opening and snack break
Connect with your peers and Sponsors in the Exhibit Hall for a networking break. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks as you mingle, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to make meaningful connections.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
A Series
Get ready to customize your conference experience with our dynamic lineup of concurrent sessions! With three sessions running simultaneously, each offered by leading tech innovators, you’ll have the chance to choose the topics that resonate most with you. The conference includes a total of 9 concurrent series available for you to chose from.
Track 1
Track 2
More information
6 Ways AI Is Being Utilized in E-Commerce to Make Money or Save Money
This session explores practical AI applications to help distributors make money or save money by using things like AI-powered product descriptions, recommendations, search, translations, meta tags, and more. Learn how AI and agents can transform your commerce workflows and boost your revenue.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover six practical AI applications in e-commerce that help distributors increase revenue and reduce operational costs.
- Learn how AI-powered tools—such as product descriptions, search, recommendations, and translations—can optimize commerce workflows.
- Understand how AI agents can enhance customer experience and drive efficiency across your e-commerce platform.
Track 3
More information
Revolutionizing ERP: How AI and Automation Are Transforming Business Operations
In this session, we will explore how AI and automation are reshaping traditional ERP business processes, enabling organizations to streamline operations, reduce manual workloads, and enhance decision-making. Through real-world examples, we’ll demonstrate how AI-driven technologies and intelligent agents are being applied to optimize core functions, driving efficiency and preparing businesses for the future of intelligent automation. Discover how integrating AI into ERP systems can elevate performance, improve customer experiences, and deliver measurable results across the enterprise.
Key Topics:
- AI-Powered Document Processing: Automating accounts payable with intelligent document recognition (OCR).
- Computer Vision for Asset Verification: Using image recognition to enhance accuracy in asset identification.
- AI Agents for Customer Service: Improving support response times and satisfaction through automation.
- Machine Learning for Delivery Optimization: Applying predictive analytics to increase delivery efficiency.
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Passing Break
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
B Series
Track 1
More information
From Surviving to Thriving: AI’s Profit-Driven Future for Distributors Who Adapt
As growth in the distribution sector becomes increasingly constrained by economic headwinds, industry consolidation, and mounting operational costs, the next wave of competitiveness will come not from expansion—but from transformation. This session, “From Surviving to Thriving: AI’s Profit-Driven Future for Distributors,” will explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the distribution landscape, not through smarter sales enablement, but by revolutionizing the core operating model.
Through eye-opening industry data, real-world automation examples from leaders like Kroger’s fully autonomous warehouse, and a bold vision for the distributor of 2035, this session will challenge attendees to rethink their P&L, workforce structure, and growth strategy. We’ll dive into how AI is driving exponential gains in revenue and net income per employee, and why roles in finance, operations, warehouse and logistics may be mostly automated within the decade.
Designed for forward-thinking distribution leaders, this provocative talk will also spotlight the growing pressure of returns and warranties on the bottom line—setting the stage for a new era of AI-driven reverse logistics.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand AI’s Impact on the Distribution P&L:
Learn how AI and automation are transforming operational costs, boosting revenue and profit per employee, and reshaping distribution economics.
- Evaluate the Future Workforce in Distribution:
Explore how roles in finance, operations, purchasing, warehouse, logistics, and customer support will be augmented—or fully replaced—by AI, and what this means for the structure of the distributor of 2035.
- Identify Opportunities for Operational Automation:
Discover real-world examples of AI-powered CSR Functions, warehousing, reverse logistics, inventory optimization, Autonomous delivery, and more that are redefining the supply chain.
- Anticipate Hidden P&L Risks in Returns & Warranties:
Gain insight into how inefficient returns and warranty processes are becoming major profitability threats—and how AI can play a critical role in managing them.
Track 2
Track 3
More information
Navigating the AI Revolution: A Practical Guide for Distribution Leaders
The distribution industry stands at the cusp of a significant transformation driven by artificial intelligence. While AI buzz is prevalent, many distributors face the challenge of understanding its practical implications and how to leverage it for competitive advantage. This session will demystify AI and provide a clear roadmap for distributors seeking to lead this revolution, not just survive it.
We will begin by defining what AI truly means for your business, moving beyond the hype to explore the core concepts of machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. We will address common concerns surrounding AI adoption, such as job displacement and security, offering a balanced perspective grounded in today’s reality.
Key takeaways include:
· Defining AI and its relevant branches for the distribution sector.
· Understanding the common barriers to AI adoption in distribution, including legacy systems and lack of in-house expertise.
· Gaining practical insights into how AI is currently being applied within ERP solutions to enhance operational efficiency, from automating accounts payable to improving supply chain management.
· Identifying actionable first steps your organization can take to begin exploring and implementing AI, emphasizing readily available tools and low-risk entry points.
This session aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and confidence to harness the power of AI and transform their businesses for the future.
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Passing Break
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
C Series
Track 1
Track 2
More information
RIP, CRM: Using AI to create the Anti-CRM CRM
Adam Honig hates CRM. So much so, he started a company to kill it. As the CEO of Spiro, he’s on a mission to replace traditional CRMs with something that actually works—especially for distributors. Chances are, your team hates CRM too. Or maybe you rejected it entirely. Adam will show you how, using AI, you can get all the benefits of CRM—without anyone actually using a CRM. Confused? Spiro eliminates data entry, updates itself, and gives your team full visibility into customer activity, so they can focus on selling, not software. This might just be the best demo you’ll see all year.
- Understand the common challenges and frustrations associated with traditional CRM systems, particularly in distribution.
- Explore how AI-driven tools like Spiro can replace traditional CRMs by automating data entry and activity tracking.
- Identify the benefits of using AI to enhance sales team productivity and visibility without relying on manual CRM usage.
Track 3
5:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference in style at the Applied AI 2025, Welcome Reception! Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration as you mingle with fellow attendees in the Exhibit Hall.
Enjoy a delectable selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a variety of drinks while you network and set the stage for an unforgettable event. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to make new connections and reconnect with colleagues!
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
All Attendee Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Welcome + What We Learned
Join Ian and Jonathan to kick off day 2! Hear about yesterday’s highlights and what day 2 has in store.
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM
Keynote – AI in Action: Delivering Real Value for Distributors
AI has moved from hype to a strategic priority, but many early adopters struggle to realize its full potential. How can distributors implement AI today in ways that drive real business value? This session will explore Sonepar USA’s approach to AI adoption, covering the foundational elements of success—data, governance, and culture—as well as practical applications that are making an impact. Learn how to identify high-value AI opportunities, foster innovation through citizen development, and prepare for what’s next in AI-driven distribution.
Learning objectives:
- Understand how distributors can pinpoint and prioritize AI applications that drive real business value.
- Learn the key elements for successful AI adoption, including data management, governance, and cultural readiness.
- Explore strategies to empower employees in AI-driven innovation and prepare for the future of AI in distribution.
Don Sarno, Senior Vice President
Digital Enterprise Americas, Sonepar
Learn More
Don Sarno is the Senior Vice President of Digital Enterprise for Sonepar Americas. Don joined Sonepar in 2017 as the Vice President of Applications Development. In this role, he focused on creating scalable, best-in-class solutions across Sonepar to support operational transformation. Don expanded this role to include Digital in 2020, rolling out and driving adoption of new solutions created directly for and with B2B electrical customers.
Don’s expertise, intelligence and proven leadership within the IT and Digital organization made him a natural fit to lead Sonepar’s Digital Enterprise in North and South America. Since 2022, Don’s vision and leadership have guided the digital enterprise transformation, helping Sonepar pursue their vision of being the world leader in offering omnichannel experiences in the B2B electrical and industrial markets. Don also focuses on planning and implementation of enterprise IT systems in support of business operations to improve cost effectiveness, service quality and business development.
Don received his B.S. from the University of Colorado in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He lives in Denver, Colorado, and enjoys coaching and watching soccer, horse riding, and bowling.
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Panel Discussion: Combining Human and Artificial Intelligence to build the next Competitive Edge
Award-winning technology and finance executive Janet Zelenka will lead a fascinating discussion with a group of technology and HR leaders about how to combine the best of AI and human intelligence to create an intelligent, adaptive, and future-ready organization. Leveraging the unprecedented capabilities of artificial intelligence with the innate intuition, empathy and insights only humans possess can help leaders build capabilities that can enable superior value propositions and empower better organization cultures. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that will explore the new boundaries of organizational design and effectiveness.
Janet Zelenka, Board Member, Former CFO/CIO
Stericycle and Essendant
Learn More
Janet is a Board member and Audit Committee Chair for private companies and most recently served and both CFO and CIO for Stericycle, a public company in the regulated healthcare waste industry. She combines her collaborative and transparent leadership style with her unique synthesis of finance and IT expertise to drive shareholder value. She is a respected and engaging thought leader who speaks on profitability, cash generation, artificial intelligence, IT, data, and governance.
In 2023, Janet was named to 2023 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Finance List and was awarded the 2023 Bronze Stevie Award for Technology Executive of the Year. In 2022 Janet won the 2022 Chicago Enterprise CIO of the Year ORBIE Award, the Chicago SIM CIO+ of the Year Award and was a finalist for the Chicago FEI CFO Public Company Award.
Paul Kennedy, President & CEO
DSG Supply
Learn More
Paul is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC/R and Waterworks distribution. He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at DSG. His previous executive positions include President and COO of a Midwest based wholesale distributor specializing in HVAC/R, plumbing and waterworks products. Prior to that, he spent 19 years in senior management roles in both the U.S. and Canada for a large global plumbing distributor.
Paul serves as an independent director for The Bostwick-Braun Company, serves on the AD LLC board as well as the AD IESD board, and is the current Chairman for the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). Octavio has a 20+ year track record of successfully leading the deployment of business-enabling technologies. As Vice President of Professional Services for Intershop North America, Octavio serves as chief product evangelist and as a trusted advisor to client leadership. He is responsible for defining a path to success for our customers looking to establish or modernize their B2B e-commerce business operations and technical architecture. This includes matching business goals, budget, timeline, and integration requirements to Intershop’s capabilities and professional services.
Deana Stanton, Vice President of Global Compensation
Kyndryl
Learn More
Deana Stanton is a seasoned Total Rewards executive with a strong track record in designing and implementing innovative compensation and benefits strategies for global, publicly traded companies. She has deep M&A experience, having recently led the HR function through a major public company acquisition. As Vice President of Compensation at Kyndryl, she drives the strategy, design and execution of compensation programs aligned with best practice and long-term business growth across 60+ countries. With a career spanning finance, technology, and other industries, she brings extensive experience in executive compensation, strategic development, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Tracy Deuell, CIO/VP of IT
Bostwick Braun
Learn More
Tracy Deuell possesses over 35 years of experience in the technology sector that spans various industries including distribution, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and business services. As a CIO/Technology Consultant, he has successfully assisted multiple companies with the development, execution, and delivery leadership of their transformation initiatives. He currently serves as the Interim CIO/VP of IT at Bostwick Braun, an industrial supply distributor based in Toledo, OH, which services several states.
Mr. Deuell is dedicated to implementing artificial intelligence strategies to enhance operational efficiency and improve interactions among systems, employees, and customers. He is currently driving an AI roadmap strategy for Bostwick which includes Sales Order Automation, Purchase Order/Accounts Payable automation, inventory/demand forecasting, pricing optimization, and sales forecasting analytics.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Beverage Break
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
D Series
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
More information
From Search to Sale: How AI Mobile Tools Are Transforming Contractor Buying
Discover how Moblico and HawkSearch are transforming the way contractors find and order products on the go. This session explores how AI-powered Hawksearch mobile search and Moblico’s mobile engagement solutions streamline product discovery and automate ordering through text, chat, email, or app. Learn how distributors can boost sales, increase productivity, and deliver a seamless customer experience — anytime, anywhere.
- Explain how AI-powered mobile search and engagement tools enhance product discovery and ordering for contractors.
- Identify the key features of HawkSearch and Moblico that streamline mobile customer interactions through text, chat, email, and apps.
- Evaluate how mobile solutions can help distributors increase sales, improve productivity, and create a seamless customer experience.
10:45 AM- 11:00 AM
Passing Break
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
E Series
Track 1
More information
Make Your Data Agent-Ready: Structuring Data for AI with Schemas
In the near future, your business will rely on AI Agents and automated systems. But AI and automation can only live up to their potential when they have well-structured information to draw upon. To make the Agent dream come true, distributors need to wrangle the messy reality of spreadsheets, pdfs, and WIP PIMs into comprehensive semantic schemas. This session will explain what schemas are and their critical role in achieving agentic AI and other digital objectives. Key Takeaways:
- Understand AI’s data interface, and how to fully utilize it
- What is a schema? Do we have one already?
- Benefits of schema-tized data (AI, data sharing, web search, …)
- How to get started
You’ll also get to see a quick demonstration of how AI can automatically structure data into a schema.
Track 2
More information
AI-Powered Automation for Distributors
What and Why: Distributors are burdened by slow, error-prone order entry and quoting processes, leading to wasted time, increased overhead, and lost revenue. AI agents are a new paradigm shift in automation, eliminating manual data entry, reducing errors, and freeing up personnel to focus on what they were hired to do.
Key Points to Cover:
- Order processing has evolved from phone and email to AI agents, enabling automation and efficiency.
- Manual order entry is slow, error-prone, and labor-intensive.
- AI agents streamline distribution by automating orders, reducing costs, and delivering strong ROI.
Track 3
More information
A New Era: AI Workflows Revolutionizing Wholesale Distribution
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in wholesale distribution—it is actively transforming critical workflows today. This session delves into the significant shift from traditional software solutions to AI/ML-driven approaches, highlighting how this evolution is revolutionizing key processes such as sales and accounting. Tools specifically designed for distributors, like Canals AI, are reshaping the landscape by automating time-consuming tasks like sales order entry, where recalling part numbers and entering orders line-by-line are now seamlessly handled by AI. These solutions preserve vital institutional knowledge through machine learning, delivering it to sales teams precisely when needed, freeing up human capacity for strategic problem-solving and value-added activities. The result? Increased efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
11:30 AM- 11:45 AM
Passing Break
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
F Series
Track 1
More information
Stop Reacting, Start Selling: How to Turn Your Team into Proactive Sellers with AI
What if your sales reps could stop reacting to orders and start proactively driving revenue? In this session, you’ll see how distributors are already using AI to help their teams identify opportunities, focus on high-impact activities, and confidently grow sales.
Benj will share real-world examples of how distributors are using AI to empower their teams and grow their businesses. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how AI can help your team sell smarter, increase revenue, and change the way you approach sales.
You’ll learn how to:
- Spot and act on sales opportunities before customers even have to ask
- Use AI to show your reps where to focus for the biggest impact—without wasting time on low-value tasks
Double down on what’s working and steer clear of what’s not
Track 2
More information
From Chaos to Ecommerce Ready: How Distributors Can Transform SKU Data Onboarding with AI-Powered Automation
Distributors are under increasing pressure to onboard large volumes of SKU data from multiple suppliers quickly and accurately for digital commerce. But traditional methods rely heavily on manual processes, costly enrichment services, and time-consuming data clean-up, that results in delays, inconsistencies, and missed revenue opportunities.
In this session, we’ll explore how forward-thinking distributors can break free from this chaos. Discover how to harness the power of AI to streamline product data onboarding—automatically matching, categorizing, transforming, and enriching data from any source with minimal to zero manual intervention. Learn how to go from raw supplier data to ecommerce-ready content at scale, while dramatically reducing costs, speeding time to market, and improving data quality.
Whether you’re struggling with messy spreadsheets, disparate data formats, or never-ending enrichment cycles, this session will show you how to get product content ecommerce-ready—fast.
In this session you’ll discover:
- Manual SKU data onboarding is slow, costly, and error-prone, leading to delays and lost revenue opportunities for distributors.
- AI-powered automation can streamline product data onboarding, enabling fast, accurate, and scalable transformation of supplier data with minimal manual effort.
- Distributors can significantly cut costs, improve data quality, and speed time to market by using AI to turn messy data into ecommerce-ready content.
Track 3
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
All Attendee Lunch
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Keynote – Details Coming Soon!
Details Coming Soon!
Tracie Sponenberg, Founder & Chief People Officer
Tracie Sponenberg LLC
Learn More
Tracie Sponenberg is a global speaker, consultant, and advisor with nearly three decades of leadership experience. As the former Chief People Officer of The Granite Group, she led a transformation from paper-first to people-first processes while steering the organization through four acquisitions, a global pandemic, and a complete technology transformation. In 2024, Tracie founded her boutique HR consulting firm focusing on culture, HR transformation and upskilling for companies with deskless workforces. Her expertise in AI technology selection and deployment has been integral to her success in connecting people strategy to business strategy, enhancing organizational culture, and driving people-centered digital transformations.
A sought-after thought leader in HR technology and AI for HR, Tracie advises several HR Tech companies and serves as a brand partner to others, helping organizations deepen their reach in the HR community. Her expertise has been featured on the BBC, NPR, and in publications including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and HR Tech Outlook. Tracie hosts “From Paper-First to People-First,” a multimedia platform for HR leaders transforming their approach to human resources. She has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Global Thought Leaders” by PeopleHum, one of “22 Innovative HR Leaders to Follow” by AIHR, one of “20 Top HR Thought Leaders” by Compt, and has received numerous industry awards for her contributions to the field.
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Passing Break
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
G Series
Details Coming Soon!
| Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Beverage Break
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
H Series
Details Coming Soon!
| Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Passing Break
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
I Series
Details Coming Soon!
| Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 |
|---|---|---|
 |
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Break
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Keynote – Scaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution
Renowned AI strategist Noelle Russell brings visionary insights to this session, exploring how industries are transforming through generative and applied AI technologies. Drawing from her book Scaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution, she shares real-life case studies and practical frameworks to harness AI’s potential ethically and profitably. Russell highlights over a dozen applied AI models that drive growth and innovation while addressing challenges like bias, privacy, and cybersecurity. This session offers organizations the tools to build an ethical AI culture, mitigate risks, and unlock true AI value, making it the ideal starting point for responsible innovation.
Noelle Russell, Founder and Chief AI Officer
AI Leadership Institute
Learn More
With a profound passion for technology and its potential to transform business and society, Noelle Russell has dedicated her career to helping organizations uncover the possibilities artificial intelligence presents to their businesses, and guiding them through the intricacies of AI adoption. In her daily work Russell advises companies across industries on how to integrate emerging technologies — including AI, Web3, and the Cloud — into their operations and workplace strategies. She is an award-winning technologist with an entrepreneurial spirit who has led innovative tech teams at Accenture, NPR, Microsoft, IBM, AWS, and Amazon Alexa, and is among the world’s leading voices on data and AI literacy.
Among her accolades, Russell has recently been honored with the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award for Artificial Intelligence, as well as VentureBeat’s Women in AI Responsibility and Ethics award. In 2023, she was named one of DCA Live’s “New Power Women of DC Tech” and one of the Association of Latino Professionals for America’s “Latinas to Watch.”
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Reception and networking
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
All Attendee Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Welcome + What We Learned
Wrap up the event with Ian and Jonathan! Revisit all the note-worthy events from the 2 previous days and review what today has in store.
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM
Tech Leader Panel | AI in Action: Real-World Applications Driving Distribution Success
Join distribution technology leaders who are moving beyond AI theory to implementation. This executive panel showcases practical AI applications delivering measurable results today in wholesale distribution.
Our experts will share candid insights on:
- Revenue-generating AI implementations in sales and customer experience
- Inventory and supply chain optimization through predictive analytics
- Integration strategies that work with existing distribution tech stacks
- Realistic ROI measurements and implementation timeframes
Whether you’re exploring AI possibilities or enhancing existing initiatives, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to improve operational efficiency and gain competitive advantage in your distribution business.
Kristen Thom, SVP of Customer Experience
White Cup
8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Speed Networking
Maximize your conference experience with this fast-paced and fun speed networking session! This interactive event gives you the opportunity to make meaningful connections with solution partners. In a series of quick, one-on-one conversations, you’ll have the chance to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and explore potential collaborations.
10:45 AM 11:00 AM
Beverage Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing Keynote
Details Coming Soon!