This AI Conference Is Different
Applied AI for Distributors isn’t another vendor showcase disguised as education. It’s where distribution leaders transform AI from concept to competitive execution.
Where leaders turn AI into competitive advantage
Join distribution executives and AI practitioners for implementation strategies tailored to distributors. Leave with practical tools, proven frameworks, and your AI roadmap. Don’t just learn about AI—build your deployment plan.
8 KEY takeaways
For you and your team
You’ll leave with actionable strategies, direct access to industry leaders, and a clear vision of how AI can transform your business today. Our intensively curated program delivers:
Solutions for product data, pricing optimization, and inventory planning
AI tools specifically built for distribution challenges
AI Roadmap Builder exclusive to attendees (personalized in workshops)
Direct access to technology leaders who understand distribution
Conversion of customer data into predictive insights that drive sales
Change management frameworks that overcome adoption resistance
ROI Calculator and governance templates you can use immediately
Optimization of inventory and supply chain decisions with predictive analytics
Unlike theoretical discussions about AI’s future, this event focuses on capabilities you can implement now to drive immediate results.
You’ll connect with solution providers, industry practitioners, and peers who are actively transforming distribution through AI.
June 23-25, 2026
Marriott Chicago O’Hare
Chicago, IL
Meet Our Presenters
Ian Heller, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer
Distribution Strategy Group
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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
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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.
Don’t take it from us—here’s
what attendees have to say:
“The content that’s being curated and presented here during the event has been outstanding. DSG has done a really nice job of listening to the audience and really crafting an agenda that hits on a lot of those points that distributors are thinking about.”
Sign Up today!
Applied AI for Distributors 2024 will take place June 23-25, in person at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare — just a short drive from downtown, and an even shorter drive from O’Hare International Airport (ORD).