12 p.m. 
REGISTRATION OPEN

1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 
WELCOME & OPEN REMARKS
 

1:45 p.m. – 2 p.m.
BREAK

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. 
GENERAL SESSION 1
Opening Keynote
Speaker: Chad Foster
 

Distribution is entering a defining modernization cycle. Technology decisions made over the next several years will shape competitiveness, workforce stability, and long-term margin resilience.
 

This keynote frames the broader landscape facing PHCP and PVF leaders — separating signal from noise and translating innovation into leadership-level clarity. The focus is not futurism, but direction: what matters now, what can wait, and how to think about modernization without destabilizing operations.
 

What You Will Gain:

• Perspective on the forces reshaping distribution
• Clarity on strategic modernization priorities
• A leadership lens for sequencing investment
• Direction for informed 2026 planning decisions

2:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.
BREAK
 

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. 
GENERAL SESSION 2
Digitization & Customer Intelligence
Speaker: Spencer Smith
 

Customer intelligence is not a software feature — it is an organizational capability. This session explores how distributors build disciplined data environments that translate into commercial advantage, sales effectiveness, and margin visibility.
 

Rather than focusing on tools alone, the discussion addresses integration realities, adoption barriers, and how CRM, ERP, and structured data practices combine to create operational clarity.
 

What You Will Gain:

• A practical view of customer intelligence in distribution
• Insight into CRM and ERP integration realities
• Awareness of cultural and operational adoption barriers
• Clear next steps for strengthening data-driven execution

3:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
BREAK
 

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. 
GENERAL SESSION 3
Applied AI for Distributors: From Experimentation to Execution
Speaker: Steve Lerch
 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from curiosity to operational tool. Yet real value depends on disciplined implementation and strong data foundations.
 

This session examines where AI is meaningfully improving productivity, forecasting, and decision support — and where experimentation lacks operational grounding. The emphasis is on practical application within mid-market distribution environments.
 

What You Will Gain:

• Clarity on realistic AI use cases
• Understanding of prerequisites for successful deployment
• Awareness of overreach and hype risks
• A framework for disciplined pilot evaluation

5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. 
RECEPTION

7 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. 
NETWORKING BREAKFAST

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 
GENERAL SESSION 4
Robotics and Automation in Distribution: Real Use Cases and Lessons Learned
Panel Discussion

This moderated panel brings together operators who have implemented robotics and automation in live distribution environments. The conversation focuses on what triggered adoption, what broke during deployment, and what leaders underestimated.
 

This is not a showcase. It is a candid discussion about capital discipline, integration friction, organizational readiness, and when automation does not make sense.
 

What You Will Gain:

• Real-world deployment insight
• Clarity on readiness signals in your organization
• Understanding of ROI and integration tradeoffs
• A disciplined path for evaluating automation opportunities

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. 
BREAK

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. 
ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
Innovation in Practice: Best Practices and Shared Challenges
Facilitated, Peer-driven Discussions by Topic
 

The Summit concludes with facilitated, peer-driven discussions focused on translating insight into action. Participants engage directly with fellow leaders around technology sequencing, AI readiness, workforce impact, operational innovation, and customer experience.
 

These sessions are structured to move from reflection to practical next steps within the constraints of real distribution environments.
 

What You Will Gain:

• Peer perspective grounded in similar operating realities
• Clearer next-step thinking
• Insight into industry adoption pacing
• Practical modernization considerations for 2026

9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m. 
CLOSING REMARKS
Key Takeaways, Next Steps, Adjournment