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NETWORK2024 - Register Today

 

NETWORK is the industry’s premiere event for leaders and CEOs
from wholesaler distributors, manufacturers, & manufacturers’ representatives.

REGISTER NOW

 Click here to view registration pricing.

Days

Hrs

Mins

Secs

Schedule

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS

By invitation only

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
STRATEGIC COUNCIL MEETINGS
By invitation only

9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
NETWORK2024 REGISTRATION OPEN

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
ASA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING & LUNCHEON

ASA Board Members & Invited Guests

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
CONFERENCE KICK-OFF / GENERAL SESSION
Herm Edwards, ESPN Analyst, former NFL player and head 
coach

Doing the Little Things and Executing Vision
In his presentation, Edwards takes the audience – armed with his trademark enthusiasm – through his football journey as a player and coach to uncover the life lessons learned along with way. He also brings the group into the “huddle” to help better understand a team’s roles and responsibilities along with an emphasis on the teamwork, communication and collaboration it takes to execute on a game plan.

3:45 p.m. – 5 p.m.
GENERAL SESSION
Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries

The Man of Steel
Presented by the ASA Industrial Piping Division

Barry Zekelman is the executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, a family of 100 percent domestic manufacturing companies with a legacy dating back to 1877 and $5 billion in annual sales. Zekelman Industries is the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multifamily housing development. During this fireside chat, Barry will speak on topics such as the American Dream, the importance of domestic manufacturing, the economy, relationships with distributors, the vital topic of company culture, plus he will answer attendee questions where, in his own words, “nothing is off limits.”

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
RECEPTIONS – EL, WII, AIM/R, ASA PAC FUNDRAISING EVENT

6 p.m. 7 p.m.
BRADFORD WHITE NETWORK2024 OPENING RECEPTION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
NIBCO All Industry Breakfast
Molly Fletcher

Secrets of a Champion Mindset
How often do we equate success with talent? All the time. But success isn’t created by talent alone. Just like we might see immense talent squandered, we also see underdogs unexpectedly overachieve. As a top sports agent, Molly Fletcher saw firsthand that talent might get you there, but it’s drive that keeps you there. The best athletes in the world can’t be complacent or someone will take their spot. But the real magic happens when they stop focusing on the competition against others and start competing against themselves. In that simple mindset shift, the drive to achieve is replaced by something more sustainable—the drive to get better. This keynote inspired by Molly’s viral TED Talk will motivate you to love the process, embrace the journey, and find joy in the everyday discipline.

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Panel Discussion
AI in Distribution: Navigating the Future of Supply Chain Engagement

Moderated by John Gillespie, ATS Software

Industry experts and thought leaders will lead this dynamic panel discussion. As the distribution landscape continues to evolve, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly vital for optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving growth. We will explore the diverse applications of AI in distribution, from demand forecasting and inventory management to route optimization and customer engagement. Our panelists will share practical insights, best practices, and real-world examples of how organizations can harness the power of AI to streamline distribution processes, improve decision-making, and deliver superior customer experiences. Whether you're a distributor, logistics professional, or technology enthusiast, this session will provide valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for effectively engaging AI in distribution to stay ahead in today's competitive marketplace.

Panel Discussion
Culture Catalysts: Strategies for Enhancing Company Culture

Moderated by Tracie Sponenberg, Tracie Sponenberg, LLC

During this panel discussion, we will delve into the crucial role that company culture plays in organizational success and explore effective strategies for cultivating a positive and productive work environment. From fostering inclusivity and diversity to implementing employee engagement initiatives, we will examine practical techniques and real-world examples that can serve as catalysts for cultural transformation within your organization. Whether you're a leader seeking to inspire your team or an HR professional looking to drive meaningful change, this discussion will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways to elevate your company culture to new heights.

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Panel Discussion
Efficiency Unleashed: Strategies for Optimizing Wholesale Distribution Center Operations

Moderated by Chris Fasano, Torrco

In this panel, industry leaders and experts will converge to explore innovative strategies and best practices for maximizing the efficiency of wholesale distribution center operations. From leveraging advanced technologies like automation and data analytics to implementing streamlined processes and workforce management techniques, our panelists will share insights gleaned from their extensive experience in the field. Whether you're a seasoned distributor looking to fine-tune your operations or a newcomer seeking to navigate the complexities of wholesale distribution, this session will provide actionable strategies and practical advice to help you unlock the full potential of your distribution center. Join us as we uncover the keys to operational excellence and efficiency in wholesale distribution.

Voice of the Customer Discussion
TJ O’Connor, Farmington Consulting Group
Farmington Consulting Group President TJ O’Connor will talk about the results of the new 2024 ASA Voice of the Builder Survey that queried builders across the country about their relationships with wholesalers and suppliers and trends they are seeing both in the construction space and with homeowners/building owners. Florida-based Farmington conducted both the Voice of the Builder and the 2023 wildly popular ASA Voice of the Contractor surveys.

11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
INSINKERATOR ASA ANNUAL MEETING & MEMBER LUNCHEON

Featuring Keynote Speaker Seb Terry
Unlock Limitless Possibility

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
ZURN ELKAY GREAT IDEAS ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
AIM/R ROUNDTABLES

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WHOLESALER-DISTRIBUTOR & VENDOR CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
NETWORKING RECEPTION

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
A. O. Smith Wrap-up Breakfast
Eric Boles, President, The Game Changers Inc. and Expert in Leadership and Peak Performance

Moving to Great

Eric Boles helps you unleash your potential and be at your best more of the time. How do you get to the next level? You may be in a “rut”, or you may be doing incredibly, but the pressure from all around you demands that you “up” your game. You can’t rest on your past successes, and the good ole’ days are gone forever. You cannot be left behind. You don’t want to be left behind. Where do you get the energy and the strategies to move to the next level while the competition and the stress increase? Some of the limitations you identify may even be mental and self-imposed. How do you get off your own way and move forward?

Eric Boles will weave powerful stories and depth around each of these strategies that will touch the heads and hearts of your people. He will work with you to customize his presentation around your meeting theme, key business issues, and goals so you get the results you want. Plus, your audience will receive relevant information that they can put to work immediately both personally and professionally.

8:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
2025 LIXIL INDUSTRY ECONOMIC FORECAST
Dr. Chris Kuehl

10 a.m.
CONFERENCE CLOSE                           

Hotel Information

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HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: While our official room block is almost full, room reservations can still be made at the Fairmont online or by calling (800) 441–1414 until they are sold out. The access code Chicago2024 must be entered prior to making an online reservation. The NETWORK room rate is $309 plus tax per night and is available until October 21, 2024. If there are no rooms available for your dates, there are several hotels within a short walking distance of the Fairmont including the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and the Swissotel. Please contact the hotels directly for current rates and availability.

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park
200 N Columbus Dr
Chicago, IL 60601

Guest rooms have been contracted for the nights of Tuesday, November 12, Wednesday, November 13, and Thursday, November 14. If you need nights outside of that timeframe, the group rate will be based on availability.

Room Rate: $389 plus tax per night (the original group rate of $309 is sold out)

Reservation Deadline: October 21, 2024 or until our room block is full. Room availability is on a first-come first-served basis. 

Reservation information will be sent once your NETWORK registration has been received.

REGISTRATION POLICIES

Substitution Requests: Substitution requests must be received by October 30. Substitution requests received after October 30 will incur a $75 administrative fee. Please email network@asa.net to make a substitution request. 

Cancellation Policy: Written cancellations received on/by October 23, 2024, will receive a 100% refund. No refunds will be issued after October 23.  Please email network@asa.net to make a cancellation request.

SPEAKERS

AO Smith
LIXIL
State Water Heaters
Bradford White Water Heaters
Laars Heating Systems Company
Kohler
American Water Heaters
insinkerator
Milwaukee Valve
NIBCO
Zurn
ASA Education Foundation
AB&I
Tyler Pipe
Charlotte Pipe
DELTA
Gerber
 
Jomar
Oatey
SharkBite
Rheem
RUUD
Viega
Watts
Apollo Valves
Zoeller
ASC Engineered Solutions
Blue Ridge
Bradley
BrassCraft
Canals
Everflow
Fluidmaster
GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions
Infor
Legend
Liberty Pumps
McGuire
Merit Brass
Milwaukee
Moen
MUELLER STREAMLINE
Jay R. Smith
Niagara
Rinnai
Sioux Chief
SLOAN
SPARXiQ
Trimble
uponor
Victaulic
Lochinvar
MSI
AIM/R
ATS
AXIS
Billco
Braxton Harris
Diablo
ECCO
Fiat Products
inriver
IPS Corporation
ITA Group
Jones Stephens
LBMX
Matco-Norca
MIFAB
Phoenix
Prier
RectorSeal
Stern Williams
T & S Brass and Bronze Works
Tigre
Unilog/Bravo
Vitra
WARD MFG
WIPFLI
AH Deveney
AMI Associated Marketing
BDA & Associates
Big Rivers Marketing
Bongard Corporation
Burke Agency
BWA South
Carr Company
Central Sales
Champions Marketing
Cooper New England
Davenport
Dellon Sales
EDOS
Evergreen
Fourmation Sales
Harry Warren
Hart Travers & Associates
HBA
Hodes Sutter
HSA
Jim Bryce & Associates
Keystone Sales & Associates
Libb Company
Lowder Sales Inc
M & H Sales
Maloney & Curcio, Inc.
Marsh & Moore
Martin & Smith
Michel Sales
Midwest Sales
Pepco Sales & Marketing
Pinnacle Sales
PIR Sales, Inc.
Platsky
PM Associates
PMI Sales & Marketing
Preferred Sales
Proline Sales
Repco Associates
RKR
Schu
Signature Sales, Inc.
Snider
Southwest Sales
Spirit Group
SWMECH
Synergy Sales
The Joyce Agency
Tim Morales & Associates
Tradeline
WHB
Yates