NETWORK2026

MONDAY & TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9-10 (INNOVATION SUMMIT)

*Optional add-on event; additional registration fee required.

DAY 1: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

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

DAY 2: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
NETWORK2026 REGISTRATION OPEN

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS
By invitation only

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
STRATEGIC COUNCIL MEETINGS
By invitation only

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
ASA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING & LUNCHEON
ASA Board Members & Invited Guests

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
CONFERENCE KICK-OFF / GENERAL SESSION

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
RECEPTIONS
By invitation only
Emerging Leaders, Women in Industry, AIM/R, PAC Reception

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
NETWORK2026 OPENING RECEPTION
Sponsored by Platinum Supplier Partners

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
ALL INDUSTRY BREAKFAST
Sponsored by Platinum Supplier Partners

9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION

Speaker: Manley Feinberg, International Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author & Expert Mountain Climber

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
2027 INDUSTRY ECONOMIC FORECAST

12 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
ASA ANNUAL MEETING & MEMBER LUNCHEON
Sponsored by Platinum Supplier Partners

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
GREAT IDEAS ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
AIM/R EDUCATIONAL FORUM FOR MANUFACTURERS’ REPRESENTATIVES

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WHOLESALER-DISTRIBUTOR & VENDOR CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS
The Wholesaler-Distributor and Vendor Conference Appointments is a key event at NETWORK designed to enhance your opportunities for building strong partnerships and boosting your bottom line, extending beyond the scope of traditional buying group meetings. Vendors and wholesaler-distributors engage in face-to-face meetings through pre-scheduled appointments. Over the course of two hours, you'll have the chance to participate in ten 12-minute sessions, maximizing your time and business connections. The conference appointments are open to all registered wholesaler-distributors and participating vendors. Information on appointment scheduling will be sent in October.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
NETWORKING RECEPTION
Sponsored by Platinum Supplier Partners