ASA Attends University of Innovative Distribution Conference in Indianapolis

Earlier this month, many ASA members and other professionals in distribution met to learn, connect, and gain insight into best practices at the 2023 University of Innovative Distribution conference in Indianapolis, IN.

UID is sponsored by the Association Education Alliance (AEA), a consortium of associations supporting wholesale-distribution industries, of which ASA has been a member for many years. AEA, with partnership from members like ASA, executes UID and brings together wholesale-distribution professionals from many different industries to offer educational opportunities to further their professional growth.

This four-day conference is centered around actionable strategies for distribution professionals – whether that is increasing sales, streamlining operations, or thinking differently about leading a professional team. Spanning several different learning pathways, attendees came together to learn, connect, and discuss best-practices throughout the week. These 3-hour sessions were jam-packed with insight from top speakers and seasoned professionals in the industry.

Opening speaker Justin Fosu-Jones was a phenomenal keynote, focusing his presentation on how to “work to your own beat”. In this opening session, Justin shared an inside-out approach powered by practical research that empowers you and your people to bring their best selves to work every day. Attendees left the session with high energy and enthusiasm to start their week.

Throughout the week, several outstanding courses were offered, with attendees buzzing about “Get the Meeting No One Else Can” – a powerful presentation offering immediate strategies to empower sales conversations at a stakeholder level. Another standout course, “Re-Igniting your SPARRK: Power of Positivity”, touched on how you can impact your day-to-day work experience by applying a positive mindset to your perception of the world and others around you.

ASA team members Fabian Tovar, Education Engagement Manager, and Taylor Kenney, VP of Education & Training, attended UID alongside ASA members. Throughout the week, the ASA team connected with members in between sessions, after hours, and at ASA’s exclusive Members-only cocktail reception. Hosted by ASA University, the ASA Members’ Reception offered an even more intimate setting for attendees to chat with each other about the powerful experiences they were having during the conference. The ASA team enjoyed getting to know their members more deeply at this exclusive gathering.

To close the conference, keynote speaker Jeremy Wall spoke on goals, ensuring that when attendees return to work after UID, they will know how to implement what they learned. In addition, the session expanded the scope to beyond the individual – offering insight on how to apply goals organization-wide. Attendees walked away feeling empowered to achieve their goals and implement their new-found strategies at their business.

Learn more about UID.