Agenda

 

Please click the highlighted session name to view description. 

Monday, November 11, 2024
10:00 am-3:30 pm Registration Open
2:00-5:00 pm Business Marketplace Move-In 
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
7:00 am-2:00 pm Registration Open
7:15-8:30 am

Continental Breakfast

Business Marketplace Open

8:30-10:00 am

Opening General Session

  • Welcome Remarks 
    Megan Bohan, CEO, Catalynt Solutions, Inc.; Annual Meeting Chair
  • Crossing the Generational Divide in Chemical Distribution: 
    Unexpected Discoveries and Practical Solutions to Unlock Performance Across Generations

    Jason Dorsey, The Center for Generational Kinetics

We live in a time of rapid generational change and opportunity. Leaders in chemical distribution face the challenge of recruiting, retaining, and engaging employees across different generations. This is complicated by varying work expectations, the rise of AI, and uncertainties in driving performance. Leaders need effective strategies for measurable results. Generational expert Jason Dorsey, drawing from over 120 research studies, separates myth from truth about generations. He provides insights and strategies for unlocking each generation's potential. Adweek calls him a “Research Guru”. This action-packed session offers new perspectives on generational dynamics and actionable strategies you can use immediately.

10:00-10:15 am

Coffee Break

Business Marketplace Open

10:15-11:15 am

Concurrent Sessions

  • ChatGPT, AI, and Beyond: Game-Changing Technologies That Will Impact Distribution
    Gene Marks, The Marks Group

During this fast-moving, informative, and entertaining session, Forbes Technology columnist and consultant Gene Marks will share his thoughts on the biggest technology and AI trends that will impact distribution businesses in the near and long term and help you make the right investment decisions.

    • When Preparation Pays Off: Case Studies on ACD Member Crisis Response 
      Gerard Braud, Situation Hub

    We all hope it never happens – That chemical release, fire, or catastrophe that we fear. Although we “hope” it never happens, we also know “hope” is not a strategy.The secret to being your best on your worse day centers around the preparation you do on a clear, sunny day. That includes incident response readiness as well as media response preparation. Fellow ACD Members will share their case studies to help you understand how a bad day cascades, what parts of their preparation paid off, and what recommendations they have for you.

      • The Art of the (Chemical) Deal
        Naaman Heyman, Cascadia Capital LLC; Crystal Morrison, PhD; Daniel Murad, ChemQuest

      Get an update on M&A activity in the chemical industry and hear from a panel of experts who will break down topics including valuation, buyer and seller expectations, and the top 5 mistakes sellers make in this market.

      11:30 am-4:30 pm Annual Golf Outing
      1:00-5:00 pm

      The Living Desert Tour

      Experience the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity with our Private Safari tour at the Zoo. Your personal guide will accompany you on an unforgettable journey, stopping at each major habitat and expertly weaving animal facts, park history, and more into an engaging two-hour adventure. Discover the sights and sounds of the Zoo like never before, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

      1:00-5:00 pm

      Taste of the Desert Tour

      Embark on a culinary journey like no other with our epicurean walking tour through downtown Palm Springs. Led by knowledgeable local guides with a passion for food, guests will uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture and history of Palm Springs Valley. Stroll to locally owned restaurants and savor a variety of culinary delights while learning about the city's Hollywood connections, iconic architecture, lively events, and what makes it a vibrant resort destination that's always evolving.

      6:00-7:00 pm Opening Reception
      Wednesday, November 13, 2024
       
      7:00 am-2:00 pm

      Registration Open

      7:15-8:30 am

      Continental Breakfast

      Business Marketplace Open

      8:30-10:00 am

      General Session

      • Opening Remarks
        Ed Boss, Riteks, Inc.; Chair of ACD the Board of Directors
      • People Process Product – The Three P’s
        Marcus Lemonis, Serial Entrepreneur & Investor; Leadership Expert; Chairman and CEO of Camping World; Star of CNBC’s The Profit, Streets of Dreams, and HGTV’s The Renovator; Founder of The Lemon-AID Foundation

      In venture after venture, Marcus Lemonis has focused on implementing his famous People-Process-Profit principle, sharing how leaders can implement these ideas for maximum impact in his soughtafter keynotes.

      10:00-10:30 am Break
      10:30-11:30 am

      General Session

      • A Conversation with Asa Hutchinson
        Asa Hutchinson, Former Governor of Arkansas

      Join us for an enlightening session featuring Asa Hutchinson (R), who served as the 46th Governor of Arkansas from 2015 to 2023. With a distinguished career that includes roles such as U.S. Attorney,Congressman, DEA Administrator, and Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security, Governor Hutchinson brings a wealth of experience to the discussion.

      11:30 am-1:00 pm Networking Lunch/Business Marketplace
      1:00-5:00 pm

      Aerial Tramway Tour

      Experience the awe-inspiring Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, featuring the world’s largest rotating tram car. As you ascend over 2.5 miles to an elevation of 8,516 feet on Mt. San Jacinto, enjoy a mesmerizing 360° view of the valley floor and surrounding area. Traverse through five distinct micro-climate zones in just 15-20 minutes, marveling at the pristine wilderness and breathtaking vistas.

      1:00-5:00 pm

      Off-Road Jeep Tour

      Embark on a thrilling guided jeep tour and witness nature's awesome power firsthand. Marvel at towering, steep-walled canyons and surreal landscapes sculpted by elemental forces. Hike through narrow slot canyons carved by the collision of the Pacific and North American plates, experiencing the raw might of nature up close. Gain deep insights into seismic activity and the geological wonders of the San Andreas Fault and beyond, guided by passionate experts eager to share their knowledge. Get ready for an adventure that reveals the profound connections between land, culture, and the powerful forces shaping our world.

      2:00-3:30 pm

      Community Service Event - Superhero Cape Kits

      In our youth, we often look up to superheroes but, sometimes our bravest heroes are children battling illnesses. They need our support and encouragement. Join us in creating "Superhero Cape Kits" for kids in local hospitals or Ronald McDonald House. Participate in Superhero-themed games and challenges, earning supplies for donation. This activity promises to inject positivity into the lives of deserving children, leaving guests feeling like superheroes!

      6:00-7:00 pm Regional Receptions - Central, Northeast, Southern, and Western
      7:00-9:30 pm

      Networking Dinner - A Night at the Movies

      Lights, camera, action! Plan on joining us at our closing networking event "A Night at the Movies". As the curtains close on a day of insightful sessions, let’s get ready to step into the star-studded world of Hollywood blockbusters. Dress comfortably in movie theater casual attire or channel the star-studded theme with a nod to your favorite film. This cinematic experience is one you don't want to miss!

      Thursday, November 14, 2024
       
      7:15-8:00 am

      Continental Breakfast

      Business Marketplace Open

      8:00-9:00 am ACD Annual Business Meeting and Awards
      9:00-9:45 am

      Coffee Break

      Business Marketplace Open

      9:45-10:45 am

      General Session

      • A Story of Adversity and Triumph: The Legacy of HBCU Week Foundation and Why Diversity Matters
        Ashley Christopher, HBCU Week Foundation

      During this session, Ashley tells the story of how and why HBCU Week Foundation was built. She will highlight personal experiences along with how this foundation has impacted tens of thousands of high school students nationwide.Attendees should leave this session inspired to advocate for diversity.

      10:45-11:30 am Break
      11:30am-1:45 pm

      Closing Luncheon

      Staying Ahead of the Curve in 2025-2026
      Connor Lokar, ITR Economics

      2024 has included a tapestry of conflicting economic trends, with some industries enjoying ongoing growth and others in overt recession. Manufacturing and much of the industrial portion of the economy experienced a mild recession, but that decline will soon give way to additional opportunities in 2025 and 2026 for well-prepared businesses. The services sector of the economy slowed in its rate of rise in 2024 and is expected to increase its rate of rise in 2025 and into 2026.
      Join us for our outlook for key industries over the next two years. We will discuss consumer spending, inflation, interest rates, the labor market, and key leading indicators. Our examination will extend to global markets and their impact on the domestic landscape.
      This session will provide information on necessary tactics and strategies that will prepare you for an upswing in the business cycle after 2024.Knowledge gained from the session,in conjunction with ITR Economics time-tested analytical tools, will provide you the means to maximize profit in the years ahead.

         

      SPONSORS

      Diamond Corporate Sponsor
      & Strategic Partner

      AIG

      Platinum Corporate
      Sponsors

      ChemformationDatacor e21

      Gold Corporate
      Sponsors

      knowdepowell

      Silver Corporate
      Sponsor

      WSI

       

      Media Sponsors

       ChemWeek

      Diamond Sustaining
      Sponsors

      cellmark    IPG

      Platinum Sustaining
      Sponsors

      Brenntag    Harcros    lbb       PVS    Univar

      Gold Sustaining
      Sponsors

      AzelisBarentzBrainerdCatalyntchemgroupIMCDRiteksSuperiorSuperiorwebb  

      Wilson Chemical

       

      Silver Sustaining
      Sponsors

       chemgroupchemservChemCeed      cci cci emco first   LintechNorfoxpalmerRCTsealand  whitaker
      Note: Attendees and exhibitors authorize ACD to use any photographs taken during the course of the Annual Meeting, which may include attendees and exhibitors, in ACD's publications and promotional materials.