| 2:45 - 4:15 pm |
Opening General Session - Change is Mandatory...Stress is Optional
Garrison Wynn, Keynote Speaker
This fast-paced, entertaining session creates an emotional shift for attendees as they see how much control they have over how change affects them. It also shows that stress is often more about what we believe than it is about what is happening. It gives proven communication tools that leaders can use to dramatically reduce resistance to change, employee turnover, and difficult behavior. From new market challenges in 2025, employee engagement issues and just embracing everyday work and life problems, this research-based program takes a fun look at a very serious topic.
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| 4:30 - 5:30 pm |
Concurrent Sessions:
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Compliance 101
Analisa Puzzanghero, ACD
The chemical distribution industry is subject to an overwhelming number of federal regulations from multiple agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and others. Most of these rules are complex and change frequently. Whether you are new to chemical distribution regulatory compliance or a hardened veteran, keeping up is a challenge. During this session, ACD Regulatory Staff will provide an overview of the regulatory landscape, discuss strategies for staying on top of rules and changes, and share tools and resources for keeping your business compliant.
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International Sourcing Challenges — How to Mitigate Pitfalls
Anand Kulkarni, Agni Chemicals LLC
Sourcing chemicals from international markets is very challenging mainly because a) Once the goods cross international borders and reach another country, there are limited ways you can return the goods b) Regulatory requirements in exporting and importing country and related challenges. c) Quality assurance, evaluation of risks and responsibilities at various supply (value) chain nodes can be very confusing. The objective of the Session to try and cover as many blind spots as possible.
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Thursday, August 14, 2025
| 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Registration Open
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| 7:45 - 9:30 am |
General Session: Legislative and Regulatory Update
Eric R. Byer, ACD
During this presentation, ACD’s Eric Byer will lead attendees through the ever-changing legislative and regulatory landscape that impacts chemical distribution and warehousing. Eric will provide key updates on topics including regulation rollback at the EPA & OSHA, Trump 2.0’s tariff rollout, elimination of the Superfund Tax as well as new chemical facility safety environmental and safety mandates, security, and more. Attendees will leave the session with fresh knowledge of what policies will impact their business, along with resources to help guide their company through the coming regulatory changes.
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| 9:45 - 11:30 am |
Brunch on Trade Show Floor |
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11:30 am -12:30 pm
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Concurrent Sessions:
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It All Looks Like Water
Jay Baker, Superior Industrial Solutions, Inc.
With workforce demographics shifting, how can companies ensure employees develop a strong understanding and respect for the chemicals they handle? In this session, Superior will share how they are addressing this challenge as their average employee tenure has decreased from 15 years in 2019 to 9.7 years in 2024, with 40% of their workforce hired since COVID-19. Attendees will explore effective training strategies, real-world comparisons to everyday hazardous materials, and the value of capturing near misses and incidents to drive continuous safety improvements. Gain insights into building a workforce that is both knowledgeable and safety-conscious in an evolving industry.
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Square Peg - Round Hole: Regulated Waste
Management for Chemical Distributors
Steve Laughlin, CURA Emergency Services, L.C.
This session will provide an in-depth look at how regulated waste management—specifically RCRA and other related regulations—applies in the context of chemical distribution. Steve Laughlin from CURA Emergency Services will break down the complexities of compliance, offering valuable insights and practical guidance on managing hazardous waste in line with industry standards.
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| 12:30 -12:45 pm |
Break |
| 12:45 -1:45 pm |
Concurrent Sessions:
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Hazard Recognition
Peter Downing and Rachelle Alexander,
Environment & Safety Solutions
Join Pete Downing and Rachelle Alexander of Environment & Safety Solutions as they share key hazards they've identified over their combined 60 years of experience. They’ll highlight risks unique to chemical distribution and provide practical solutions for mitigation.
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Dispatching Chemical Fleets: Applications of
Automation and AI to Manage Risk, Compliance
and Efficiency
Hans Galland, BeyondTrucks
A Fleet Owner, a Camera/ELD provider and the developer of a modern TMS discuss how data integration and advanced analytics can offer chemical fleets new opportunities.
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| 1:45 - 3:00 pm |
Ice Cream Social on Trade Show Floor |
| 3:00 - 4:00 pm |
Concurrent Sessions:
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| 4:00 - 4:15 pm |
Break |
| 4:15 - 5:15 pm |
Concurrent Sessions:
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Repackaging: Identifying The Proper Packaging to
Safely and Cost-Effectively Ship Product
Randy Peters and Mike Waston, Pipeline Packaging
Choosing packaging can be complicated and costly. Selecting the right container and materials to safely transport your product is essential—from navigating UN specifications to knowing when to use poly vs. steel.
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DEA’s Chemical Controls Overview
Amy Peacock and Kenya Howery, DEA
Part of DEA’s mission is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of listed chemicals from legitimate sources while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs. We would like the opportunity to provide a presentation to conference attendees outlining the regulations that pertain to listed chemicals.
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6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Networking Event at Five Iron Golf
Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking at Five Iron Golf! Connect with friends and colleagues while enjoying a fun-filled, competitive atmosphere. Take advantage of state-of-the-art multisport simulator technology, featuring not only golf but also soccer, bowling, dodgeball, and more! Savor delicious local cuisine and challenge your peers to a friendly competition. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, build relationships, and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this exciting event at one of the most unique venues in town!
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Friday, August 15, 2025
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| 7:30 - 8:15 am |
Continental Breakfast
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| 8:15 - 9:15 am |
General Session: Optimizing Warehouse Operations: Unlocking
Efficiency and Lean Practices
Steve Pombert, Datacor, Inc.
Discover how embracing digital transformation can revolutionize your warehouse operations. Learn best practices for leveraging technology to gain real-time visibility, streamline processes, and enhance overall efficiency. Empower your team with accurate, actionable data to make smarter, informed decisions. Explore practical strategies for identifying areas of improvement and creating a more agile, data-driven operation.
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| 9:15 -10:15 am |
General Session: From Risk to Resilience: Combating Fraud Across the Chemical Supply Chain
Sara Cunning, FBI
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| 10:15 am |
Meeting Adjourn
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