Agenda

Monday, September 15, 2025

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

ACD State of Affairs
Megan Gluth, ACD Chairman of the Board

Defy: Strategies to Succeed No Matter What This Economy Does
Meridith Powell, Keynote Speaker

Is economic uncertainty holding you back? It’s time to take control and rise above the chaos.

Join renowned motivational speaker Meridith Elliott Powell for a powerful program packed with proven strategies to grow your business, lead through change, and outperform the competition.

Discover how to build a resilient team, craft results-driven strategies, and succeed—no matter what the economy does.

Break

“Weaponizing” Data as a Competitive Advantage: Thoughts from the Frontline on How We Got Here, Where Things Are Going, and How to Not Lose — or Lose Your Mind — in the World of AI, ML, and ChatGPT
Jason Webster, Archetype Consulting

Welcome to age of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, otherwise known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While we can trace steady advances in microchips over the past fifty years, the past 50 months have clearly demonstrated the disruptive force that generative artificial intelligence has become, particularly for leaders in volatile and uncertain business environments. 

As members of the commercial scientific community we recognize that discovery and innovation is often isolated, by both approach and time, from the applied science that changes industry. Our call to action will focus on “weaponizing” data as a competitive advantage. Along the way we will look to what we can be learned and applied from human biochemistry, skyscrapers and Marco Polo.

Hello, You’ve Been Hacked – Surviving a Russian Ransomware Attack
Molly Kellog, Hubbard-Hall

It’s every company’s nightmare: Boot up the system in the morning only to find you’ve been hacked – data encrypted, data exfiltrated and systems locked down.  It happened to Stoli in August of 2024 and they went Chapter 11 in December of 2024.  It happened to Hubbard-Hall in October of 2024.  VP of Data Strategy, Katherine Kielbowicz and CEO, Molly Kellogg will relate their experience and share some pro-tips on what they could have done better if they had a do-over. Which they don’t want. Ever.

Covering your ASSets via Risk Management
Ryan Douglas and Shawn Lee, USI

USI Insurance experts will be presenting on how they are helping their ACD clients protect against critical business challenges.  Ryan Douglas and Shawn Lee will be discussing how to protect against Cyber-attacks, challenges in Employment Related practices, and how best to Transfer Risk.  USI’s involvement in the ACD has allowed it’s members to leverage their knowledge and expertise for over 10 years.

Networking Event at Hotel

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Chemical Deals in the Lower Middle Market – What it Means for Smaller Businesses
Naaman Heyman, Cascadia Capital 

What are the emerging trends and priorities in deal activity following escalating macro turbulence and uncertainty. What does this mean for small businesses and what planning and priorities should be established when evaluating a potential transaction.

Break

Regulatory & Legislative Update
Brain Callahan, ACD

Join ACD’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Brian Callahan, for a comprehensive session designed to keep you ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving legislative and regulatory landscape. Brian will guide you through the latest critical updates and their direct implications for your business.  Additionally, he will showcase valuable ACD resources tailored to help your company navigate complex regulatory changes, ensuring compliance and long-term success in the face of shifting policies.

Meeting Adjourns