education & meetings

Autumn Regional Meeting


Agenda

 

Monday, September 14, 2026

5:00 - 6:30 pm Registration and Opening Reception

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

7:15 - 8:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 8:15 am Welcome/ACD State of Affairs
Eric R. Byer, ACD
8:15 - 9:45 am

Thriving Through Relentless Change
Chris Dyer

AI, shifting workforce expectations, hybrid models, and market volatility are hitting organizations simultaneously. Teams feel the pressure but lack the tools to respond productively. In this energizing keynote, Chris Dyer delivers a practical roadmap for thriving when the pace of change feels relentless, built on three proven pillars: transparent communication that builds clarity and trust, boundary-honoring collaboration that strengthens teamwork and respect, and the seven types of rest that protect well-being and sustain energy.

Chris Dyer draws on his experience as a CEO who grew a fully remote company through two recessions and a pandemic, as well as insights from his work with organizations including NASA, Intuit, and Caesars. Attendees leave with meeting hacks that free up time, email strategies that reduce overwhelm, and boundary-setting approaches that prevent burnout while strengthening relationships and fostering a culture of belonging.

9:45 - 10:00 am Break
10:00 - 11:00 am

Rules in Motion: Staying Ahead in Chemical Distribution
Analisa Puzzanghero, ACD

Evolving regulatory pressures continue to reshape the operating environment for chemical distributors. In this session, Analisa Puzzanghero, Director of Regulatory Affairs at ACD, will provide insight into key developments affecting the industry, including changes to airspace restrictions above critical infrastructure, emerging state-level issues, and shifting trade policies that impact global supply chains and market access. Participants will leave with a stronger awareness of emerging compliance priorities and practical considerations for adapting to regulatory shifts across multiple jurisdictions.

11:00 - 11:45 pm

Session TBD

11:45 am - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Navigating 2026 and Beyond: Strategic Moves For Your Industry
Gene Marks, The Marks Group

As President Trump marks one year into his second term, businesses are navigating an evolving economic landscape marked by higher interest rates, persistent inflation, and shifting market dynamics. At the same time, rapid advancements in AI and the accelerating “Silver Tsunami” are transforming how companies operate, make decisions, and plan for leadership transitions. In this fast-paced session, Gene will share practical strategies that leading organizations are using to drive growth, adapt to workforce changes, and position their companies for long-term success.

2:00 - 2:30 pm

How Better Information Gets You Better Coverage
Doug Gahagan, Axon Underwriting Services, LLC

Designed for ACD Members, this seminar will focus on insurance submission needs, what information an Insured should be prepared to provide every year, and expectations when marketing your insurance policies, in an effort to provide an understanding for how you can present a stronger risk story that may help lower insurance premiums over time. We’ll host a panel with an underwriter, broker, and environmental consultant to talk about the overall informational needs carriers look for, with additional discussion on GL/Pollution needs, as well as product recall and Stock Throughput. Leave with a clear checklist of the information that helps you get covered and potentially at a better price.

2:30 - 3:30 pm

From D.C. to Distribution: Policy Impacts on the Chemical Supply Chain
Eric R. Byer, ACD

Join Eric Byer, President and CEO of ACD, for a timely and insightful update on how federal policy developments in Washington, D.C. are shaping the future of the chemical distribution industry. This session will explore the latest legislative and regulatory trends, examine their real-world implications for distributors, and highlight key advocacy priorities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how policy decisions influence operations, compliance, and market dynamics—and what it means for the industry moving forward.

3:30 pm Meeting Adjourns