Agenda

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026

ChatGPT, AI, Agents, Automation and Beyond 
Gene Marks, The Marks Group

How will AI impact your business this year? In 5 years? Where should you be investing? What’s reality and what’s hype? You’ve read about ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Google Gemini, and other AI tools that will be changing the way we work, both in the short and longer term. As a business leader, you want to leverage this technology to increase both productivity and profits. So what should you know now?
During this fast-moving, informative and entertaining presentation, Forbes technology columnist and consultant Gene Marks, CEO of The Marks Group, will share will share his thoughts on the biggest technology and AI trends that will affect your industry in the near and long term and help you make the right investment decisions.

Download presentation here. 

OT/ICS Threat Landscape
Kyle O'Meara, Dragos

A year-long look back at the current OT and ICS threat landscape, highlighting adversary trends, operational impacts, and how organizations must prepare to defend against them.

Break

Intellectual Property & Environmental Issues to Watch in 2026
Kathleen Bertolatus & Frank Eymard, Phillips 66

A rundown on developments of note for chemical distributors in Intellectual Property law and Environmental and Safety. Topics will include greenwashing concerns, Toxic Substance Control Act regulatory changes and the OSHA hazard communication standard updates.

Lunch

Managing for Productivity
Randy Anderson, e3 Professional Trainers

Managers and supervisors are ultimately responsible for driving productivity and results. While many leaders can direct work and manage tasks, fewer are equipped to organize effectively, leverage individual strengths, and create systems that maximize efficiency and performance.

This presentation explores how leaders can move beyond basic oversight to intentionally build productivity and profitability. Attendees will learn how to create clear systems, align people with organizational goals, eliminate time-wasting activities, and focus on coaching rather than problem-solving for their teams. By clearly communicating priorities, empowering employees, protecting their own time, and reinforcing accountability, managers can develop people and processes that deliver consistent results and support sustainable growth.

Download presentation here.

From D.C. to Distribution: Policy Shifts, Trade Pressures, and Emerging Risks
Eric Byer, ACD

What’s happening in Washington—and why does it matter to your business? Join ACD President and CEO Eric Byer for an update on deregulatory activity, ACD policy successes, and major issues facing the chemical distribution industry, including the UP–NS rail merger, evolving tariff landscape, and growing concerns around fraud.

Download presentation here. 

Who's Going to Do That Job? Build Depth & Plan for Succession!
Liz Weber, Weber Business Services LLC

Do you have critical tasks that only one person knows how to handle? Are you concerned about your leadership bench or team depth? Would your job be easier if you had a simple, repeatable way to build skills, agility, and depth—now and for the future?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this session is for you.

In this practical, nuts-and-bolts presentation, Liz Weber, CMC, CSP, shares straightforward insights on why succession planning must be an ongoing process—not a document that sits on a shelf. Attendees will learn how to move beyond reactive replacements and create a sustainable approach to developing talent at every level of the organization.

Download presentation here.