Manufacturers and Distributors Unite at Executive Planning Conference

At the 2020 Executive Planning Conference, hosted by Distribution America and PRO Group, more than 350 of the nation’s top independent home improvement suppliers and distributors met to find ways to strengthen relationships and plan for success in the year ahead.

Held in Tucson, Arizona, from Nov. 19-21, the event was host to more than 2,300 meetings to discuss new product launches, promotions, fill rates order fulfillment and new business opportunities.

“Year after year, the event draws top-level executives from the industry’s most important distributors and suppliers,” says Steve Synnott, president and CEO of PRO Group. 

“The conference was extremely productive for us,” says Brian McCarthy, vice president of sales at RZ Industries. “We had the opportunity to meet with many members and have their full attention as we presented our products. The feedback was excellent and we are very excited about our future relationships with DA and PRO.”

“The Executive Planning Conference is a great opportunity for our company to share goals and insights with our vendor partners while simultaneously learning more about their individual businesses, and how we all can help drive additional sales to our independent retail customers,” says Jonathan Mize, CEO and president at Blish-Mize Co.

Distributor attendees browsed the featured item display area and selected the best new products. Awards were presented to manufacturers in the major hardline categories.

Featured Product Awards

• Hand & Power Tools – Stanley Black and Decker – DeWalt 20V Max Pole Saw
• Hardware – Fusion Grip Straps – Heavy Duty Magnetic Hook Ratchet Straps
• Plumbing – ECO-FLO Products – 1/3 HP WiFi Enabled Sump Pump
• Electrical – Eaton Wiring Devices – Direct Mount 5 CCT-Select Light
• Lawn & Garden – Boss Manufacturing Company – Neoprene Black Knee Boot with Steel Shank
• Safety – Kidde Safety – DC Combo Smoke/CO Alarm
• Overall Winner – Nix Sensor Ltd. – Portable Color Scanning Device with App

Next year’s conference will be held November 17-19, 2020 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona. With numerous opportunities to enjoy networking events and meet face-to-face with vendor partners, many member distributors have already registered for next year’s conference.

“This meeting is one that I put first on my calendar each and every year,” says Alex Hodge, president of Horizon Distribution. “There’s no better place to plan together with our key vendors face-to-face, in a relaxing and productive atmosphere.”

 “The conference present opportunities to strengthen relationships between our distributor members and the vendors that support independent hardware stores, home centers and paint sundry retailers. Each meeting provides manufacturers the opportunity to meet with key decision makers from most of the nation’s largest independent distributors,” says Dave Christmas, president and CEO of Distribution America.