Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Hardlines Distribution Alliance (HDA) recently hosted the 21st Annual Executive Planning Conference (EPC) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, featuring three days of networking, one-on-one meetings and award ceremonies.
Vendors participated in the New Vendor Showcase on Tuesday morning, allowing new vendor attendees to introduce themselves directly to distributor attendees, followed by a golf scramble Tuesday afternoon where attendees competed for prizes and participated in a hole-in-one contest sponsored by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA). The day ended with a welcome reception.
“I like the reversed format of the EPC where you have that face-to-face time to explain who we are and what we do,” says Cameron Council, president at Council Tool Company. “Attending the conference has given us insight into the market and the opportunity to get to know the group and the decision makers in the industry.”
On Wednesday, vendors and distributors participated in one-on-one appointments to discuss program details, highlights and launches and objectives for the coming year. In between scheduled meetings, distributor attendees visited the featured item area where they could handle product and familiarize themselves further with available product lines.
“The EPC provides us with the opportunity to connect with suppliers on both current and future business as well as network with other like distributors,” says Chelsey Chartier, category merchant at Buttery Company. “With existing vendors, discussions of growth are key. With new suppliers, the EPC allows us to understand their products and programs and how they would resonate with our dealer base.”
During the awards luncheon Wednesday, HDA recognized winners for the Suppliers of the Year for 2025 as voted on by HDA member distributors. Awards were also presented for Excellence in Partnership, Innovative Product of the Year and Best New Vendor Showcase. The luncheon also recognized the top three featured products and sponsors who helped ensure EPC was a success.
“The EPC is designed to maximize collaboration within our group and this year’s event was no different,” says Shari Kalbach, president at HDA. “With the completion of the merger with NATS, we are looking forward to a strong 2026 with new opportunities and streamlined events that will make HDA conferences even more valuable to our members and vendor partners.”
