Day 2: Thursday, October 9th

Registration

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Breakfast

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Innovation Hub & Ask the IDEA Experts Corner

7:30 am - 8:30 am

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Welcome & Keynote Address

8:30 am - 9:00 am Welcome & IDEA Update

Patrick Knight, IDEA

9:00 am - 10:00 am Keynote Address

The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential

Zack Kass, ZKAI Advisory

Break 

10:00 am - 10:15 am

General Session 

10:15 am - 11:00 am Introduction to Data Whispers Fireside Chat

Patrick Knight, IDEA, Mark McGready, IDEA, Scott Wagner, NAED

11:00 am - 11:45 am Panel Discussion: From Data to Decisions: AI in the Electrical Channel 

Moderator: Scott Costa, Publisher, tED Magazine

Banu Ozkaya-Akbay, Director of Digital Transformation, NAED

Jennifer Swem, VP, Operational Excellence & AI, Schneider Electric,

Kiran Laxman, Director, Strategy & Operations, Legrand, North America

Stephan Fulop, Chief Digital Officer, DSG Supply 

Martina Schubert, Chief Information Officer, Van Meter, Inc.

Shahan Syed, Director of IT, IDEA 

 

Networking Lunch

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Breakout Sessions

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm (choose 1)

• Talk Data to Me—An Interactive Roundtable on Overcoming Challenges & Elevating Best Practices

Denise Keating and Angela Baraks, IDEA

High-quality product content is essential for effective distribution, eCommerce, and fulfillment—but what does "good" really look like? This session will dive into strategies for optimizing product content, improving collaboration across the supply chain, and overcoming persistent data hurdles. Join in on the discussion as we explore challenges, opportunities, and shared strategies for improving the quality and completeness of manufacturer product data through open dialogue and peer collaboration.

• For Distributors: Turning Search Into Sales: The Power of Product Relationships & Cross References

Brett Anderson, IDEA

When customers can’t find what they need, sales stall and satisfaction drops. Learn how industry-leading distributors are using keyword optimization and product cross-references to improve search accuracy, reduce abandoned carts, and boost upsell opportunities. This session will explore how aligning product relationships with real-world language—from slang to synonyms—helps sales teams and customers alike. Discover how better search leads to faster onboarding, smarter substitutions, and a stronger customer experience across your digital channels.

• Demystifying APIs: Streamline Operations & Reduce Stress

Tom Guzik, IDEA, and Matthew Scarborough, Trade Tech Solutions

In today’s always-on world, real-time data access is critical. Join us for an engaging session on API technology—what it is, how it works, and why it’s essential for modern business. We’ll explore how APIs streamline processes like ordering, pricing, inventory, and invoicing, while enabling seamless integration with cloud platforms, CRMs, and more. Through open discussion and a live demonstration, discover how APIs can simplify workflows, boost productivity, and reduce the stress of managing complex systems.

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm (choose 1)

• Talk Data to Me—An Interactive Roundtable on Overcoming Challenges & Elevating Best Practices

Denise Keating and Angela Baraks, IDEA

High-quality product content is essential for effective distribution, eCommerce, and fulfillment—but what does "good" really look like? This session will dive into strategies for optimizing product content, improving collaboration across the supply chain, and overcoming persistent data hurdles. Join in on the discussion as we explore challenges, opportunities, and shared strategies for improving the quality and completeness of manufacturer product data through open dialogue and peer collaboration.

• Wired for Intelligence: How AI Is Rewiring Product Information Management for the Electrical Industry

Pratik Chakraborty, Bluemeteor

AI is revolutionizing how electrical distributors and manufacturers source, manage, and deliver product content. Join Bluemeteor to explore how AI enhances authorized content by improving accuracy, filling gaps, and accelerating delivery. Learn how adaptive, AI-powered platforms are replacing traditional PIM systems, enabling real-time automation, reducing costs, and elevating customer experiences. Discover the shift toward smarter integration, faster collaboration, and dramatically reduced time to market. We'll outline essential strategies for forward-thinking electrical industry leaders to thrive in an AI-native future.

• Demystifying APIs: Streamline Operations & Reduce Stress

Tom Guzik, IDEA, and Matthew Scarborough, Trade Tech Solutions

In today’s always-on world, real-time data access is critical. Join us for an engaging session on API technology—what it is, how it works, and why it’s essential for modern business. We’ll explore how APIs streamline processes like ordering, pricing, inventory, and invoicing, while enabling seamless integration with cloud platforms, CRMs, and more. Through open discussion and a live demonstration, discover how APIs can simplify workflows, boost productivity, and reduce the stress of managing complex systems.

Networking Break

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Breakout Sessions

3:15 pm - 4:00 pm (choose 1) 

• Future-Proofing EDI: What’s Next for a Long-Standing Standard

Denise Keating, Tom Guzik, & Angela Baraks, IDEA

EDI’s demise has been predicted for years, yet it remains a cornerstone of B2B communication. As the digital landscape evolves, the key to EDI’s longevity lies in modernization—and that’s where EDIPro comes in. This session explores how the EDIPro standard can help future-proof your EDI investment, ensuring flexibility, interoperability, and long-term value. Learn how the continuing evolution of EDIPro under IDEA's guidance can keep your supply chain connected, efficient, and ready for what’s next in the ever-changing world of data exchange.

• From Good to Great: Rethinking Customer Account Strategy

Mark McGready, IDEA

Today’s most successful businesses don’t just aim to sell more—they focus on making their customers better. This session explores how to identify untapped potential within your existing accounts by evaluating key factors like revenue, cost to serve, pricing, and growth trajectory. Learn how to measure customer efficiency, communicate account strategies clearly to your team, and elevate every customer conversation. Walk away with a smarter approach to maximizing your book of business and driving long-term profitability.

• A New Era: AI Workflows Revolutionizing B2B Commerce

Aung Latt, Canals

In distribution, AI is not a matter for future consideration - it is already transforming critical workflows. This session examines that transformation, exploring real-world AI applications that are dramatically improving sales, purchasing, and accounting processes.

In sales order entry, for example, previously arduous tasks, like recalling part numbers and entering orders line-by-line, are automated. Critical institutional knowledge is retained through machine learning and presented to salespeople at just the right moment. You and your customers win.

eBiz Night Out

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Luke Combs' Category 10 (transportation begins at 5:30; meet in the lobby)

Join us at Luke Combs’ Category 10 for an unforgettable evening of networking, connection, and celebration!