Keynote Speaker
Zach Kass
Former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI, futurist and visionary
One of the most respected and experienced figures in tech and innovation, Zack Kass has been at the crossroads where AI meets business for over a decade. He served as the GTM (Go-To-Market) Lead at OpenAI, one of the world's leading artificial intelligence research organizations. In his informative, accessible keynotes, he helps businesses enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and bolster employee satisfaction at reduced costs by harnessing the power of AI.
General Session & Breakout Session Speakers
Brett Anderson
Director of Business Products & Solutions, IDEA
Brett is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. He is skilled in Customer Service, Data Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Sales Operations, and Strategic Partnerships.
Johna Aro
Customer Success Manager, IDEA
Johna is a seasoned customer success professional with over 30 years of experience driving client satisfaction and organizational growth. Johna has been with IDEA for over 12 years and is currently serving as Customer Success Manager, where she combines deep industry expertise with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Angela Baraks
Director of Data Quality & Standards, IDEA
Angela brings 25+ years of experience in the electrical industry. She has contributed to the industry data standards through her volunteer work on standards development and consulting work through DATAgility for the past 15 years. Angela has a master’s degree in communications from Eastern Illinois University.
David Bauders
CEO, SPARXiQ
David is CEO of SPARXiQ, a leader in sales, pricing, and profitability solutions for industrial B2B. Since founding the company in 1993, he’s pioneered price optimization, launched virtual sales training, and driven strategic acquisitions—including Trade Hounds—to deliver advanced analytics and digital tools for modern distributors and contractors
Pratik Chakraborty
Chief Product and Technology Officer, Bluemeteor
Scott Costa
Publisher, tED magazine
As Publisher of The Electrical Distributor (tED) magazine, Scott drives innovation in industry media, shaping conversations that matter while building strong teams and championing excellence across every aspect of the publication.
Stephan Fulop
Chief Digital Officer, DSG Supply
A digital product executive with 10+ years in healthcare and ecommerce, Stephan leads teams through transformation, delivering seamless omnichannel experiences and fostering collaboration, empowerment, and a test-and-learn culture.
Tom Guzik
Director of Digital Integration Services, IDEA
Tom brings to IDEA nearly 30 years of experience working with electronic data interchange (EDI), 20 of which have been in the electrical industry. Prior to joining IDEA, he also worked with SAP systems, inventory control, logistics and warehousing, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI).
Denise Keating
VP Customer Success, IDEA
Denise, former CEO & co-founder of DATAgility, is passionate about helping companies put quality product data into motion to drive results. With 30 years’ experience in distribution, she is a thought leader & frequent speaker on digital trends & strategies. Denise will oversee the customer success team, data quality & standards, and HDM initiative.
Patrick Knight
President & CEO, IDEA
Patrick is an experienced and outgoing leader and consultant with strong analytical skills. He has a demonstrated history of success in National Accounts, GPOs, and value-add industries. Patrick is a strong professional, skilled in Strategic Planning, Business Process Improvement & Business Development.
Kiran Laxman
Director, Strategy & Operations, Legrand, North America
A seasoned global strategist and technologist, Kiran has 10+ years leading hardware and digital businesses, driving IoT and LED growth, doubling revenue, and transforming legacy operations across the U.S. and Europe.
Aung Latt
Head of Sales, Canals
Aung is the Head of Sales at Canals, where he's focused on applying AI-driven automation to help distributors streamline processes and strengthen customer relationships. His extensive experience in technology solutions for wholesale distribution spans leadership roles at Unilog, Epicor, and DDI. Throughout his career, he has partnered with distributors and manufacturers to modernize operations, improve order management, and accelerate digital transformation.
Mark McGready
Director of Data Analytics & Solutions, IDEA
Mark has over 25 years of experience in the electrical industry, with deep expertise in data analytics and converting insights into actionable strategies that drive sales growth and operational efficiency. He began his career at Schneider Electric in Channel Development, where he focused on expanding channel-led sales. In 2008, Mark founded Jigsaw Systems to help manufacturers and distributors optimize business processes. Jigsaw was acquired by SparxIQ in 2019.
Mark holds dual degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering from the University of Edinburgh. He lives in Naperville, IL, with his wife Shona and their two sons, Finn and Rafe.
Banu Ozkaya-Akbay
Director of Digital Transformation, NAED
Banu has 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and supply chain management, delivering innovative solutions in myriad verticals that enhance efficiency, precision, and business performance.
Matthew Scarborough
President, Trade Tech Solutions
Matt is the President and Founder of Trade Tech Solutions. He has over 35 years of industry experience, beginning his career on the warehouse floor before transitioning to the sales team and then to software development. Trade Tech Solutions, incorporated in 2006, is home of the TTS platform – a manufacturer’s representative ERP system – and is now the home to IDEA ORDRTRAK – a universal platform connecting the electrical industry.
Martina Schubert
Chief Information Officer, Van Meter Inc.
Martina, an accomplished information technology executive, joined Van Meter’s leadership team as Chief Information Officer in 2024. She brings more than 25 years of experience in information technology, transformational leadership, enterprise system management, business intelligence and cybersecurity.
Jennifer Swem
VP, Operational Excellence & AI, Schneider Electric
Jennifer drives transformation by leveraging AI, analytics, and continuous improvement to streamline processes, simplify operations, and foster sustainable growth, enhancing efficiency and culture across North America operations.
Shahan Syed
Director of IT, IDEA
Shahan is a software professional passionate about designing scalable systems, improving performance, and solving complex problems. With a collaborative, analytical approach, he drives quality development while continually learning and growing.
Scott Wagner
Director of Industry Transformation, NAED
Scott is a transformation-focused leader with over 35 years of experience spanning electrical distribution, manufacturing, and technology. His passion is helping organizations harness the power of data, digital tools, and process excellence to drive meaningful, measurable change.
Throughout his career, he's led initiatives like building Mayer Electric’s enterprise-wide business intelligence ecosystem and guiding industry-wide digital strategy at NAED. He specializes in translating complexity into clarity, connecting strategy to execution, and helping organizations evolve with confidence.