The NetPlus 2024 Annual Meeting in San Antonio was buzzing with 173 distributors, 168 suppliers, and all kinds of service providers eager to drive growth, spark innovation, and build industry connections. Representing Intuilize, our VP of Sales & Marketing, Phil Samuels, was on-site to showcase our AI-powered solutions that are reshaping distribution.
The conference, set against the scenic backdrop of San Antonio and with events like a visit to Knibble Ranch, was designed to be more than just an industry gathering. NetPlus appears to be cultivating an experiential brand for its annual event, aiming to deepen connections through memorable shared experiences.
Strong Presence of Key Industry Players
This year’s exhibition floor featured powerhouse tech and supply chain firms, including Epicor, LeadSmart Technologies, DDS (Distributor Data Solutions), Oracle NetSuite, and other industry leaders, signaling a heavy emphasis on technology-driven transformation. Despite NetPlus’s product focus on prominent brands like Milwaukee, DEWALT, Rust-Oleum, and Werner Ladders, service providers like Intuilize also played a crucial role in showcasing new business optimization tools for distributors.
Keynote Highlights from Dirk Beveridge: A Call to Be “Catalysts for Growth”
Dirk Beveridge, Co-Founder of the Force For Good Company, delivered the keynote address, bringing his usual energy and insight to the audience. His speech revolved around NetPlus's theme, “Catalyst For Growth,” urging attendees to become “Sustainable, Relevant, and Profitable.”
Dirk emphasized the power of forging partnerships and strategically collaborating for long-term success, commending the attendees' energy and focus. His keynote provided actionable guidance through “The Innovative Distributor Model” framework, which he promised would equip distributors with clear, growth-oriented strategies.
Spotlight Sessions: AI and Digital Transformation
The conference featured sessions that captivated attendees with discussions on leveraging technology to improve operations. Two standout sessions included “Improving Your Customer Experience with AI” by Benjamin Cohen from Proton AI and “The Digital Transformation Roadmap” led by Kevin Brown from LeadSmart Technologies.
A key takeaway Kevin mentioned was the reminder that digital transformation is a “journey without an endpoint”—a continuous evolution that demands adaptability, especially for distributors who are navigating today’s fast-changing market. These sessions gave attendees actionable insights into using AI and digital tools to refine customer experiences and evolve operations.
Building Connections with Key Industry Players
In addition to engaging with distributors at large, Phil had the opportunity to connect with key players in distribution, including Marcus Rodes and Darrell Bontrager from EPCO Sales, Andrew and Jeremy Kirkpatrick, and Jeff Westhoff from M&M Sales & Equipment.
Phil appreciated the proactive approach of these partners, who are strong advocates for technological growth and seamless integration of tools to streamline their operations. The chance to discuss Intuilize's AI-driven solutions with these professionals reaffirmed the importance of forging meaningful relationships within the NetPlus network.
Service Providers Seek Expanded Opportunities
Phil observed the diversity of distributor sizes within the NetPlus membership, highlighting that many of the smaller distributors are thriving—a testament to the efficacy of the NetPlus network.
A highlight of Phil's experience was connecting directly with partners, customers, and NetPlus reps, including Holli Priddy, Purchasing Analyst with BC Industrial Supply, and Gogel Fastener and Industrial Supply's President Heather Terrell Berry and VP Steven Terrell.
Phil was overall impressed with NetPlus's AGM, which he has attended over ten times in the past and he appreciated the chance to share Intuilize’s value propositions as he has at NetPlus meetings in the past.
He would also like to extend his recognition as always to Jennifer Murphy, President and CEO of NetPlus Alliance, whose leadership and insights helped guide the event’s direction. You can see her pictured below at our booth during the 2022 Annual Meeting.
An Experiential Event with a Focus on Connections
The conference balanced its educational and product-focused sessions with networking and recreational activities, including an opening-day golf event and a tour of Knibble Ranch.
These activities showcased NetPlus’s efforts to create an engaging and immersive experience that went beyond standard conference fare. The blend of professional development with social activities emphasized the event’s commitment to fostering strong relationships among attendees, reinforcing the NetPlus network’s strength in uniting distributors and suppliers.
Let’s Talk Real-World Growth with AI
With NetPlus 2024 in the books, we’re gearing up to connect with even more distribution leaders at the STAFDA 2024 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville. If you’re attending, be sure to swing by Booth #T22 on Aisle 600.
We're promoting one session in particular we hope you can attend:
From Ideas to Success: Real-World Growth with AI
📅 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM at the STAFDA Show Floor – Theater Pavilion
Join us for an engaging 30-minute session featuring Earnest Machine's CEO, Kirk Zehnder, to explore real-world impacts and takeaways.
We’d love to connect and explore how Intuilize can support your growth goals. Sign up for the session below! Let’s make STAFDA a game-changer—see you in Nashville!
