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More than 1,000 hose industry professionals are expected to descend upon San Diego at the end of April. For four days, the best in the business will network with each other, learn new business strategies and trends, and see the latest and greatest products available during the Showcase of Hose Solutions. So, what’s in store for 2024? Industrial Supply caught up with NAHAD Executive Director Molly Alton Mullins to get the inside scoop.
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Industrial Supply: Who is expected to attend NAHAD’s 40th Annual Meeting & Convention?
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Molly Alton Mullins: Virtually everyone and anyone involved in the hose, rubber, and hose accessories industry. NAHAD is a trade association comprised of manufacturers and distributors who provide hose and hose fabrications for various industries around the globe. The majority of the industry’s C-Suite, as well as sales professionals, marketing executives, and product specialists, are expected to attend this year’s event.
Industrial Supply: What will attendees be able to experience at this year’s Convention?
Alton Mullins: Everything they have come to expect from a NAHAD event: multiple networking events in a beautiful setting overlooking the San Diego harbor. Five world-class keynote speaker sessions covering a wide range of business topics focused on key industry trends. More than 40 company meeting rooms reserved so manufacturers and distributors alike can meet with customers and potential customers to conduct business. And of course, the Showcase of Hose Solutions, where 120-plus exhibitors will have products and services on display designed to help NAHAD members get ahead.
Industrial Supply: Who is scheduled to speak at NAHAD?
Alton Mullins: Each year NAHAD designs its Annual Convention content to address current trends and issues affecting the industry. This year is no different, with the convention opening with a 2024 Economic Forecast, provided by well-known ITR Economics. With interest rates, inflation, labor, military conflicts, and a presidential election looming in 2024, this presentation will provide insights to develop tactics and strategies to beat the cycle and prepare for the business cycle rise ahead.
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There will also be sessions on building leadership to increase presence and culture, as well as sales training to improve results and drive revenue in today’s new company climate. NAHAD is also pleased to bring Zach Kass to speak, a renowned expert on the power of artificial intelligence and its connection to business. Zach will address where he sees AI developing as a pragmatic business application as well as tips he sees to help us navigate the future. Lastly, NAHAD will close out its programming with Mike Murdock, who will address business disruption and explain why you always need a “Plan D.”
Industrial Supply: How do I attend NAHAD’s Annual Convention?
Alton Mullins: Convention attendance is limited to NAHAD members only. If your company is interested in applying for membership, you can find the application at nahad.org. Once approved, visit our Annual Convention webpage to register, book your hotel, and learn more about the program that awaits you in San Diego. Save the date for NAHAD’s 2025 Annual Convention as well, which is scheduled for April 12-16, 2025, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
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This article originally appeared in the March/April 2024 issue of Industrial Supply magazine. Copyright 2024, Direct Business Media.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Kimball Midwest. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and Mike Marks, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
