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Staff Report
Here’s what’s new this year!
Voice of the Customer: An Industry-Exclusive Panel. ISA is amplifying the “Voice of the Customer” through an Industrial End-User Panel—a first-of-its-kind experience in the industrial supply industry. Attendees will get a clear look at what really influences purchase decisions—what customers care about most, the challenges they face, and the solutions they need.
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| Lansdale |
“For years, our industry has been asking for direct insights into the end-user perspective,” said ISA Board Chair Joyce Lansdale, vice president at Vallen. “ISA25 delivers with a panel designed to inspire actionable strategies that help businesses align with customer needs. This interactive session is designed to be a game-changer, providing insights no other event in our industry offers.”
The Exchange: Networking With Purpose. ISA25 is also introducing The Exchange, a topic-based networking lunch designed to kick off meaningful conversations about the industry’s most pressing issues. Attendees will be seated in assigned small groups to dive into topics like AI, talent acquisition, geopolitical and economic issues, and more.
“This year’s agenda reflects our commitment to creating valuable connections that go beyond just catching up with old friends,” said ISA CEO, Brendan Breen. “The Exchange is a prime example of how ISA is creating real opportunities for our attendees to tap into the power of our channel to help navigate this complex world.”
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Dynamic Education and Legislative Insights. The event agenda features sessions that speak to the future of the industrial supply channel, including how to embrace AI, future-proof young talent, and navigate evolving customer demands. The educational lineup also includes the 2025 Legislative Luncheon, led by NAW’s Brian Wild, offering insights into new regulations, taxation issues, labor relations, foreign policy, and more. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how the new administration could impact their businesses and the efforts made by NAW and others to advocate on their behalf.
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Main Stage Keynotes to Inspire and Inform. ISA25 is excited to feature two standout keynote speakers this year. Kicking things off is Herm Edwards, ESPN NFL analyst and former head coach, sharing his inspirational take on leadership and perseverance.
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| St. Germain |
To close the event, we will feature a new voice from ITR Economics to present their highly anticipated Industry Economic Forecast for 2025-2027. With the early retirement of the venerable Alan Beaulieu, ISA was able to secure Economist Taylor St. Germain, who brings valuable insights into trends, challenges, and opportunities on the horizon.
Networking and Entertainment Experiences. ISA25 promises to be as entertaining as it is educational. Highlights include: (1) Opening Party on the General Jackson Showboat, docking downtown so you can head down to Broad Street; (2) Charity Golf Outing – quality time with your industry peers on the Gaylord Springs Golf Links. (3) Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour – a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of country music history.
Building Connections Through ISA’s Networks. ISA25 puts the spotlight on building meaningful relationships and professional connections through its three networks. These receptions bring peers together and create a sense of community within the industry: (1) Women in Industry (WII) Cocktail Reception; (2) Emerging Leaders (EL) After-Dinner Drinks; and (3) Veterans Empowerment Network (VEN) Reception.
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ISA will also host a panel session on Tuesday morning featuring the leaders of each network. It’s a great chance to learn how your company can get involved and make the most of these industry communities.
Ample Time in the Exhibit Hall. The exhibit hall at ISA25 is packed with opportunities to connect with exhibitors, explore innovative solutions, and schedule one-on-one meetings. This year’s schedule includes plenty of time to meet with industry partners, discover new opportunities, and strengthen relationships.
Visit ISA’s website for more information: https://isa25.isapartners.org.
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This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Industrial Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Industrial Supply Co. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
