NAHAD Show Preview

NAHAD, the Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution brings its Annual Convention to Tampa April 12–15. NAHAD expects nearly 1,000 attendees at its engaging event, which includes general sessions and workshops as well as opportunities for informal and formal networking with hose manufacturer and distributor colleagues and friends.

Sam Richter, founder and CEO of SBR Worldwide/Know More, will kick off the convention with two presentations on Sunday, April 13:

(1) “Creativity Unleashed: Generative AI and Your Future – Transform Your Business, Your Communications, Your Job, and Your Life,” where Richter will explain the difference between AI and Generative AI, and how embracing ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini, for example, can give businesses a competitive edge.

(2) “Get the Meeting No One Else Can: Intel Secrets to Find the Right Person, at the Right Time, with the Right Message. In this Sunday afternoon workshop, Richter will address how to ensure your outreach stands out as deeply human in a sea of AI-generated content – and how to connect with decision-makers in a way that resonates and gets results.

The program continues on Monday, April 14, with, “A Nonpartisan Overview of Politics and Economic Outlook: The 2024 Elections and Beyond,” presented by Jeff Bush. On Tuesday, April 15, Lauren Saidel-Baker from ITR Economics will present, “Challenges and Opportunities in 2025–2027,” discussing the timing and the actions necessary to take to get your company ready for the next few years and the rest of the decade. Navigating the twin challenges of inflation and interest rates will require immediate action, she says.

Workshops and industry roundtables will be featured as well. The complete program is available on the newly redesigned NAHAD website at www.nahad.org/annual-convention.

Networking events include a gathering at the Tampa Aquarium, a first-time attendee happy hour, and NAHAD’s famed Carver Award luncheon presentation. Companies can reserve private NAHAD Company Meeting Rooms for various business needs. (subject to availability.)

NAHAD’s Showcase of Hose Solutions will host nearly 140 exhibitors and give attendees and exhibitors the chance to make valuable connections. NAHAD prides itself on ensuring it has a well-balanced distributor-manufacturer mix, allowing attendees to meet with current vendors while also discovering new industry products.

The Convention is a members-only show and will take place in Indianapolis in 2026. For more information on the 2025 NAHAD Annual Meeting and Convention, visit the NAHAD website at www.nahad.org/annual-convention.

MORTENSEN TAKES THE HELM AS NAHAD PRESIDENT

Mike Mortensen, president and CEO of ARG Industrial, has been named the 2025-president of NAHAD. The association said he will be focused on driving member engagement, fostering collaboration across the supply chain, and championing the education and professional development of the next generation.

Mortenson says his vision for his role includes making the industry more accessible and encouraging technological adoption. He also wants to support emerging leaders to help future-proof the industry while honoring its traditions.

NAHAD Executive Director Molly Mullins Alton added, “Mike’s collaborative approach will strengthen relationships between suppliers and distributors to create new growth opportunities for everyone. I believe we are poised for an exciting chapter of innovation and transformation.”

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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.