NAHAD, the Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution, will host its 42nd Annual Convention May 16–19 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. This year’s program is designed to attract more attendees than ever before, with increased educational content and networking at an affordable, easy-to-get-to location.

Alton Mullins

“This year, NAHAD’s board of directors wanted to try something unique for NAHAD, in an effort to attract an expanded attendance for the convention,” said NAHAD Executive Vice President Molly Alton Mullins. “This year’s program has more education than in years past, the launch of our new mentorship program, and enhanced roundtable opportunities where the industry can come together to discuss industry challenges to derive real-time solutions. All at a location that is more affordable, and a place many can drive to and avoid flight costs.”

The board selected the JW Marriott in Indianapolis as its convention headquarters so member companies can bring more attendees to this year’s event for the same cost. NAHAD conventions are often held at resort locations, making it cost prohibitive for many companies to bring a larger contingency of staff. The JW Marriott, while still an exceptional property, offers more affordable accommodations and lower overall costs. Plus, with so many NAHAD member companies headquartered in the Midwest, traveling to the convention is more affordable as well.

Additionally, the board wanted to invest in additional educational sessions to bring applicable programming to the expanded attendance base. In addition to economic presentations by ITR Economics, attendees will be able to attend a series of workshops on team dynamics and building effective relationships, as well as sessions on company transformations, effective sales execution, and overall leadership development.

NAHAD networking is exceptional, and this year’s event will both open and close with great networking receptions. And to further facilitate business connections, NAHAD offers meeting rooms for manufacturers to meet one on one with distributors. Last year, more than 90 companies took advantage of this opportunity to showcase products and services to existing and prospective customers, a trend that is expected to continue in Indianapolis.

New in 2026: NAHAD has launched a new industry mentorship program – The Leadership Exploration and Development Program (LEAD). “We are so pleased to launch LEAD this year and provide an opportunity for individuals newer to the business to learn directly from industry experts, while also networking with peers,” said Alton Mullins. “In addition to the traditional education and networking events, LEAD participants will also engage in specialized DiSC management training and mentor pairings. We really look forward to seeing the impact this program makes and hearing feedback from participants.”

On the final day of the convention, close to 150 exhibitors are expected for the Showcase of Hose Solutions, the NAHAD premier exhibition opportunity. Each year, more than 120 distributor member companies attend NAHAD and the Showcase, to network with manufacturer members. The association is anticipating a bump in show-floor traffic thanks to the appealing and nearby Indianapolis location.

The Annual Convention is a members-only show. For more information, please visit: www.nahad. org/annual-convention.

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