On the morning of Sunday, June 13, 2021, NAHAD members from across the country gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona for the organization’s 37th Annual Meeting & Convention. After missing 2020, NAHAD members were eager to again meet face-to-face and participate in an engaging schedule of educational sessions and networking events. Nearly 600 attendees were on site at the Fairmount Scottsdale Princess Resort to reconnect — many for the first time — since the last in-person Convention in April 2019 in Las Vegas.
NAHAD President Sam Petillo welcomed attendees and expressed his gratitude to the association’s members and staff. “I am very proud of NAHAD’s leadership for being bold and pulling together a Convention with all of the challenges we faced,” Petillo said. “I am so pleased to be able to stand in front of you and finally get this incredible industry back together. It’s the camaraderie that I’m looking forward to… we’re back in business again.”
At the end of the first day, attendees met poolside for the Convention’s opening party. The causal, outdoor event was a perfect opportunity for NAHAD members to network and socialize. While warm, misters and shade offered relief from the Arizona heat.
The conference’s second day began with an exploration into artificial intelligence and how corporations are using automation to disrupt procurement and distribution. Ian Heller, founder and senior partner of Distribution Strategy Group, shared his expertise and offered strategies on how members could prepare for emerging technologies and new competitors. While a lot of information to digest, attendees left with practical tips they could immediately implement into their businesses.
The final day of the Convention started with the organization’s annual business meeting, called to order by President Petillo. After the financial and programs reports, provided by NAHAD Treasurer Jason Westad and Executive Vice President Molly Alton Mullins, respectively, Petillo thanked two outgoing board members for their dedication and service: Ander Smulski of Eaton Hydraulics and Dave Heckler with Alliance Hose and Rubber. After a vote, Petillo welcomed three new members to the board: Roy Torres of SunSource-GHX Industrial, John Tattersall of Frank Murken Products, and Chris Schadewald with Eaton.
As the evening set over Scottsdale, Convention attendees had one last event: the Closing Party. Members met in the Palomino Foyer for an evening of Southwestern fare and fun and games. It was the perfect time for members to look back over the successful 2021 Convention and say goodbye, safe travels, and see you next year in Miami for the 2022 NAHAD Convention.
Courtesy of NAHAD.