The 2005 University of Industrial Distribution, will be held March 13–16 at Indiana University/Purdue University in Indianapolis.

This marks the 11th year of UID. In that time, more than 5,000 distribution and manufacturing professionals have attended. Attendees get the opportunity to expand their areas of expertise while being introduced to new specialties.

Topics that have been added to this year's program include: "Causing Growth for Industrial Markets," "Negotiating Skills for Distributors," and "Achieving Effective Inventory Management."

UID consists of four days of in-depth seminars taught by experts from multiple markets. Participants receive three continuing education credits which can be applied toward a Professional Certificate in Industrial Distribution from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Instructors at this year's sessions include Al Bates, president of the management-consulting firm Profit Planning Group, who will lecture on "Improving the Distributor's Bottom Line," aimed at non-financial managers who want a better understanding of distributors' potential profitability.

Training specialist Don Rice will present "Planning and Managing the Distributorship," a full-day program that will emphasize topics such as profit planning, maximizing asset turns and developing a profit plan.

William McCleave, Jr., president of W.R. McCleave & Associates, will address "Differentiating Your Distribution Company—A Winning Strategy."

For more information, log on to www.univid.org.