As manufacturers and distributors gather this weekend in San Diego for the annual ISA Product Show & Conference, they have more on their minds than just golfing, oceanside.
The theme of this year’s event is “Thriving in a Connected World.” According to a recent article in Industrial Distribution by ISA executive vice president, John Buckley, the theme was developed to address one of the most radical changes that has occurred in the marketplace - the move to electronic distribution. To thrive, explained Buckley, companies will need to learn to effectively use the web, and to think in an innovative way, which is why ISA arranged for a thorough mix of subject matter experts to address attendees throughout the program. Specifically,
- Representatives from MSC and Cleveland Research will share their strategies at the Tuesday morning panel discussion.
- Salesforce.com will take the stage to discuss the value and importance of customer relationship management.
- Alan Beaulieu will discuss how to turn the quarterly economic forecast into a dynamic customer management tool.
- A keynote from Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity.com, on "The Business of Innovation" will provide business insights on how distributors can gain a competitive advantage through innovative strategies.
Besides this thought leadership, the show will focus around connecting distributors with their customers – many of whom will showcase new products from their expo tables.
In an effort to provide a glimpse of the show floor to those who are unable to attend, we’ll be offering a daily show wrap-up video, deploying to our audience via email Monday and Tuesday mornings. In these short videos, Jack Keough, Abbie Kriebs, and myself will highlight the day’s events, including distributor insights, new product information, company announcements and other related updates – straight from the ISA show floor. Look for these emails from ID Monday and Tuesday morning of next week, and afterwards, on our YouTube channel. And, if you haven't already, make sure to follow Industrial Distribution on Twitter. We'll be tweeting live from the show using the hashtag #IDatISA to keep you posted.
Sorry we can’t send sand or sun from the shores of Pacific Beach, but we’ll try out best to bring the enthusiasm of this year’s ISA show. Stay tuned…
Anna Wells, Executive Editor
