Building on an exciting year and laying the groundwork for continued success, AD members and supplier partners maximized their time together at the 2024 AD Decorative Brands Division Annual Meeting, which ran from May 6-8. The agenda for the event included formal and informal networking opportunities, business updates from AD leaders, and ample opportunity for independent distributor members and suppliers to meet face-to-face and build relationships. 

Dan Kelly, President of the AD Plumbing and Decorative Brands divisions, shared that while the AD team is the backbone of making the annual gathering a success, AD members and suppliers are the people who lift the meeting to new heights every year. 

“The passion and commitment that both our members and suppliers bring to this meeting is truly inspiring,” he said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong support from our supplier partners, who always bring energy by coming prepared to share insights into their marketing strategy with members. Their commitment to shared success is a testament to the strength of the partnership. We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to raise the bar year over year, adding increased value to all attendees.”

Celebrating success

During the meeting, AD recognized two companies with awards in celebration of their exceptional efforts and successes as part of the AD community. Plumbing Distributors, Inc. (PDI) received the AD Decorative Brands Member of the Year award. PDI associates have served in lead programs and on various AD boards and committees, engaged in network groups while participating in core programs, and achieved significant financial growth in their time in the Decorative Brands Division. 

The AD Decorative Brands Supplier of the Year award went to MTI Baths, a supplier that has consistently driven growth for AD members. The company was recognized for its commitment to providing a solid partnership through exclusive product offerings and increased marketing opportunities. The AD team also took the opportunity to thank Jeff Sherrill, VP Sales, for his partnership in bringing MTI and AD together and gave him warm wishes as he enters his well-earned retirement. 

The annual meeting also featured a different kind of educational experience: an evening of wine tasting with Alycia Mondavi representing one of Napa Valley’s most prominent wine families, C. Mondavi and Family since 1943. Alycia walked attendees through a sampling of premium wines while conveying her unique story of navigating the joys and challenges of running a business in a fifth generation, longstanding family operation.

Other meeting highlights included formal member and supplier network meetings and a full day of one-on-one booth sessions, giving members and suppliers an opportunity to nurture business relationships and plan for the upcoming year. While supplier booths are a fixture at many AD events, only the Decorative Brands Division offers a best-in-class product showcase featuring stunning stand-out displays.

Jeffrey Beall, President of the PHCP Business Unit, commented that the true value of AD’s meetings come from the attendees’ ability to share time with like-minded individuals. 

“Though these members are part of different verticals of AD, the Decorative Brands member experience is special,” he shared. “Showrooms are a unique aspect of the business, and these networking sessions are fueled by conversations that are very tailored to this niche. We hear time and time again that members and suppliers really value this opportunity to address this important aspect of their business with like-minded AD representation to problem solve and share best practices around challenges distinctive to them.”