Judging from attendee's responses, the new format used in this year's ASA Convention program was a big success. The theme of the program, "Supply Chain Summit," brought industry figures from distribution and manufacturing together to explore the latest trends and pressures in the supply chain.
Adam Fein, Ph.D., President of Pembroke Consulting, served as the day's moderator, and really "worked the crowd" to get audience members to participate in the discussions. Leading off the program, Ed Scott, Jr., industry icon, offered a thumbnail sketch of the industry's short-term economic future. Further setting the stage, Laurie Breininger, Vice President and General Manager, Bath & Kitchen Americas, American Standard Cos., and Robert Machaby, Senior Vice President of Vendor Development at Hughes Supply, offered their specific views on where our channel is heading. Their presentations were followed by panels of distributors and manufacturers (see related photos).