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Leadership in industrial distribution continues to evolve as technology, customer expectations, and the way we do business change. B&K joined industry peers at the Association for High Technology Distribution’s 2026 Fall Meeting, held September 22–24 at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. The conference brought together automation solution providers, manufacturers, and business partners to learn from one another and consider what comes next for the industry.

The featured speaker lineup included Mike Sarraille on evolved leadership; Ian Heller on managing channel conflict; Taylor St. Germain on expectations for 2027 and beyond; Adam Markel on strategic resilience and leading change; Victor Antonio on AI agents and the future of selling; and Shawn DuBravac on Industry 4.0 and preparing organizations for the future. Together, these sessions connected leadership development with the business and technology decisions facing industrial distributors.

For B&K’s Juan San Juan, the meeting was also a first. Attending his first AHTD conference, Juan enjoyed putting himself out there, introducing himself to new people, and learning from leaders across the industry. The experience gave him a broader view of how those leaders develop, adapt, and build relationships throughout their careers.

That opportunity matters to B&K. Technical expertise grows stronger when our team also understands the challenges facing customers, manufacturers, and fellow automation professionals. Conversations outside our day-to-day work can offer fresh perspectives on collaboration and customer support.

We returned from Carlsbad with new connections and a renewed focus on developing our people. Investing in those relationships and learning opportunities helps B&K bring informed thinking to the customers and partners who rely on us.

Learn More About AHTD https://www.ahtd.org/