VOICE OF CUSTOMER. INDUSTRY TRENDS. NETWORKING ELEVATED.

Charity Golf Outing at Gaylord Springs Golf Links

Tee off at ISA’s Charity Golf Outing on March 31, 2025 at the Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville, TN. This championship 18-hole course, known for its challenging design and breathtaking views along the Cumberland River, offers the perfect setting for hours of networking with industry leaders, kicking off your ISA25 experience in style.

We’ve arranged convenient shuttle services to and from the Gaylord Opryland Resort, ISA25’s official hotel. The outing features an 8:00 AM shotgun start in a scramble format, complete with games, prizes, and raffles.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and on-course beverages to keep the energy high, followed by a 19th-hole reception with an open bar and award presentations. Your participation ensures a great day of golf and supports a meaningful cause: a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charity to be announced soon.

Golf Outing Details

• Location: Gaylord Springs Golf Links
• Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
• Time:
  • 7:00 AM: Shuttles depart every 15 minutes
  • 7:00 AM: Onsite registration open at Gaylord Springs
  • 8:00 AM: Shotgun start
  • 1:30 PM: Awards reception
• Cost*: $475 single player; $1,750 foursome

*Includes: Golf, carts, shuttle pickup/drop off, breakfast, lunch, on-course beverages, on-course contests, 19th hole reception, and awards.

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Gaylord Springs Golf Links

Experience the Thrill of the Opry on a Private Backstage Tour!

Take it all in: the sights, the sounds, and the stories that only happen backstage – before the country music magic happens onstage. Hang out behind the scenes, and get closer to the stars and legends that make music history every week, live on the Opry.

Tour Highlights

ISA has arranged an exclusive, private tour of the iconic Grand Ole Opry, complete with private shuttle service to and from the venue.

• Enjoy a state-of-the-art theater experience with music, special effects, priceless archival footage, and superstar hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
• Discover fascinating stories about the Opry and country music greats with exclusive photos from the Opry’s biggest moments.
• Experience the NEW Behind the Airwaves exhibit for an exclusive look at the story behind WSM, the radio home of the Opry.
• Walk through the Artist Entrance, where stars walk into the world-famous Opry House every night.

Limited tickets are available!

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An Exclusive ISA25 Offsite Experience

Annual Partners Toast

This special gathering is all about our valued Annual Partners and celebrating the vital role they play in supporting ISA and shaping the future of our industry.

Join Brendan Breen, ISA CEO, and Joby Strobo, Senior Director of Business Development, as they reflect on our shared successes, offer a glimpse into the exciting year ahead, and raise a glass to the strength of our partnership.

Taking place on the ISA25 Main Stage in the Governor’s Ballroom, the event will also feature an exclusive meet-and-greet with Herm Edwards, the legendary football coach and ISA25 keynote speaker.

Let’s celebrate our achievements together and toast to another year of innovation, growth, and collaboration!

Doing the Little Things and Executing Vision

Join us for an inspiring keynote from Coach Herm Edwards, where he will explore how focusing on the little things can lead to executing big visions, both on and off the field. His powerful insights and compelling stories will leave you motivated to elevate your own game—no matter what field you’re playing on!

Coach Edwards is one of football’s most dynamic leaders, with a career spanning decades as a coach, player, and now ESPN football analyst. His leadership and passion for achieving greatness through the details have been a hallmark of his success.

At ESPN, Coach Edwards appears on shows like SportsCenter, Get Up, and Good Morning America, sharing his expertise on both football and life. As head coach at Arizona State, he led the Sun Devils to three bowl games in four seasons and also served as a Professor of Practice at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, mentoring future sports media professionals.

Coach Edwards’ NFL coaching legacy includes leading both the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs to postseason success in his first season with each team. As a player, he was a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, starting every game for nine seasons and recording 33 career interceptions—still among the best in franchise history.

A champion of teamwork and community, Coach Edwards has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Walter Camp Foundation Man of the Year, Team ESPN Commentator of the Year, and the Shell Legacy Award. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of football’s most respected and inspiring figures!

Herm Edwards: Elevating the Game at ISA25

Get ready for the ultimate kickoff to ISA25!

The Opening Party aboard the iconic General Jackson Showboat is packed with excitement. Enjoy a live band, an open bar, casino games, and a delicious full buffet showcasing local flavors—all set against the gorgeous views of the Cumberland River.

Once we dock at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville, the night is yours to explore. Stroll down the famous Broadway Strip, where you’ll find vibrant bars, live music, and endless entertainment to enjoy. Shuttles will be available until 9:00 PM to bring you back to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, but if you’re staying out to soak up more of Nashville’s nightlife, taxis and rideshare options like Uber are the perfect way to return later in the evening.

Opening Party Schedule:

• 5:45-6:30 PM: Shuttles will run from the Gaylord Opryland Resort to the General Jackson. Attendees can enjoy cocktails upon arrival while boarding. You may also choose to take a scenic 20-minute walk to the dock.
• 6:30-8:30 PM: Set sail! Enjoy dinner stations, casino games, a live band, and networking as we cruise along the Cumberland River.
• 8:30 PM: We dock in Downtown Nashville, where shuttles will be available for the return trip until 9:00 PM.
• 9:00 PM: The final shuttle departs back to the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
• 9:00 PM and onward: Continue enjoying Nashville’s nightlife on your own. When you’re ready to head back, taxis and rideshare options are the best way to return to the resort.

Cruise the Cumberland on the General Jackson to Downtown Nashville

Industrial End User Panel Discussion: It Starts with the Customer

What influences purchasing decisions for our End Customers?

Understanding what drives our End Customers’ purchasing decisions is essential for success, and who better to answer these questions than the end users themselves? Questions like, “Who should I buy from and why?” “How much should I buy?” and “When should I buy?” reveal insights into their decision-making processes—insights that, when understood, can create big wins.

Join this moderated panel discussion to hear directly from three prominent End Users about how they make these critical decisions. We’ll dive deeper into their businesses, uncovering what drives their decisions, including sharing their biggest issues/pain points, and how their supply chains can help support their goals.

In today’s complex, ultra-competitive world, success starts with the voice of the customer. This session will help you understand what your end users truly need, shifting the focus from internal priorities to creating real value for your customers.

ISA State-of-the-Channel Update: End User Trends

It all starts with the End User. As buying behaviors and preferences continue to shift at unprecedented speed, the challenges put on supply chain professionals have never been greater. Staying competitive requires all companies within our industry to stay ahead of the trends shaping our customers’ needs.

This session dives into the latest research on end-customer trends that are influencing their decisions—and, most importantly, how manufacturers, distributors, and reps can better align with their customers.

The companies that succeed won’t just be the ones who recognize these trends but those who know how to act on them to navigate the future. Join us to gain the insights that will help you stay in step with the evolving expectations of your end users.

John Gunderson

John Gunderson is a senior distributor leader with more than 25+ years of experience leading category management, sales, marketing, pricing, analytics, and e-business with companies such as Crescent Electric Supply Company, HD Supply Power Solutions, White Cap Construction Supply, Anixter/WESCO, Modern Distribution Management, and EIS-Inc.

He writes and speaks for leading distributor publications including MDM, HVACR and Electrical Trends, and Industrial Distribution.

Future-Proofing Young Talent: Inside the Emerging Leaders Channel Certification

Developing and retaining high-potential young talent is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry—and the Emerging Leaders Channel Certification (ELCC) program is tackling it head-on.

Now entering its third year with four sold-out cohorts and outstanding feedback from participants and their companies, the ELCC has proven itself as a powerful tool for growth and retention.

In this panel session, hear directly from ELCC students, instructors, and sponsoring employers as they share insights on who should enroll, the skills participants gain, and the impact on company success. If you’ve heard about the ELCC and are wondering if it’s the right fit for your emerging leaders, this is the session to find out.

Don’t miss this chance to see how ELCC can fuel your talent pipeline and drive your company’s future forward.

Win the War on Talent: Building a Veteran-Friendly Workplace

Each year, approximately 180,000 service members transition from military to civilian life, bringing an invaluable set of skills that any company would benefit from. Yet, finding and retaining exceptional talent has never been more important and challenging.

This session is for those looking to make their workplace more appealing to veterans—a largely untapped talent pool filled with individuals skilled in leadership, teamwork, integrity, high-pressure performance, and more.

Hear from our panel of speakers as they share firsthand stories of building a positive and welcoming community for the veterans working within their company. You’ll leave with practical examples and actionable next steps on how your company can become a vet-friendly workplace.

Presented by the ISA Veterans Empowerment Network

ISA State-of-the-Channel Update: Distributor & Manufacturer Scorecards and Trends

Push or Pull? The truth is, it’s both. To succeed in today’s market, manufacturers and distributors need rock-solid partnerships built on transparency and mutual understanding.

In this session, we’ll break down what manufacturers need and value most from distributors— and what distributors need and value from their manufacturer and/or rep. We’ll explore essential business areas, from outside and inside sales, inventory, and delivery, to price competitiveness, digital capabilities, operational excellence, value-added services (like vending and VMI, sales specialization, etc.), and product quality.

You’ll also get an inside look at a new 360-degree playbook used by leading distributors and manufacturers to assess and strengthen their channel partnerships with scorecards for manufacturers, reps, and distributors alike.

In the end, our customers demand more from this supply chain—and that means building stronger, more effective partnerships.

John Gunderson

John Gunderson is a senior distributor leader with more than 25+ years of experience leading category management, sales, marketing, pricing, analytics, and e-business with companies such as Crescent Electric Supply Company, HD Supply Power Solutions, White Cap Construction Supply, Anixter/WESCO, Modern Distribution Management, and EIS-Inc.

He writes and speaks for leading distributor publications including MDM, HVACR and Electrical Trends, and Industrial Distribution.

The New AI Landscape: AI’s Rapid Rise in the Channel

The pace of change in AI is unlike anything the industry has ever seen. With soaring adoption rates and fewer barriers to entry, AI isn’t just for the biggest players with the deepest pockets to invest. AI is now essential for maintaining profitability and a competitive edge for all companies in the channel.

Join this session for an eye-opening look at AI’s evolution over the past year. Building on the discussions from ISA24, leaders from three top tech companies will share how their AI solutions have advanced to meet market demands, helping distributors, manufacturers, and reps drive success in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The Power of ISA Networks: Emerging Leaders, Women in Industry & Veterans Empowerment

In a world where meaningful connections and true community are rare, the Industrial Channel is stepping up and leading the way. Despite the rise of e-commerce, robotics, and AI, our industry will always be driven by people and the powerful relationships they build. But these relationships go beyond trade shows and speed dating meetings—they come from passionate, like-minded individuals who are actively building their professional tribe.

Join this session to hear from the leaders of ISA’s Networks—Women in Industry, Emerging Leaders, and the new Veterans Empowerment Network—as they share the impact these communities are having across the channel. Discover how each network supports its members, drives value, and makes a tangible difference in both individual careers and company success.

If you’re looking to maximize the value of your ISA membership, the ISA Networks offer a powerful way to connect your company and team with the greater industrial supply community.

Michael Moore

Director of Business Development, Vallen

Michael brings over 30 years of experience in the industrial distribution sector and has dedicated 17 years to Vallen, where he now serves as the Director of Business Development. He is also a retired Chief Master Sergeant with 26 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force.

Renee Ricciotti

National Safety & Industrial Channel Director, 3M

For the last 30 years, Renee Ricciotti has been a 3M passionate advocate for women in the industrial industry.  She demonstrated her strengths while leading many teams throughout the 3M Industrial Business across the United States.  Faced with many challenges as a 3M female industrial leader, Renee has put her leadership skills and industry expertise to work by successfully building multi-functional teams to effectively serve 3M’s Safety and Industrial customers.

Over her career, she has received numerous awards for her performance and service, including the ISA Influential Woman 2022, 3M Golden Step Award, 2018 Most Influential Woman in the Collision Industry, and 3M President’s Club. Renee is Vice Chair of  ISA Women In Industry.

Renee earned her B.A. in finance and business administration from Villanova University. She passionately recruits for sales, marketing, and business analytics positions.

Most recently, as a Safety and Industrial Channel Director, US & Canada, Renee is focused on the inclusion of men and women in the general industrial markets.

Darryl Woods

Sr. Sales Operations Manager, Stanley Black & Decker

Darryl Woods Jr. is an energetic sales professional with over a decade of experience in various sales roles, having transitioned to sales enablement at Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) four years ago.

Recently honored with SBD’s prestigious Eagle Award, Darryl excels in empowering and energizing sales teams through onboarding, new product enablement, sales resources, and training initiatives. When he’s not working at SBD, Darryl serves as the chief toddler negotiator and entertainer, enjoying the adventures of fatherhood and travel with his young son.

Networking Lunch: The Exchange – Topic-Based Roundtables

ISA25 Exhibit Hall Experience

The ISA25 Exhibit Hall is a space designed for connection, innovation, and discovering the latest in tools, technology, products, and services for the industrial supply industry. This year’s exhibit hall is bigger and better, packed with even more booths and interactive opportunities to make every moment count.

Highlights:

• Advanced Appointment Scheduler: Plan your time with ease using our AI-powered matchmaking technology. Meetings are scheduled in 15-minute increments; if you prefer a longer meeting, it’s recommended to book two back-to-back 15-minute appointments.
• Meeting Bell Alerts: Stay on track with gentle reminders to transition smoothly from one meeting to the next.
• Backyard Lounge: Take a break in our “Backyard” Networking Lounge, featuring turf, string lights, picnic tables, and a beverage station—the perfect spot to recharge or keep the conversation going.
• Activation Stations: Spread throughout the exhibit hall, these interactive stations are designed to inspire networking moments.
• Veterans Empowerment Network (VEN) Reception: Enjoy a one-hour open bar right on the exhibit floor, complete with interactive stations to spark new connections and conversations. All are welcome. Details

OWN YOUR SCHEDULE!
At ISA25, attendees pre-schedule their meetings before the event begins using our appointment scheduling tool, allowing you to connect only with the companies you want. Our Networking Playbook will guide you through setting up your schedule for a productive exhibit hall experience.

Women in Industry Cocktail Reception

Join us for an evening honoring the incredible women driving the industrial supply world forward—alongside the men who champion and support them. Held in the sparkling Crystal Gazebo at the Gaylord Opryland, this reception combines elegance with warmth, offering the perfect setting for connecting and celebrating together.

Let’s raise a glass together to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the industry!

Emerging Leaders After-Dinner Drinks

Free Evening for Company Dinners

This evening is set aside for ISA25 attendees to plan their company dinners. Dine at one of the many excellent restaurants within the Gaylord Opryland (listed below) or venture into downtown Nashville for the evening. The choice is yours!

Gaylord Opryland Onsite Restaurants

Cascades American Cafe

American
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848

The Cascades American Cafe serves classic American dishes in a spectacular atrium enclosed by serene waterfalls and sheltered with exotic plants.
Cascades Menu

Old Hickory Steakhouse

Steakhouse
Reservations required: Make a Reservation        
Located in Delta Atrium

The signature restaurant of the Opry dubbed after Andrew Jackson possesses a glorious 1855 Black Angus Beef and is the closest thing mankind has come to perfection. This, along with a cheese sommelier and an equally impressive list of wines is all enjoyable from within this antebellum-styled mansion.
Old Hickory Steakhouse Menu

Library Lounge at Old Hickory Steakhouse

American/Bar Lounge
Dress code: Smart Casual                            
Located in the Delta Atrium

Classic and modern cocktails, whiskey, wine or beer are served within this classy yet casual parlour. Enjoy your drinks in leisurely chairs surrounded by easy lightning, dark woods, and of course, a collection of books.

Ravello

Italian
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848
Located in Garden Conservatory Atrium

Great Italian food and atmosphere styled after the beautiful coastal town of Ravello in Italy. Not only does it have a pasta bar but a selection of handmade pasta for your enjoyment within a garden-enclosed area with quite the view.
Ravello Dinner Menu

Solario Cantina

Mexican
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848L
Located in Garden Conservatory Atrium

Enjoy everything from daring Mexican flavors to namesake margaritas and an astonishingly 100 varieties of tequila. Enjoy everything you relish in Mexican food along with a selection of seafood and enjoyably simple specialty meals.
Solario Cantina Menu

Jack Daniel’s

Southern
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848
Located in Magnolia section

Traditional hand-crafted southern-style food and personally selected Tennessee Whiskey all within a warm bluegrass atmosphere and backdropped with a true Nashville musical experience.
Jack Daniel’s Menu

Findley’s Irish Pub

Pub
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848
Located in Magnolia section

Findley’s Irish Pub serves a variety of craft beers on an antique wooden bar with all the traditional Irish meals you’d imagine such as Guinness pie, steak, and fish and chips in addition they are known to have live bands playing for your entertainment.

Fuse

American
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848
Located in Magnolia

Enjoy the latest game at Fuse Sports Bar, sporting more than 100 high-definition televisions, club lighting, and the old grilled tailgate food along with whatever beer you love.
Fuse Sports Bar Dinner Menu

Wasabi’s Sushi

Japanese
Dress code: Casual
Located in the Cascades Atrium

Japanese sushi and a selection of traditional sake and beer are served nearby idly bathing koi fish and the soothing flow of two waterfalls for a view to make your day truly an experience.

Paisano’s Pizza & Vino

Italian
Dress code: Casual
Located on the Delta Island

A casually festive restaurant that serves Tuscan pizza, and pasta, along with freshly baked bread sticks, and revitalizing fresh salads.

Conservatory Wine Bar

Bar
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 615-458-6848
Located in Garden Conservatory Atrium

The Conservatory Wine Bar bares a fashionably sophisticated setting accompanied by a diverse collection of domestic and international wines for the casual and connoisseur.

Conservatory Cafe

Continental
Dress code: Casual
Located in Garden Conservatory Atrium

Variety of tasty options such as fresh pastries, sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. Open 24 hours a day and conveniently serves hot meals until midnight for those who prefer the nightlife.

The Falls Bar & Lounge

Tapas
Dress code: Casual
Located in the Cascades Atrium

The Falls Bar & Lounge is the signature bar and lounge with a tapas-style menu that contains cool champagne, signature cocktails, excellent wines, and bottled beer of many a brand. Its leisurely setting comes with complimentary Wi-Fi access for those of you interested in business and casual use of the web. In addition, The Falls also serves coffee and dessert to complete your morning, afternoon, evening, and night.

Stax

American
Dress code: Casual
Located on the Delta Island

Stax is a create-your-own burger/sandwich fantasy restaurant where all your handheld bread-contained dreams come true. Everything from contents, condiments, size, and sides are all yours to pick and choose along this riverside burger palace.

Bravo Gelato

Dessert
Dress code: Casual
Located in Garden Conservatory Atrium

Excellent Italian Gelato to satisfy that not-so-subtle need for something sweet. Every flavor from chocolate to avocado and even Amaretto is easily found at the Magnolia entrance to the Garden Conservatory Atrium.

Delta Delight

Dessert
Dress code: Casual
Located in the Delta Atrium

Heap your favorite toppings upon a selection of frozen yogurt to make your own delicious frozen mountain, without a doubt, a worthwhile excursion.

ISA25 Exhibit Hall Experience Round Two! 

The ISA25 Exhibit Hall is a space designed for connection, innovation, and discovering the latest in tools, technology, products, and services for the industrial supply industry. This year’s exhibit hall is bigger and better, packed with even more booths and interactive opportunities to make every moment count.

Highlights:

• Advanced Appointment Scheduler: Plan your time with ease using our AI-powered matchmaking technology. Meetings are scheduled in 15-minute increments; if you prefer a longer meeting, it’s recommended to book two back-to-back 15-minute appointments.
• Meeting Bell Alerts: Stay on track with gentle reminders to transition smoothly from one meeting to the next.
• Backyard Lounge: Take a break in our “Backyard” Networking Lounge, featuring turf, string lights, picnic tables, and a beverage station—the perfect spot to recharge or keep the conversation going.
• Activation Stations: Spread throughout the exhibit hall, these interactive stations are designed to inspire networking moments.

OWN YOUR SCHEDULE!
At ISA25, attendees pre-schedule their meetings before the event begins using our appointment scheduling tool, allowing you to connect only with the companies you want. Our Networking Playbook will guide you through setting up your schedule for a productive exhibit hall experience.

Legislative Luncheon featuring the National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW)

Join us for this exclusive Legislative Luncheon, where you can gain crucial insights into today’s legislative issues impacting the ISA membership. Led by Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer at NAW, this session will dive into the latest developments in regulations, taxation, labor, healthcare, and more.

Attendees will enjoy a hot, plated lunch while networking with peers, followed by an engaging presentation from Brian that provides a thorough analysis of legislative changes and their potential effects on your business.

Key Topics of Discussion Include:

• State of Regulations – Insights on the current regulatory landscape and what it means for the industry.
• Taxation – Learn about recent tax legislation and how it could impact your financial strategy.
• Labor – Updates on labor laws and policies that may affect your workforce.
• Healthcare – Key healthcare legislation and what it means for your company’s benefits and insurance options.
• More Legislative Insights – Brian will address additional issues relevant to ISA members, ensuring a well-rounded overview of what’s ahead.

This luncheon is an excellent opportunity to stay informed, engage with industry leaders, and get up-to-date information on the legislative matters that matter most to your business.

Please note: This will be the only lunch option available on this date at ISA25.

Brian Wild

Closing Keynote: Alan Beaulieu’s Final ISA Address on Challenges and Opportunities in 2025–2026–2027

This is your last chance to hear Alan Beaulieu’s insights before he retires at the end of 2025!

As we look to 2025 and beyond, business leaders will face both challenges and opportunities. Inflation and interest rates will return on the wings of government spending, a tightening labor market, global demand, and higher-cost production inputs from raw materials to electricity. Navigating the twin challenges of inflation and interest rates will require immediate action. We will discuss the timing and the actions to take to get your company ready for the next few years and the rest of the decade.

Manufacturing and the economy in general are in recovery, but the rate of rise will vary by industry and even geographic region. The information we present on the various domestic and global landscapes will allow decision-makers to position their companies for maximum return through the coming years.

Alan Beaulieu

President, ITR Economics

Alan is considered one of the country’s most informed economists. He has been providing workshops and economic analysis seminars to countries and literally thousands of business owners and executives for the last 25 years.

As the chief economist for numerous US and European trade associations, it has been remarked that Alan’s “insight into our business, a track record of accurate forecasting, and unparalleled knowledge of global markets” has earned him the respect and appreciation of key business leaders in our industry. Pronouncements from ITR Economics™ and/or Alan have appeared in/on the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Knight Ridder News Services, Business Week, Associated Press, The Washington Times, CBS Radio, CNN Radio, Sirius Talk Radio, KABC, NPR affiliate WLRN, and numerous other outlets.

Closing Remarks & Send-Off

As ISA25 comes to a close, join us for final remarks from ISA CEO, Brendan Breen. Brendan will recap the highlights of the event, celebrate the connections and insights shared, and send attendees off with words to inspire action and innovation.