The 2023 iteration of the University of Innovative Distribution (UID) seeks to educate distribution professionals on the key issues that have come to the forefront of the industry since the pandemic: inventory management, workforce inclusion and change management. With more than 50 courses available during the four-day educational program, attendees are sure to leave UID more knowledgeable about industry trends and better prepared the tackle the challenges ahead.
The 2023 UID will take place March 13-16 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. The theme for the program, now in its 29th year, is “Distribute Innovation: Influence, Implement and Integrate.” Courses are offered through six tracks covering sales, distribution strategy, operations, marketing, management, leadership, and professional development.
Attendees will learn from a collection of 33 instructors who are experts in various areas of wholesale distribution, including several who are presenting at UID for the first time in 2023. Some of the instructors new to UID are Ken Novak, founder of HATCH quantified, a company that helps businesses achieve digital transformation; Kiki Ramsey, CEO of The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute, a leadership development firm; and Colin Dees, a consultant who works with distributors to streamline operations and install business intelligence tools.
The keynote speaker for this year’s UID is Justin Jones-Fosu, the founder and CEO of Work.Meaningful., a program that helps organizations and individuals take ownership of their mindset, purpose and performance to achieve results. Closing the event will be Jeremy Wall, co-founder and CEO of GoalMakers, an education partner that helps companies and associations develop leaders through e-learning.
“We continually work to identify ways to enhance the UID experience to ensure the program remains relevant to the industry and of value to our participants,” said Joanna Truitt, executive director of the Association Education Alliance (AEA), a consortium of 40 distribution professionals associations that sponsor UID. “After last year’s success in changing the schedule for day four, we are doing the same this year for day one. UID will now open and close with a dynamic keynote. Our speaker, Justin Jones-Fosu will set the tone for the week. Our closing keynote, Jeremy Wall, will send participants home ready to set new goals using what they learned throughout the week. And to respond to participant feedback for more opportunities to network, we are also adding an early evening social on Wednesday.”
As in the past, UID continues to be offered in cooperation with Purdue University’s Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation. Participants who complete the program will earn 30 hours (3 continuing education credits) that can be applied toward the CEU requirements for the Certificate of Innovation Distribution from Purdue (90 hours). Additional credits for the certificate may be earned from courses taken independently or through trade associations.
The deadline to register for UID is March 5, 2023. Those interested in participating may visit www.univid.org.