11:00 AM – 12:00 PM:
Stadium Tour: Optional
Join former Birmingham city defender Roger Johnson for an exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour, offering insider access to key facilities and player areas. This guided experience provides a unique opportunity to hear firsthand stories and insights from a former Blues star.
12:00 – 12:15 PM:
Opening Remarks
Alex Witcpalek, Founder of Continuum and longtime operator in supply chain tech, will open the day with a warm welcome and personal reflections. Drawing on his experience building solutions for complex ERP environments, Alex will set the tone for the day, highlight key themes, and share what attendees can expect from the experience ahead.
12:15 – 1:30 PM:
Ian Heller
Ian Heller has more than 30 years of experience executing marketing and e-business strategy in the wholesale distribution industry. He has written and spoken extensively on the impact of digital disruption on distributors.
Ian entered the distribution industry as a truck unloader at a Grainger branch while in college. He eventually became Vice President of Marketing there and has since held senior executive roles at GE Capital, Corporate Express, Newark Electronics and HD Supply. Ian most recently served as President and COO for Modern Distribution Management, a specialized information and analytics firm serving the wholesale distribution industry.
1:30 – 2:30 PM:
AI 2030 - the future of distribution and the profitability impact
As economic pressures and consolidation reshape the distribution sector, competitiveness will hinge not on growth, but on transformation. This session will unpack how AI is revolutionizing the distributor's core operating model—boosting profitability, rethinking workforce structure, and accelerating automation across finance, operations, and logistics...
2:30 – 3:30 PM:
Edgar Aponte
One of the UK’s largest electrical wholesale providers, leading 288 branches and over 2,500 employees. Edgar has driven significant transformation by investing in people, technology, and infrastructure, all grounded in a strong safety-first culture. Edgar’s “Roadmap for Success” focuses on getting the basics right, simplifying the supply chain, and delivering enhanced services through data and digital tools. His leadership has aligned company culture with strategic growth, empowering teams to reach their full potential.
3:30 - 3:45 PM:
Break (Coffee)
3:45 - 4:30 PM:
Distribution Executive Panel
Join us for a thoughtful discussion with a panel of accomplished leaders shaping the future of distribution. Drawing on decades of executive experience across global organisations, these experts will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the industry- from digital transformation to evolving customer expectations.
Edgar Aponte – Former CEO, Rexel
Alex Witcpalek – CEO, Continuum
Ian Heller – Founder & CSO, Distribution Strategy Group
Samir Ahmed – Global Vice President, Intertek