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Educational Events

Discover upcoming events focused on distributor education:

University of Innovative Distribution (UID)

Since 1994, the University of Innovative Distribution (UID) has provided education focused on the needs of wholesale distribution professionals and companies. With its concentrated three-day format, UID has helped increase the effectiveness of hundreds of NAFCD member employees. This year's event is taking place March 10-13, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Who Should Attend?

UID is designed for all personnel working in the wholesale distribution channel, including:

  • Distributors
    • All manager-level personnel: sales, marketing, branch, operations, purchasing, inventory and human resources
  • Manufacturers
    • Personnel working with national distribution channels Anyone looking to improve personal performance and/or their company's bottom line

 

UID Year-Round

When it comes to UID, the educational fun doesn't just start and stop in March. UID offers topical webinars on a year-round basis, thanks to the support of the Association Education Alliance (AEA): a consortium of 40+ distribution professional associations, in cooperation with the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation of Purdue University. Members of NBMDA receive complimentary access to these live, virtual sessions as well as on-demand recordings. Sign in to your NBMDA member account to take advantage of these live, virtual sessions as well as on-demand recordings for FREE.

UID Year-Round: Building Trust Through Better Communications

Wednesday, September 4 | 2 - 3 p.m. CT

Presenter(s): Jason Bader, principal of The Distribution Team

Are you an effective relationship builder?  Building trust, through effective communication, is the foundation for effective relationships both inside and outside the workplace.  But, it isn’t always easy.  In this session, we will identify some of the most common barrier to communication, and see how both verbal and non-verbal behavior can speak volumes.  We will also spend time analyzing the different generations in the workplace, learn some of the reasons they behave a certain way, and ultimately determine how to best work with each group. The session is a must for anyone in a leadership or sales position. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify common barriers to communication
  • Learn effective listening techniques
  • Diffuse conflict using verbal and non-verbal cues
  • Understand how each generations perceives the workplace

Register Now

UID Year-Round: Economic & Labor Update for 2025

Wednesday, November 20 | 2 - 3 p.m. CT

Presenter(s): Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics and Consulting, Bundy Group

Join us for a webinar featuring Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics and Consulting at Bundy Group. This presentation will deliver practical and actionable advice designed to help business leaders and key decision makers plan for future economic conditions and continuously improve their organization’s strategic planning initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore time-sensitive economic data on inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, consumer spending, business investment and industrial activity
  • Learn how to navigate the current macroeconomic climate and plan for the future
  • Garner tools that'll equip you in becoming a better data-driven decision makers

Register Now

 


University of Innovative Distribution (UID) In-A-Day

UID In-A-Day is an annual one-day workshop held in conjunction with the NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention. This workshop is the perfect opportunity for sales, general, operations and branch managers to improve their market knowledge and productivity, and get a sneak peek at the University of Innovative Distribution which takes place each spring at Purdue University.

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Calendar

11/4/2025 » 11/6/2025
2025 NAFCD Annual Convention

11/3/2026 » 11/5/2026
2026 NAFCD Annual Convention