The NAFCD Emerging Distribution Leaders Program is a curated, professional development program centered on you: The up-and-coming distribution professional. The program is designed to give a voice to emerging industry leaders within the wholesale distribution
channel and provides opportunities to connect and build relationships through education, networking and involvement in the association.
Designed for distribution professionals who want to strengthen their management and leadership skills and advance their career, the program offers the following benefits:
- Tailored educational opportunities designed for emerging industry leaders
- Forum for emerging leaders to network with other managers in the channel
- Opportunity to network with NAFCD volunteer leadership and learn more about the organization
Participants must be nominated by by an NAFCD member company's executive team (see below for full eligibility criteria).
During the program, emerging leaders will participate in a one-year program, comprised of the following events, education opportunities and cohort touchpoints:
University of Innovative Distribution (UID)
March 2025 | Indianapolis, IN
Since 1994, the University of Innovative Distribution (UID) has provided education focused on the needs of wholesale distribution professionals and companies. With
its concentrated four-day format, UID has helped increase the effectiveness of hundreds of NAFCD member employees.
Students of the Emerging Distribution Leaders Program will be provided a special discount code to register for the 2025 UID. Look out for more details on registration come fall 2024.
Who Are Emerging Leaders?
- High-potential individuals at your company
- Individuals that you are willing to invest in as a retention strategy
- Individuals hungry for new responsibilities and opportunities, and are open to continuous learning
Eligibility
- Employed by an NAFCD distributor or supplier member in good standing
- The member company is sponsoring an individual, not purchasing a spot
- Must be nominated by a member of company’s executive team (participants cannot nominate themselves)
- Candidate should have demonstrated strong professional interest in building a career in the wholesale distribution channel
- Able to participate in all key meeting dates and sessions over the course of the designated cycle
