WEBINAR + REPORT:
Pricing & Profitability Trends Shaping the Industrial Channel

Posted on January 15, 2026

ISA members are navigating nonstop pricing swings and margin pressure. This webinar breaks down what is changing right now, what it means for your pricing decisions, and where leaders are finding room to protect profitability.

We spotlighted ISA’s Pricing & Profitability Insights Report, the first ISA Insights Report for 2026. ISA will publish four Insight Reports in 2026, one each quarter, giving members a consistent, data-backed pulse on the factors influencing the industrial channel.

During the webinar, we reviewed key price-trending data across steel, copper, and other commodities, paired with market commentary on the pricing and profitability pressures facing channel partners. You will also hear insights from John Gunderson’s annual price and profitability survey, completed by thousands of B2B distribution channel professionals since 2011. This exclusive research, combined with ISA’s current price and profitability trend analysis, provides a valuable perspective for ISA leaders.

The discussion connected buy-side price pressures to real-world sell-side decisions, including how increases upstream are influencing customer pricing strategies. Viewers will explore the channel’s perspective on price competitiveness, review profit improvement programs currently being implemented across the industrial channel, and leave with a forward-looking view of tactical actions leaders can take in 2026 to improve profitability.

Key Takeaways

Review key findings from ISA’s Pricing & Profitability Insights Report
Understand current pricing and margin pressure trends affecting the industrial channel
Examine 10+ years of ISA price pressure data and what it signals for 2026
Learn how buy-side price increases are impacting customer pricing strategies
Identify practical actions leaders can take to improve profitability in 2026

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To all ISA Members and ISA Atlanta 2020 Attendees,

After continuous monitoring of the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and much deliberation, the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) is announcing today that the ISA Board of Directors have voted to cancel ISA Atlanta 2020 scheduled to take place April 20-22 in Atlanta, Georgia. Everyone at ISA understands and appreciates the time, effort, and resources that you have put into preparing for this event. Like you, we have been working hard, and were looking forward to coming together to Engage, Learn and Lead.

This decision was made after careful review of the most recent facts from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the Georgia Department of Public Health and other local authorities. Ultimately, the health, safety and well-being of our members, management team and the community at large led to this decision. Although difficult, as this decision comes at a significant cost to ISA which is a nonprofit, we know it’s the right thing to do.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that ISA is YOUR ASSOCIATION and ISA is OUR INDUSTRY. With over 118 years of history, our mission is to provide the strategies and tools to help companies remain relevant throughout industry change. This global pandemic, combined with the accelerating disruption we all are facing, demonstrates now more than ever the need for ISA to continue its pursuit of Leading the Channel Forward®.

The good news is that we have the financial strength to weather this storm. We plan to access our financial reserves to make that happen. These reserves are intended to protect ISA in times like this and for investing in value added programs that benefit ISA members and our industry.

With this decision, we are prepared to refund 100% of all registration, booth and sponsorship fees. However, recognizing the significant impact on our reserves, we are asking for your consideration in donating your registration, booth fees and/or sponsorships to the ISA Foundation, all or in part, at the level your organization is able to support. Foundation funds will only be used for education, research and/or scholarships and your organization will be recognized as a supporting patron of the Foundation helping ISA continue its mission critical purpose. Your donation will help continue the momentum and fuel the future of the Industrial MROP Channel. We recognize the magnitude of this ask, but if each company can help in some way, together, we will strengthen ISA, our community and industry overall.

In the coming weeks, a member of the ISA team will contact all ISA Atlanta 2020 participants to discuss refunds and or donations. Due to the large number of companies and attendees we ask for your patience as we begin this process. This is a priority and will be given the urgency it deserves.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone that has reached out with overwhelming support and positive feedback regarding the path and mission we are on. To all, please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements regarding the Lifetime Achievement Award, Innovation Impact Awards, Phase 2 Analytics for Distributor, Manufacturers and IMRs, Scholarships and so much more.

On behalf of the ISA Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your patience throughout this decision-making process and your commitment to your association – ISA.

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