ISA25 marked a bold evolution in how the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) delivers value to the channel. Held March 31 – April 2, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, this year’s event brought an unmistakable shift in tone—one centered on top-tier thought leadership, real-world end user insights, and timely market intelligence that gave attendees a deeper, broader understanding of what’s shaping the channel today.
This was ISA’s strongest education program yet—an intentional move and a clear value proposition that resonated throughout the event. From the stage to the show floor, a powerhouse lineup of voices and perspectives anchored this new direction:
- A powerful End User Panel, giving a raw look at what’s keeping customers up at night
- A critical and timely fireside chat on tariffs with Brian Wild, Chief Government Affairs Officer at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW)
- A standout economic forecast from Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics that exceeded all expectations
- Back-to-back ISA State-of-the-Channel Updates with John Gunderson on End User Trends and Distributor & Manufacturer Scorecards and Trends
Each session tackled big-picture issues—AI, workforce shifts, trade policy, inventory concerns, and macroeconomic trends—offering real, applicable insight to help attendees return to their businesses ready to lead with confidence.
ISA’s partnership with NAW was on full display during the policy session with Brian Wild, who joined ISA CEO Brendan Breen on stage the same day as the latest tariff announcements. Their timely discussion drew a packed room and sparked a wave of pointed, thoughtful questions from channel leaders. It made clear that uncertainty around global trade is real—but so is the value of ISA and NAW working together to advocate for this channel.
Taylor St. Germain, stepping in for the recently retired Alan Beaulieu, blew expectations out of the water with a dynamic closing keynote on “Challenges and Opportunities in 2025 – 2027.” He delivered an incredible depth of data, forecasting, and context that gave attendees clarity and direction—and earned high praise for carrying on ITR’s trusted legacy with impact and precision.
John Gunderson, Senior Partner at Channel Marketing Group, led two highly attended back-to-back sessions that tackled what’s shaping relationships across the channel. His ‘End User Trends’ session explored how evolving customer behaviors are challenging traditional supply chain models, while his ‘Distributor & Manufacturer Scorecards and Trends’ session broke down what true partnership looks like today—and how both sides can align on expectations, execution, and value.
Brendan Breen, CEO of ISA, noted, “ISA25 reflected the energy and evolution happening across our industry. Our focus on delivering educational content that’s timely and relevant, like our session on AI or the insights from our End User Panel, reinforces ISA’s role as a resource for staying ahead of industry trends. We’re proud to bring people together in a way that drives meaningful conversations, learning, and business growth.”
You could feel the connection and energy everywhere at ISA25. Whether it was spontaneous conversations in the hallways, new partnerships forming on the show floor, or big-picture insights shared from the stage, the event sparked real momentum. The vibe was electric—and the feedback said it all: ISA25 didn’t just meet expectations, it raised the bar.
From busy booth meetings to new faces and fresh conversations, the ISA25 exhibit hall was alive with energy. Members and partners took full advantage of the face-to-face connections, forming new relationships and deepening existing ones throughout the week.
The opening party aboard the General Jackson Showboat was a standout highlight. Attendees enjoyed a scenic cruise into downtown Nashville, soaking in live music, local flavors, and an electric atmosphere. It was a truly unique kickoff that set the tone for the week.
ISA25 was also a moment of celebration and reflection. Tommy Thompson of Turner Supply was honored with the 2025 John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a heartfelt speech that reminded the audience of the lasting power of relationships. Molly Langdon, Senior V.P. Customer Experience at Stellar Industrial Supply and Immediate Past Chair of ISA’s Women in Industry Network, was honored with ISA’s Women’s Influence Award for her leadership in advancing inclusion, advocating for women, and driving meaningful change across the industrial supply channel.
ISA thanks all members, partners, and attendees for making ISA25 a remarkable experience. Planning is already underway for future events. Save the date for ISA26 happening in Cleveland, OH, April 20–22, 2026.
