The 2024 AD eCommerce & Marketing Summit gathered digital and marketing experts from AD owner/members, suppliers and eCommerce partners from Feb. 12-14. Over 500 participants convened in San Antonio for a week filled with panel discussions, workshops, networking and collaborative opportunities.

AD’s annual meeting theme, “Be Different,” provided the foundation for the summit’s programming, supporting the key topics of this year’s agenda: AI, automation and integration. These topics served as a vehicle to empower digital and marketing leaders with insights into emerging technologies and evolving business models to set their businesses apart.

“This week highlighted the remarkable culture within the AD eCommerce and marketing community,” said Caroline Ernst, vice president of eCommerce Solutions. “As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, it's imperative to embrace innovation and differentiation through a trusted partner like AD. By leveraging emerging technologies and pioneering strategies, we can stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the digital shift. This summit serves as an essential avenue for leveraging the growth of our community and finding more opportunities to connect with one another.”

Attendees at the summit were offered four content tracks featuring panel discussions and roundtables tailored to their specific interests and areas of expertise within eCommerce and marketing. The tracks included digital leaders, digital marketing, product content and marketing leaders.

Two keynote speakers shared their industry insights and expertise with summit attendees. Paul Roetzer, founder and CEO of Marketing AI Institute, discussed how AI transforms marketing for manufacturers and distributors. Then, Jessie Johnson, principal analyst at Forrester, spoke about ways to leverage AI to differentiate yourself from the competition.

During the event, members and service providers took part in structured booth sessions to explore partnership opportunities and discuss innovations that can support their businesses. In addition, eCommerce and marketing network members engaged in organized network sessions to exchange thoughts on digital trends, share best practices and address day-to-day challenges.

The 2024 eCommerce & Marketing Summit included a best-in-class awards show celebrating AD owner/members who achieved eCommerce and marketing success, collaborated with AD to improve their customer experience and introduced innovation to their companies. Winners included:

• Digital Mindset Award: Ideal Supply Inc.
• Most Improved Digital Supplier: Techspan Industries Inc.
• eContent Digital Experience Award: McNaughton-McKay Electric Company
• Digital Supplier of the Year: Ergodyne
• Digital Innovator of The Year: Etna Supply Company

As the summit drew to a close, AD leaders left attendees with actionable and focused priorities to seize opportunities ahead in the upcoming year.