The 2023 AD Canada Annual Meeting brings together Industrial & Safety – Canada and Building Supplies – Canada divisions for collaboration and growth
Toronto, ON – Members and suppliers from two AD Canada divisions gathered during the 2023 AD Canada Annual Meeting, Industrial & Safety and Building Supplies in the spirit of growing together while leveraging opportunities for in-person collaboration and peer networking. The event took place at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, occurring from June 19–22, 2023 and saw over 600 participants in attendance from across the nation, as well from the U.S.
Rob Dewar, president of AD Canada, shared his thoughts on the stellar event, and spoke on continued growth of the Industrial & Safety – Canada and Building Supplies – Canada divisions.
“The 2023 AD Canada Annual Meeting was a truly outstanding event—having the unique opportunity to bring together two of our AD Canada divisions under one roof for such a large-scale meeting was really something special,” relayed Dewar. “The high energy and deep engagement seen throughout all of the sessions was contagious, and I am personally extremely excited to witness what is to come as the result of so many meaningful discussions and opportunities to develop new business. I would like to sincerely thank the entire AD team for their hard work on making this event so exceptional.”
Reconnecting to maximize growth in 2023 and beyond
The event featured over 3,100 strategic booth appointments as a key element of the meeting, bringing incredible value to both members and suppliers. Working one-on-one with key decision makers, partner organizations had the opportunity to discuss important initiatives and plans to maximize growth for 2023 and beyond via a meeting format that enhanced the opportunity for connection. Event attendees also had the chance to connect more informally and celebrate the group’s enduring strength at numerous cocktail receptions and social gatherings.
Darryl Lee, AD Canada’s senior director of marketing, spoke on the meeting’s strong value and conveyed his gratitude for the event’s attendees.
“First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who attended the 2023 AD Annual Conference,” said Lee. “The support and active participation of our participants made this a truly special industry event. Bringing together the Industrial & Safety - Canada and Building Supplies - Canada divisions was a natural fit and offered each division the opportunity to expand on the existing synergies. The energy throughout the conference was undeniable—from the strategic booth meetings to the social events and awards dinner, there was an unmistakably positive buzz geared toward further strengthening the relationships between the independent distributors and their key supplier partners.”
AD Industrial & Safety – Canada chairperson, Glenn Watt, relayed how the event sparked excitement within the group.
“The AD Canada Annual Meeting offered an important chance to revitalize and nurture existing relationships while also fostering new ones,” said Watt. “It was a pleasure to welcome the recently formed AD Building Supplies – Canada division to our event with open arms – for we will always be stronger and better together, than we will be apart. Cheers to an amazing few days and thank you to the AD team for their ardent efforts in organizing this high-caliber event of such immense value.”
Paul Williams, vice president, AD Building Supplies - Canada, shared his perspective on attending this meeting for the first time.
“It is thrilling to reflect on the success and growth that the AD Building Supplies – Canada division has already experienced during the brief time we have been part of the AD family, and these tremendous few days spent connecting, celebrating, and growing as one “AD strong” group really solidified and commemorated our dedicated presence within the alliance,” relayed Williams. “Many thanks to the incredible members and suppliers from AD Industrial & Safety – Canada for welcoming our new division so warmly to this event—I look forward to many valuable partnerships and mutual benefits all of the organizations will be afforded as a result of this collaboration.”
AD Canada’s Gender Equity Network reception shines light on a compelling cause
The week’s events also included a valuable session brought to attendees by the AD Canada Gender Equity Network—participants enjoyed an energetic and compelling program by renowned keynote speaker, AmyK Hutchens - author, motivational speaker, and coach. During the session, Hutchens engaged in important conversations and offered practical insights and tools aimed at helping businesses remain successful for years to come.
Save the date for 2024
The 2024 AD Canada Annual Meeting is slated for June 3 – 6, 2024 at the JW Marriott Parq and Douglas Hotel in Vancouver, BC. The group looks forward to another fantastic event rooted in connection and best practice sharing next year.