For its 42nd annual meeting this year, NAHAD has switched things up, moving the event to JW Marriott Indianapolis, May 16-19. It appears this move to a more central location is attractive to members, as the 2026 Annual Convention is on track to be the largest event in NAHAD history, bringing together a record number of industry professionals in one place.
NAHAD Executive Vice President Molly Alton Mullins said that NAHAD’s board of directors wanted to approach this year’s Annual Convention a little bit differently. “We chose Indianapolis as the location in an effort to encourage NAHAD member companies to bring more of their teams to a desirable location. Indy is drivable for many NAHAD members; the JW Marriott, while exceptional, is also more affordable than a lot of previous NAHAD convention locations,” she said. “By choosing a location like this, and increasing educational content and programming, our goal was to attract more attendees across a cross-section of job function and title. And it’s working. We are trending higher attendance at this year’s convention over any other year in NAHAD history. And we have increased networking and collaboration opportunities as we hear from members often that is where they see the greatest value at the Convention.”
NAHAD has moved its annual meeting to Indianapolis, as it seeks to expand the event with a more central location.
New this year will be the first in person segment of NAHAD’s LEAD Program, the association’s mentorship and leadership development initiative focused on preparing the next generation of hose industry leaders. Attendees will also benefit from expanded workshops, additional educational sessions, and a larger exhibit hall that provides greater access to the companies and leaders shaping the industry. The Annual Convention will offer unmatched opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build relationships with industry professionals across all levels of experience.
“In addition to increased programming, there will also be the launch of LEAD (Leadership, Exploration and Development), NAHAD’s new mentorship program. This program is designed to provide a format in which participants can learn and network with industry colleagues in an environment designed to improve industry knowledge and professional opportunities. This program kicked off earlier this year, and during this year’s Convention, attendees will have specific onsite trainings taking place, as well as direct mentor/mentee matchings to facilitate deeper networking opportunities,” Alton Mullins said. “Each year we’re trying to bring new value to the Convention that helps NAHAD member companies tackle everyday challenges impacting their businesses. I’m looking forward to hearing feedback from attendees on how we can continue to build value in each Convention’s programming and format.”
Speakers for this year’s event include the following.
- Michael Feuz from ITR Economics kicks off the opening general session with an overview of the economic climate.
- Annalise Koltai is an executive coach who has spent the last decade working with leaders at Fortune 500 companies including Slack, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Workday, Fidelity Investments, and OpenAI. She will present three workshops Sunday afternoon.
- Tracie Sponenberg is a business leader specializing in people, HR transformation, and leadership development. She is speaking on Monday, at the general session and breakfast, and hosting an afternoon workshop.
- Steve McClatchy is a keynote speaker and author of the award-winning New York Times Bestseller Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example. He is presenting on Monday at the Members Luncheon, and an afternoon workshop.
- Alex Weber will close the presentations on Tuesday morning. He is an award-winning keynote speaker, coach, author, TV Host for NBC, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior.
As in past, the NAHAD Convention will include a Manufacturers and Hospitality Night as well as the Showcase of Hose Solutions. Networking opportunities will include a welcome hospitality event, Emerging Leaders Orientation and Happy Hour, and opening reception on Sunday. On Monday, members will connect throughout the many sessions and luncheon as well as the manufacturers hospitality night. A special breakfast will be held Monday for Women in NAHAD. Special guest programming will also kick off Monday. Finally, Tuesday’s programming includes the general session and business meeting, Showcase of Hose Solutions, the LEAD Program, and the closing reception.
Visit nahad.org for more details and to register.
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