Conference Insights:
Overview of key themes and discussions from the Applied AI conference for distributors and manufacturers.
Podcast with Jason Hein
Agentic AI: Your Next Employee Isn’t Human with Jason Hein & Chris Gee
July 22, 2025 · 1:01:39
Watch on YouTube
About This Episode
Justin King brings together Jason Hein from Acumenta and Samuel Aldinger from Highland Consulting to discuss their experiences at the Applied AI conference organized by Distribution Strategy Group. Since Justin was unable to attend the conference, this episode serves as a comprehensive debrief covering what happened, the format, key discussions, and takeaways relevant to the B2B e-commerce community. The three leaders explore the insights shared at the conference, vendor announcements, and implications for how distributors and manufacturers should be thinking about AI adoption.
The conversation covers both the breadth of AI applications being explored in the distribution space and the practical considerations that real companies face when implementing AI solutions. The episode acknowledges that while AI generates tremendous excitement, successful implementation requires clear business cases, organizational alignment, and thoughtful planning. The discussion also touches on how the conference itself reflects the industry's growing maturity in thinking about AI beyond hype and toward practical application.
This episode provides valuable context for those unable to attend the conference and offers a bridge between industry events and practical guidance for B2B commerce leaders.
Key Themes
Practical AI Implementation:
Moving beyond hype to understand what actually works for distribution businesses.
Organizational Change:
Implementing AI requires more than just technology—it requires changes to how companies organize and operate.
Industry Momentum:
The B2B distribution industry is at an inflection point where AI is becoming table stakes for competitive viability.
Notable Quotes
“So this is the second year I haven't been to applied AI. So I'm bringing the three guys that went to the applied AI conference put on by distributor strategy group, or is it distribution strategy group? Distribution strategy group." — [[Justin King]]”
“I haven't, obviously I wasn't there. So I have questions. Jason Hein, we're going to do a, our Thursday is going to actually be about technical, agentic stuff." — [[Justin King]]”
Guests
Jason Hein — Acumenta
Samuel Aldinger — Highland Consulting
Topics
Ai Applied Ai Conference Insights Distribution Strategy Agentic Commerce
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