{"id":10419,"date":"2026-05-07T10:20:57","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T14:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/?page_id=10419"},"modified":"2026-09-09T10:03:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T14:03:37","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/ai-forum-uk-eu\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"AI Forum UK-EU &#8211; Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--lg)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"431\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-10343 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/why-attend-header-1024x431.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/why-attend-header-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/why-attend-header-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/why-attend-header-768x324.jpg 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/why-attend-header-1536x647.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/why-attend-header.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-blue-800-background-color has-background-dim-80 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:4rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-wrapper width-wide\"><div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-headline-font-family has-xxxl-font-size wp-elements-1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:-0.02em;line-height:1\"><strong>2026 Speakers<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-serif-font-family has-md-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--lg);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--lg);font-style:normal;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-0.015em;line-height:1.4\">Join distribution leaders 15 October, 2026, to discover how AI is already creating market leaders and leaving others behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-red-600-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-monospace-font-family has-book-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/aiuk.distributionstrategy.com\/\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase\">Register Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f56f9fcf wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-wrapper width-wide\"><div class=\"inner\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-headline-font-family has-xl-font-size\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:-0.015em;line-height:1.2\">Conference Hosts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1919\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ian-Heller-Headshot-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9973\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ian-Heller-Headshot-edited-scaled.jpg 1919w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ian-Heller-Headshot-edited-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ian-Heller-Headshot-edited-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ian-Heller-Headshot-edited-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ian-Heller-Headshot-edited-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Ian Heller<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">Co-Founder &amp; Chief Strategy Officer \/ Distribution STrategy Group<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Ian Heller has more than 30 years of experience executing marketing and e-business strategy in the wholesale distribution industry. He has written and spoken extensively on the impact of digital disruption on distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-monospace-font-family has-sm-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\"><summary>More<\/summary>\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Ian entered the distribution industry as a truck unloader at a Grainger branch while in college. He eventually became Vice President of Marketing there and has since held senior executive roles at GE Capital, Corporate Express, Newark Electronics and HD Supply. Ian most recently served as President and COO for Modern Distribution Management, a specialized information and analytics firm serving the wholesale distribution industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Ian earned a BA in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was elected commencement speaker by his classmates and won the Dean&#8217;s Distinguished Service Award.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9803\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Jonathan Bein, Ph.D.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">Co-Founder &amp; Managing Partner \/ Distribution Strategy Group<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Jonathan Bein Ph.D. has worked with over 100 distributors to apply advanced analytics and AI to improve customer experience, define value proposition, estimate sales potential and create digital strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-monospace-font-family has-sm-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\"><summary>More<\/summary>\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Before Distribution Strategy Group, Bein has successfully led and been part of executive management for software product and services companies in information technology, healthcare and communications. Bein has been CEO of several companies including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"text-transform:none\" class=\"wp-block-list has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size\">\n<li><strong>SkyeTek<\/strong> \u2014 grew revenues and valuation four-fold of RFID manufacturer in seven months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IGS, Inc.<\/strong> \u2014 delivered software solutions for companies such as AT&amp;T, Comcast, Verizon, and Lucent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bolder Heuristics, Inc.<\/strong> \u2014 achieved Inc 500 ranking with software services for telecommunications, healthcare, and IT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">As CTO at Informed Access, a provider of phone-based healthcare triage, he drove development of core products and services and the company was subsequently sold for $300 million. At Martin Marietta, he applied artificial intelligence to perform automatic real-time fault handling of spacecraft hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Bein earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Colorado with a focus in Artificial Intelligence and a BA in Computer Science at Indiana University.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-headline-font-family has-xl-font-size\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:-0.015em;line-height:1.2\">Keynote Speakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10155\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jonathan-Bein-Headshot-edited-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Jonathan Bein, Ph.D.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">Co-Founder &amp; Managing Partner \/ Distribution STrategy Group<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Opening Keynote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">What&#8217;s Really Working in AI<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Audreyanne-Snow-Parts-Town.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12625\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Audreyanne-Snow-Parts-Town.jpg 400w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Audreyanne-Snow-Parts-Town-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Audreyanne-Snow-Parts-Town-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Audreyanne-Snow-Parts-Town-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Audreyanne Snow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">VP of AI program Delivery \/    Parts Town Unlimited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Audreyanne Snow is Group Vice President of AI Program Delivery at Parts Town Unlimited, where she leads enterprise-wide initiatives that bring together technology, data and operations to deliver faster, smarter solutions for customers, partners, and team members. Known for her ability to turn complex ideas into practical execution, she plays a key role in advancing the company\u2019s AI-driven future.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-monospace-font-family has-sm-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>MORE<\/summary>\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">With more than 13 years at Parts Town, Snow has grown alongside the business, taking on increasingly impactful leadership roles. Most recently, as Vice President of Operations &amp; Logistics, she played a pivotal role in scaling the company\u2019s fulfillment network, helping develop five fulfillment centers totaling nearly 1.4 million square feet. She also spearheaded the launch of the company\u2019s largest automated fulfillment center in Phoenix, building and leading a 130-person team from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout her career, Snow has been recognized for blending operational excellence with a people-first mindset. She has led cross-functional teams through large-scale transformations, building new capabilities, and elevating how teams work together to deliver results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Snow was recognized as a Rising Star by Supply &amp; Demand Chain Executive in its Pros to Know Awards, honoring professionals under 40 whose achievements are shaping the future of the supply chain industry.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10200\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Brian-Hopkins-Headshot-edited-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Brian Hopkins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">Chief Operations Officer \/ Distribution strategy group<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Brian Hopkins is recognized for his&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;in customer service and operational efficiency within the industrial distribution sector. His career trajectory&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;a series of impactful leadership roles, marked by innovation and strategic growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-monospace-font-family has-sm-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\"><summary>More<\/summary>\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Notably, at W.W. Grainger (2002-2011), Brian significantly enhanced call center operations, and deployed the Grainger strategy by leading an operational staff of 7 direct reports and more than 800 employees in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa Call Centers.\u202fHis tenure as District Branch Operations Manager and Branch Manager&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;his&nbsp;proficiency&nbsp;in managing large-scale operations, overseeing 18 branches with $200 million in revenue, and effectively running a $25 million branch operation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Subsequent&nbsp;roles include driving operational and customer service transformation at HD Supply Power Solutions (2011-2015), leading customer experience innovations at&nbsp;Hisco&nbsp;(2015-2020), and enhancing multi-site customer service strategies at Redi Carpet (2020-2022) and AZP Multifamily (2022-2023).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">Brian Hopkins\u2019 career is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to customer service excellence and operational efficiency in industrial distribution.&nbsp;His tenure, especially at W.W. Grainger, has had a lasting impact,&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;his capacity to innovate and lead in complex, multi-site operational environments.\u202fHis academic background, including an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, complements his extensive practical experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4;text-transform:none\">\u202fBrian has\u202fconsistently&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;his ability to lead, innovate, and drive sustainable growth across various operational landscapes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-headline-font-family has-xl-font-size\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:-0.015em;line-height:1.2\">Technology Leader Speakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ben-Firman-Continuum-AI.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12602\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ben-Firman-Continuum-AI.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ben-Firman-Continuum-AI-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ben-Firman-Continuum-AI-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ben-Firman-Continuum-AI-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ben-Firman-Continuum-AI-120x120.jpeg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Ben Firman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">VP of Sales \/ Continuum<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Ben Firman is a B2B sales leader with 27 years of experience and a 15-year track record of building high-performing teams that consistently exceed revenue targets. He has written for&nbsp;<em>The Globe &amp; Mail&#8217;s<\/em>&nbsp;Report on Business and is known for driving growth through direct outbound sales strategies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1775260924527.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13174\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1775260924527.jpg 400w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1775260924527-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1775260924527-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1775260924527-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-de8bb87c wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-md-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:-0.02em\">Kunal Barman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;text-transform:uppercase\">Co-Founder &amp; CEO \/ Faction<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-serif-font-family has-book-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.4\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);min-height:472px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"432\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-10444 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AI-Forum-Website-UK-banner-1024x432.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AI-Forum-Website-UK-banner-1024x432.png 1024w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AI-Forum-Website-UK-banner-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AI-Forum-Website-UK-banner-768x324.png 768w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AI-Forum-Website-UK-banner-1536x647.png 1536w, https:\/\/distributionstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AI-Forum-Website-UK-banner-2048x863.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-blue-800-background-color has-background-dim-10 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-wrapper width-wide\"><div class=\"inner\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-headline-font-family has-xxl-font-size wp-elements-2\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:-0.02em;line-height:1\"><strong>15 October, 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-sans-serif-font-family has-lg-font-size\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--sm);font-style:normal;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-0.02em;line-height:1.1;text-transform:none\">National Conference Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-sans-serif-font-family has-lg-font-size\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--sm);font-style:normal;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-0.02em;line-height:1.1;text-transform:none\">Birmingham, UK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3398d977 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--xl)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-red-600-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-monospace-font-family has-book-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/aiuk.distributionstrategy.com\/\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer noopener\">Register Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":10418,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"ai-forum-uk-page","meta":{"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"content-type":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","_featured_video_url":"","footnotes":""},"coauthors":[221],"class_list":["post-10419","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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