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University of Innovative Distribution

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⇒"As a general manager, it is important for me to have knowledge in all areas of distribution. It is a great environment for learning and networking.” - Stewart Distribution attendee

⇒"The UID is an excellent environment to learn, network and expand my overall distribution base of knowledge. I've met distributors from around the world who distribute everything from flowers to lumber to HVAC equipment. The competition and struggles are real in each of these channels of distribution. We all can relate to that.” - Merchants Grocery Co. attendee

UID2025

 

The University of Innovative Distribution

March 16 – 19, 2026 | Indianapolis, Indiana
2026 Registration Opening Fall of 2025.

The University of Innovative Distribution (UID) is sponsored by the Association Education Alliance (AEA), a consortium of 40+ distribution professional associations, including CDA, and in cooperation with the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation of Purdue University. Offered annually in March, UID is a powerful, multiday concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry.

The UID experience is designed to enhance and fortify your knowledge, skills, and abilities to support immediate application into your work environment.

The course curriculum is taught by world-class instructors who know distribution. Participants select their curriculum from courses offered in five tracks. Course tracks include:

  • Distribution Strategy
  • Leadership
  • Management/HR
  • Operations
  • Sales/Marketing

Who Should Attend UID?

UID is designed for all personnel working in the wholesale distribution channel, including:

  • All manager-level personnel: sales, marketing, branch, operations, purchasing, inventory and human resources
  • CEOs
  • Anyone looking to improve personal performance and/or the company's bottom line!

Purdue University awards completion of the UID program 3 CEUs (30 hours of Continuing Education) toward the 9 Hour CEU requirement to complete their Professional Certificate in Innovative Distribution.

For questions about this program, please contact Lauren Herbert.

About CDA

The Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) is the trade organization working on behalf of convenience products distributors in the United States. Its distributor members represent more than $102 billion in U.S convenience product sales, serving a wide variety of small retail formats. Associate members include leading convenience product manufacturers, brokers, retailers, suppliers and others allied to the industry.

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Disclaimer

CDA does not endorse any product or service that is advertised in CDA magazines or newsletters, displayed at CDA trade shows, or otherwise promoted by CDA members. CDA has not verified whether any tobacco or deemed tobacco product is authorized pursuant to current FDA rules and regulations. CDA shall not be liable for any purchase of, use by, or claim relating to any advertised product.

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Contact Info

  •   Address:
    11250 Roger Bacon Drive #8,
    Reston, VA 20190
  •   Phone:
    (703) 208-3358
  •   Fax:
    (703) 573-5738