ASA's Emerging Leaders Division Expands Offerings to Support Industry's Next Generation

The division's annual EMERGE conference and new year-round programming aim to develop future industry leaders.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The American Supply Association's Emerging Leaders Division, now in its second decade, is expanding its offerings to provide more value to up-and-coming employees at ASA-member companies. The division is pivoting to year-round programming, including webinars, articles, and stronger ties to ASA's education initiatives, in addition to its annual EMERGE conference. Leaders of the Emerging Leaders Advisory Group highlight the key benefits of the division, including networking, gaining broader industry perspectives, and developing practical leadership skills.

Why it matters

The Emerging Leaders Division plays a crucial role in developing the next generation of industry leaders. By providing resources and connections for high-potential employees, the division helps ASA-member companies build stronger, more engaged teams and prepare their future leaders. This investment in talent development strengthens the overall HVAC/plumbing supply industry.

The details

The Emerging Leaders Advisory Group recently met to chart the division's future, which includes expanding beyond the annual EMERGE conference to offer year-round programming. New initiatives will include webinars, quarterly articles in Supply House Times, and stronger ties to ASA's education efforts, particularly the Master of Distribution Management leadership program. The goal is to provide emerging leaders with a steady source of actionable content and keep them engaged in learning and networking throughout the year, rather than treating development as a once-a-year activity.

  • The Emerging Leaders Advisory Group met this past summer near O'Hare Airport in Chicago to plan the division's future.
  • The 2026 EMERGE conference is scheduled for May 18-20 at the Live! By Loews hotel in Arlington, Texas.

The players

Dave Poteete

The current chairman of the American Supply Association.

Benn Harms

The current chairman of the ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group, and an employee at Iowa-based Plumbing and Heating Wholesale.

Bryce Moore

The past chairman of the ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group, and an employee at California-based Hirsch Pipe & Supply.

Matt Guidish

The chairman-elect of the ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group, and an employee at Pennsylvania-based rep firm Preferred Sales.

Brad Williams

The author of the article and the current president of the American Supply Association.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted exposure beyond my own company. I want to better understand how other leaders in our industry think, operate and solve problems. The biggest value has been the relationships—being able to connect with peers who are dealing with similar challenges, but in different markets and roles. It gives you a perspective you can't get on your own. I have taken practical ideas, but more importantly, a broader view of leadership, a stronger network I can lean on and a better understanding of our industry.”

— Benn Harms, Chairman, ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group (supplyht.com)

“I have gotten some great connections and better ways of thinking.”

— Bryce Moore, Past Chairman, ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group (supplyht.com)

“The biggest value drivers are the relationships and network you can build by coming to the event over several years. You get to meet individuals outside your market and gain valuable perspectives for your own business and growth. Some of my closest industry relationships started at this event (annual EMERGE conference).”

— Matt Guidish, Chairman-Elect, ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group (supplyht.com)

What’s next

The 2026 EMERGE conference is scheduled for May 18-20 at the Live! By Loews hotel in Arlington, Texas, and will feature a lineup of dynamic speakers, interactive sessions, and networking events.

The takeaway

The ASA's Emerging Leaders Division is evolving to provide more year-round value to up-and-coming employees at member companies, helping to develop the next generation of industry leaders. By investing in talent development through the EMERGE conference and new initiatives, ASA is strengthening the overall HVAC/plumbing supply industry.