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DCKAP Round-Up 2024, Chicago IL | B2B Conference for Manufacturers & Distributors

THE ROUND-UP VIBE

See it for yourself:

WHY YOU NEED TO ATTEND

DCKAP Round-Up 2024 is an evening gathering and celebration of the B2B community.

Attendees of our Round-Up event can expect to share in unique networking opportunities, engage with peers, hear from industry leaders, learn about cutting-edge tools and technologies, be inspired by stories of success, and better understand what comes next in the manufacturing and distribution space.

Enjoy the company of your fellow colleagues, cheers your drinks, satiate your palate, and discover the wonders of the universe. Take part in this unique experience to connect with industry professionals, learn how leading B2B companies are tackling challenges, gain valuable insights you can put into action, and have a lot of fun while doing it!

This is what Round-Up 2024 is all about.

We look forward to seeing you at this special event!

SPEAKERS

CEO of Modern Distribution Management

Tom Gale

Gale has been a pivotal force at MDM, a leading source of data, insights, and thought leadership for wholesale distribution executives. He steered the publication through significant industry shifts, evolving from a traditional publication to a comprehensive multimedia and analytics resource for distributors.

Under his leadership, MDM guided distributors through significant shifts like consolidation and digitalization. The acquisition of MDM by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) in early 2024 highlights MDM’s essential role in distribution and continues to expand its impact.

CEO of Spruce Industries

Daniel Josephs

Daniel Josephs has over 18 years of experience and is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Spruce Industries, a leading distributor of janitorial and sanitary products. In his role, he has been instrumental and offers intelligence, passion, and pragmatism to organizations with whom he works.

Daniel's expertise in the cleaning industry is further highlighted by his three-year tenure as a Member of the Board of Directors at ISSA - The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. Prior to his current position, he gained valuable experience as an Associate at J.P. Morgan. With a proven track record in the industry, Daniel Josephs continues to drive innovation and excellence in his field.

Vice President, B2B and Market Research Development, Digital Commerce 360

Mark Brohan

Mark Brohan is senior vice president, B2B and market research at Digital Commerce 360, covering B2B ecommerce trends. Prior to his current role, Mark was vice president of research for Digital Commerce 360 and editor of Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide, Top 500Guide.com and related research publications.

Mark’s previous experience includes leading new print and web product business development for Faulkner & Gray were web publisher and editorial director for DM Review magazine and its two websites: DMReview.com and dataWarehouse.com. He was also the founding editor of various Faulkner & Gray technology magazines, including Internet Retailer. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and history from Western Michigan University and a master’s in journalism and public affairs from the American University.

Head of Strategy at DCKAP

Shiva Kumaar

Shiva is the Head of Strategy (Products) at DCKAP. With over 12 years of diversified experience in sales, product marketing and brand strategy, he currently leads DCKAP's approach to its brand and products. He is passionate about marketing, growth and especially loves supporting innovative startups. Shiva is also an avid gadget lover and technology enthusiast.
Partner Manager at DCKAP

Catherine Sulskis

Catherine works with the marketing team as the Partner Manager, bridging connections, finding ways to co-brand and co-market our solutions, and building lasting relationships with our partners. She works to ensure that our partnerships add value to the community and to expand the partner ecosystem. With an educational background in creative writing and sociology, and having worked in the tech industry for over a decade, she has a special affinity for the power of storytelling and the future of technology.
Founder & CEO at DCKAP

Karthik Chidambaram

Karthik Chidambaram bootstrapped the company from his small apartment in Chicago, Illinois. DCKAP was started with 2 people, 2 computers and 2 desks and is now a global team with headquarters in the Greater Austin area.

He reckons industry setbacks and renders solid & practical solutions to organizations. Karthik holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.

JOIN ATTENDEES FROM

Round-Up is all about (fun) networking

Every time we wind down from such an incredible event, it’s not just the sessions that stick in our minds – it’s the people.

This venue is going to be packed with some ambitious folks across operations, strategy, marketing and more. DCKAP brings together the best people in the B2B space. So, when you step out of the venue, you will carry great memories and even better connections.

Leave your laptop & notebook in your room 😎

No, really, we’re serious. Just come and meet your friends.

 

At Round-Up, you will:

  • Meet executives and build your network
  • Feel inspired with new ideas
  • Learn from what’s already working
  • Leave with a community that will last

Did we tell you this is our 6th year?

Here's a peek into our very first B2B Community event back in 2019:

AGENDA

Starting at 6:00 PM

Registration Opens

6:30 PM – 7:45 PM

Cocktails & Appetizers

7:45 PM – 08:00 PM

Keynote Address



Karthik Chidambaram
– Founder & CEO, DCKAP

8:00 PM – 08:15 PM

Success Story

Leveraging Technology For Continued Success


DANIEL JOSEPHS
Chief Operating Officer at Spruce Industries

 


KARTHIK CHIDAMBARAM
– Founder & CEO, DCKAP

8:15 PM to 8:40 PM

Discussion

Business Model Innovation And AI In Distribution


Tom Gale
– CEO of Modern Distribution Management

Shiva Kumaar
– Head of Strategy at DCKAP

8:40 PM to 8:55 PM

B2B And Market Research



Mark Brohan
– Senior VP of B2B and Market Research at Digital Commerce 360

8:55 PM to 9:00 PM

Closing Note


Catherine Sulskis
– Partner Manager at DCKAP

9:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Networking

9:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Explore Museum & Enjoy Sky Show

9:30 pm | Sky Show [1] - Welcome to the Universe
10:00 pm | Sky Show [2] - Welcome to the Universe

LOCATION

ADLER PLANETARIUM

Located on Chicago’s lakeshore since 1930, the Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. The first planetarium in the western hemisphere, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach efforts.