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By Georgia H. Foley
STAFDA CEO
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| Georgia H. Foley |
Never has the word ‘uncertainty’ had more meaning than in 2025. Shifting political dynamics, changing tariff policies, and unpredictable economies have moved from being primarily national concerns to matters with global impact. Many decisions and trends are now closely tied to developments in Washington D.C.
Because there is so much in flux in today’s world, it’s natural to take a self-preservation stance. People and companies gravitate to becoming more insular by pulling the wagons in close. But businesses can’t grow or thrive in such a restrictive environment; they’ll soon need to reengage with their peers who are experiencing the same issues and worries.
One remedy to this problem is the STAFDA Phoenix Convention and Trade Show, November 9-11. It’s the one time of year all STAFDA members can get together to connect. It’s not just limited audiences like at buying group meetings or huge like the 55,000+ end user show, World of Concrete.
This is the only show in the construction space dedicated to wholesale distributors and their supplier partners. It’s also the only time to see innovative new products before they come on the market or are shown at World of Concrete in January. STAFDA distributors who attend our trade show know how to reap the benefits of show specials and preferred pricing offered only to attendees.
The convention also provides time for distributors to learn from leading experts in varied business disciplines through educational workshops. From how to become an influencer, using AI in sales, how to tell YOUR story through the craft of storytelling, to an economic update.
Mixed in is a NextGen Luncheon for those under 35 and a Women in Distribution Luncheon held at the nearby, woman-owned, Greenwood Brewery. Owner Megan Greenwood will speak during the luncheon on how she became successful in a male-dominated field.
STAFDA recognizes the power tool companies, and a few other major manufacturers who are investing in the end user market at World of Concrete. STAFDA is not World of Concrete. Those are two separate audiences with two different focuses.
In recent years, countless discussions have been had with the power tool companies about STAFDA but we cannot tell them where to spend their money or what audience to cater to. Our door is always open, and we hope, in time, they will recognize the value STAFDA distributors bring to their business and remember they are the ones who brought them to the dance.
In the meantime, there will be over 450 exhibitors who do recognize the importance of STAFDA distributors. Our focus is on those companies who support STAFDA and in turn, support our members.
Just like all the change happening in our industry, the association world has also changed. Mergers and acquisitions, retirements, private equity money, and a younger demographic have impacted many organizations.
For the first time, even non-profits are under the microscope to experience taxation on membership dues, convention registration fees, sponsorships, product sales, and the like. It’s a radical shift and with all the changes going on in the association market, more organizations are looking to merge or colocate shows. STAFDA is not going that route, but it is taking a different approach in 2026.
Starting in January 2026, STAFDA will be managed by an association management company (AMC) who will handle all the backend office duties currently outsourced. This arrangement will take a tremendous amount of pressure off Cathy Usher and myself. Cathy will continue as member services director, but I’ll slide over from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat. The AMC will be the driver. The new management company has experience managing construction and engineering related organizations, so STAFDA is a natural fit in their portfolio. We’re designing this transition to be ultra smooth, so members won’t notice a ripple. But the new company will bring their expertise and knowledge to take STAFDA to the next level. It’s an exciting change and a new future for STAFDA and its members!
We welcome you to come to Phoenix. If you haven’t registered, there is still time from the members-only section of STAFDA’s website, stafda.org.
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, The Power of Fusion, California Service Tool demonstrates how it has found a way to fuse together its relationships with customers and vendors.
Learn the story of 2026 STAFDA President Matt Kitchens and get the full line up for the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show Section and also in this issue are Industry Updates.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
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