During the last week of February, IDCO’s Principals headed to Sarasota, Florida, for the 2026 Principals Conference. For a few days, leaders from across The Hoser Network gathered to swap ideas, talk shop, and spend some time working on their businesses instead of in them.

As always, the best part of the meeting was what happens when you put a room full of hosers together. Members broke into discussion groups and open conversations around current industry challenges and opportunities. Topics covered everything from operational strategies and management challenges to the growing role of AI in business. The range of best practices shared was impressive — everything from hot dog carts to leadership strategies and operational efficiencies.

And because we like to practice what we preach, we surprised members with our own afternoon hot dog break to celebrate one member’s shared best practice. Turns out, nothing brings people together like a quick reset and a hot dog. It’s safe to say the idea earned a solid Principals Best Practice approval rating.

The evenings gave everyone a chance to unwind and reconnect with fellow hosers. The first night was all about catching up with longtime peers and welcoming some new faces to the network — including eight of the ten new members who joined in 2025. On the second evening, the group headed out on Sarasota Bay for dinner and conversation with a pretty great view to go along with it.

One of the things that makes these meetings so valuable is the people in the room. Our members are a pretty unique group — different ideas, different approaches, different personalities — but they all share the same mindset. They’re hosers who work hard, run strong independent businesses, and are always looking for ways to get better. When you put that kind of group together, good ideas tend to happen.

“The 2026 Principals Conference in Sarasota exemplified why I’m grateful to be part of The Hoser Network,” said Matt Steer, Chairman of IDCO and President of Elite Supply. “Industry leaders from across the country came together to share best practices, insights, and new technology ideas while strengthening relationships with like-minded peers. Bringing that level of knowledge and experience under one roof is invaluable, and I hope everyone left feeling energized and better equipped for the road ahead.”

For many attendees, the opportunity to connect directly with other independent business leaders remains one of the most valuable parts of the Principals Conference.

“It was a fantastic event,” said Steve Hedgeth, Owner of Quad Power Products Co. LLC. “The opportunity to connect with other business owners and managers was very valuable. We freely shared ideas and solutions to common challenges affecting businesses in our industry. It is an outstanding resource, and we even made a few new friends. My wife and I are already looking forward to next year in Scottsdale.”

Events like the Principals Conference are a great reminder of what makes The Hoser Network special — independent distributors who are willing to share ideas, support one another, and work together to grow stronger businesses.

We’re already looking forward to continuing the conversation next year in Scottsdale, Arizona!