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10/5/2026
VIPAR Heavy Duty Announces Alex Rodriguez as Keynote Speaker for the 2026 IMPACT™ Conference
The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is pleased to announce that legendary athlete, entrepreneur and investor Alex Rodriguez will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 IMPACT™ Conference, taking place October 18-23 in Marco Island, Florida.
From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, Alex Rodriguez has built a career defined by high performance, transformation, and a relentless drive to succeed. During this fireside chat, Rodriguez will share lessons from more than two decades competing at the highest level of professional sports and his subsequent journey as an entrepreneur, investor and business leader. The discussion will explore leadership, building winning teams, preparation, mentorship, navigating change, and applying a championship mindset to business and life.
"We are thrilled to welcome Alex Rodriguez to the IMPACT Conference," said Jeff Paul, Executive Vice President, VIPAR Heavy Duty. "Alex's experiences as an elite athlete, successful entrepreneur, and respected business leader provide valuable perspectives that extend far beyond the game of baseball. From leadership and teamwork to resilience, preparation, and navigating change, he can cover a lot of bases when it comes to building winning teams and achieving sustained success."
The conversation will be moderated by Mariluz Cook, sideline reporter and host for the San Diego Padres Television Network.
Rodriguez is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs world-class startups and partners with leading global companies across real estate, sports, and entertainment.
While best known as one of baseball's greatest athletes, including 14-time MLB All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez has successfully transitioned into business leadership as Co-Chairman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.
He is also an Emmy Award-winning MLB analyst for Fox Sports, has appeared as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-hosts The Deal with Bloomberg Originals Chief Correspondent Jason Kelly, featuring conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and sports legends. His interactions inspire audiences to embrace challenges, push their limits, and make the next move that matters most in their personal and professional lives.
The IMPACT Conference is a weeklong event that brings together the heavy duty aftermarket industry's leading distributors, suppliers, industry associates and aftermarket professionals. In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will participate in business and industry updates, distributor roundtables, focus groups, a trade show, networking opportunities and more than 1,600 one-on-one distributor-supplier partner meetings. Designed to foster collaboration, strengthen relationships and spark new opportunities, the conference serves as a premier forum for advancing the future of the heavy duty aftermarket industry.
VIPAR Heavy Duty's IMPACT™ Conference Returns to Marco Island with Dynamic New Format
VIPAR Heavy Duty announced that plans are set for their 2026 IMPACT™ Conference, taking place October 18-23, 2026, at the JW Marriott Marco Island in Florida.
The 2026 IMPACT Conference agenda features a dynamic new format designed to enhance interaction, collaboration, and engagement among distributors, suppliers, and industry partners. Building on the event's longstanding tradition of bringing the heavy duty aftermarket together, this year's conference will introduce new opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas, and participate in conversations that help shape the future of the network and the industry.
"This year's IMPACT Conference is designed to create even more opportunities for meaningful engagement across our network," said Chris Baer, President & CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty. "Every distributor, supplier, industry partner, and team member plays a role in our collective success. By bringing everyone together to share ideas, build relationships, and align around common goals, we're reinforcing what makes our network unique and positioning ourselves for continued growth."
Highlights of the reimagined agenda include:
The conference will open Monday with a high energy Distributor Welcome & Kickoff featuring Kyle Scheele, an entrepreneur, author, and nationally recognized speaker known for helping organizations unlock creativity and innovation. His presentation, "Becoming an Idea Factory: How to Build a Culture Where Innovation Is Inevitable," will challenge attendees to think differently about problem solving, leadership, and creating environments where ideas can thrive.
Additional distributor-focused Monday experiences will emphasize peer engagement, connection, and shared insight through Distributor Roundtables, True Group Value Focus Groups, and Supplier Spotlight sessions.
For the first time, the entire network of distributors, suppliers, and industry partners will come together at the General Session on Tuesday to explore industry trends, network priorities, and collective opportunities while reinforcing the value of alignment across the channel.
The annual event’s highly-valued, signature agenda items return, including 1:1 Meetings, Trade Show, Receptions, Network Lunch & Keynote Speaker, and Annual Dinner & After Party.
VIPAR Heavy Duty will also continue to honor industry friends and their contributions to the network and aftermarket through the IMPACT Memorial Golf Tournament. For the second year in a row, the beneficiary is the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501(c)(3) organization that supports people employed in the heavy duty aftermarket industry and their families during times of hardship. They will also host a trade show booth to provide information about both the giving and receiving missions of their organization.
"As the industry continues to evolve, the value of collaboration has never been greater," added Baer. "The IMPACT Conference provides a forum for our network to learn from one another, challenge conventional thinking, and uncover opportunities that help all of us succeed."
VIPAR Heavy Duty Names Dinex Emission Inc. a Strategic Partner
Dinex Emission Inc. has been named a VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner (VSP), joining a select group of network suppliers who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting VIPAR Heavy Duty distributors, fleet customers, and key initiatives throughout the heavy-duty aftermarket.
“Dinex has established itself as a trusted partner through its dedication to delivering quality emission and exhaust solutions for the commercial vehicle industry,” said Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management for VIPAR Heavy Duty. “As the industry continues to face evolving emission requirements, Dinex provides expertise that helps keep vehicles operating efficiently and in compliance. Our distributors rely on Dinex for dependable inventory availability, competitive pricing, and the responsive support they need to better serve their customers and grow their businesses. Dinex’s commitment to our distributor network and support of our fleet initiatives make them a valuable Strategic Partner.”
VIPAR Heavy Duty awards the Strategic Partner designation to suppliers who meet key criteria that contribute to the success of its stockholders. Measurable benchmarks include active support of fleets through the organization’s National Accounts Program, meaningful contributions of product content to PARTSPHERE PIM®, VIPAR Heavy Duty’s Product Information Management system, and offering comprehensive product programs that support both VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors.
Dinex is a strong supporter of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s annual IMPACT Conference, is a member of NEXUS Automotive North America, and is a contributor of high quality courses in the Nucleus Knowledge Center training platform.
"Being named a VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the collaborative relationship we've built with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. Their distributor network shares our commitment to keeping commercial vehicles running efficiently, and we look forward to deepening that partnership in the years ahead," said Noah Osborn, Director of Sales and National Accounts North America at Dinex Emission.
Suppliers that earn the VSP designation benefit from enhanced visibility and engagement opportunities, including special recognition and priority positioning at the IMPACT Conference, expanded branding across distributor touchpoints, and increased networking and collaboration with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies team and distributor members.
Dinex joins the VSP group alongside Baldwin Filters, Donaldson Company, East Penn, Grote, Prestone, Tectran, Tramec, and Truck-Lite and ECCO.
About Dinex Emission Inc.
Dinex is a leading global developer and manufacturer of exhaust and emission control solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial applications. With over 40 years of innovation and service to the OEM industry and the independent Aftermarket, Dinex delivers cutting-edge technologies, including catalytic converters, particulate filters, and SCR systems. For more information, visit www.dinex.us.
VIPAR Heavy Duty Names Dinex Emission Inc. a Strategic Partner
Dinex Emission Inc. has been named a VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner (VSP), joining a select group of network suppliers who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting VIPAR Heavy Duty distributors, fleet customers, and key initiatives throughout the heavy-duty aftermarket.
“Dinex has established itself as a trusted partner through its dedication to delivering quality emission and exhaust solutions for the commercial vehicle industry,” said Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management for VIPAR Heavy Duty. “As the industry continues to face evolving emission requirements, Dinex provides expertise that helps keep vehicles operating efficiently and in compliance. Our distributors rely on Dinex for dependable inventory availability, competitive pricing, and the responsive support they need to better serve their customers and grow their businesses. Dinex’s commitment to our distributor network and support of our fleet initiatives make them a valuable Strategic Partner.”
VIPAR Heavy Duty awards the Strategic Partner designation to suppliers who meet key criteria that contribute to the success of its stockholders. Measurable benchmarks include active support of fleets through the organization’s National Accounts Program, meaningful contributions of product content to PARTSPHERE PIM®, VIPAR Heavy Duty’s Product Information Management system, and offering comprehensive product programs that support both VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors.
Dinex is a strong supporter of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s annual IMPACT Conference, is a member of NEXUS Automotive North America, and is a contributor of high quality courses in the Nucleus Knowledge Center training platform.
"Being named a VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the collaborative relationship we've built with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. Their distributor network shares our commitment to keeping commercial vehicles running efficiently, and we look forward to deepening that partnership in the years ahead," said Noah Osborn, Director of Sales and National Accounts North America at Dinex Emission.
Suppliers that earn the VSP designation benefit from enhanced visibility and engagement opportunities, including special recognition and priority positioning at the IMPACT Conference, expanded branding across distributor touchpoints, and increased networking and collaboration with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies team and distributor members.
Dinex joins the VSP group alongside Baldwin Filters, Donaldson Company, East Penn, Grote, Prestone, Tectran, Tramec, and Truck-Lite and ECCO.
About Dinex Emission Inc.
Dinex is a leading global developer and manufacturer of exhaust and emission control solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial applications. With over 40 years of innovation and service to the OEM industry and the independent Aftermarket, Dinex delivers cutting-edge technologies, including catalytic converters, particulate filters, and SCR systems. For more information, visit www.dinex.us.
VIPAR Heavy Duty Announces Alex Rodriguez as Keynote Speaker for the 2026 IMPACT™ Conference
The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is pleased to announce that legendary athlete, entrepreneur and investor Alex Rodriguez will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 IMPACT™ Conference, taking place October 18-23 in Marco Island, Florida.
From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, Alex Rodriguez has built a career defined by high performance, transformation, and a relentless drive to succeed. During this fireside chat, Rodriguez will share lessons from more than two decades competing at the highest level of professional sports and his subsequent journey as an entrepreneur, investor and business leader. The discussion will explore leadership, building winning teams, preparation, mentorship, navigating change, and applying a championship mindset to business and life.
"We are thrilled to welcome Alex Rodriguez to the IMPACT Conference," said Jeff Paul, Executive Vice President, VIPAR Heavy Duty. "Alex's experiences as an elite athlete, successful entrepreneur, and respected business leader provide valuable perspectives that extend far beyond the game of baseball. From leadership and teamwork to resilience, preparation, and navigating change, he can cover a lot of bases when it comes to building winning teams and achieving sustained success."
The conversation will be moderated by Mariluz Cook, sideline reporter and host for the San Diego Padres Television Network.
Rodriguez is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs world-class startups and partners with leading global companies across real estate, sports, and entertainment.
While best known as one of baseball's greatest athletes, including 14-time MLB All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez has successfully transitioned into business leadership as Co-Chairman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.
He is also an Emmy Award-winning MLB analyst for Fox Sports, has appeared as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-hosts The Deal with Bloomberg Originals Chief Correspondent Jason Kelly, featuring conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and sports legends. His interactions inspire audiences to embrace challenges, push their limits, and make the next move that matters most in their personal and professional lives.
The IMPACT Conference is a weeklong event that brings together the heavy duty aftermarket industry's leading distributors, suppliers, industry associates and aftermarket professionals. In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will participate in business and industry updates, distributor roundtables, focus groups, a trade show, networking opportunities and more than 1,600 one-on-one distributor-supplier partner meetings. Designed to foster collaboration, strengthen relationships and spark new opportunities, the conference serves as a premier forum for advancing the future of the heavy duty aftermarket industry.
VIPAR Heavy Duty's IMPACT™ Conference Returns to Marco Island with Dynamic New Format
VIPAR Heavy Duty announced that plans are set for their 2026 IMPACT™ Conference, taking place October 18-23, 2026, at the JW Marriott Marco Island in Florida.
The 2026 IMPACT Conference agenda features a dynamic new format designed to enhance interaction, collaboration, and engagement among distributors, suppliers, and industry partners. Building on the event's longstanding tradition of bringing the heavy duty aftermarket together, this year's conference will introduce new opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas, and participate in conversations that help shape the future of the network and the industry.
"This year's IMPACT Conference is designed to create even more opportunities for meaningful engagement across our network," said Chris Baer, President & CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty. "Every distributor, supplier, industry partner, and team member plays a role in our collective success. By bringing everyone together to share ideas, build relationships, and align around common goals, we're reinforcing what makes our network unique and positioning ourselves for continued growth."
Highlights of the reimagined agenda include:
The conference will open Monday with a high energy Distributor Welcome & Kickoff featuring Kyle Scheele, an entrepreneur, author, and nationally recognized speaker known for helping organizations unlock creativity and innovation. His presentation, "Becoming an Idea Factory: How to Build a Culture Where Innovation Is Inevitable," will challenge attendees to think differently about problem solving, leadership, and creating environments where ideas can thrive.
Additional distributor-focused Monday experiences will emphasize peer engagement, connection, and shared insight through Distributor Roundtables, True Group Value Focus Groups, and Supplier Spotlight sessions.
For the first time, the entire network of distributors, suppliers, and industry partners will come together at the General Session on Tuesday to explore industry trends, network priorities, and collective opportunities while reinforcing the value of alignment across the channel.
The annual event’s highly-valued, signature agenda items return, including 1:1 Meetings, Trade Show, Receptions, Network Lunch & Keynote Speaker, and Annual Dinner & After Party.
VIPAR Heavy Duty will also continue to honor industry friends and their contributions to the network and aftermarket through the IMPACT Memorial Golf Tournament. For the second year in a row, the beneficiary is the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501(c)(3) organization that supports people employed in the heavy duty aftermarket industry and their families during times of hardship. They will also host a trade show booth to provide information about both the giving and receiving missions of their organization.
"As the industry continues to evolve, the value of collaboration has never been greater," added Baer. "The IMPACT Conference provides a forum for our network to learn from one another, challenge conventional thinking, and uncover opportunities that help all of us succeed."
VIPAR Heavy Duty Names Dinex Emission Inc. a Strategic Partner
Dinex Emission Inc. has been named a VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner (VSP), joining a select group of network suppliers who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting VIPAR Heavy Duty distributors, fleet customers, and key initiatives throughout the heavy-duty aftermarket.
“Dinex has established itself as a trusted partner through its dedication to delivering quality emission and exhaust solutions for the commercial vehicle industry,” said Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management for VIPAR Heavy Duty. “As the industry continues to face evolving emission requirements, Dinex provides expertise that helps keep vehicles operating efficiently and in compliance. Our distributors rely on Dinex for dependable inventory availability, competitive pricing, and the responsive support they need to better serve their customers and grow their businesses. Dinex’s commitment to our distributor network and support of our fleet initiatives make them a valuable Strategic Partner.”
VIPAR Heavy Duty awards the Strategic Partner designation to suppliers who meet key criteria that contribute to the success of its stockholders. Measurable benchmarks include active support of fleets through the organization’s National Accounts Program, meaningful contributions of product content to PARTSPHERE PIM®, VIPAR Heavy Duty’s Product Information Management system, and offering comprehensive product programs that support both VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors.
Dinex is a strong supporter of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s annual IMPACT Conference, is a member of NEXUS Automotive North America, and is a contributor of high quality courses in the Nucleus Knowledge Center training platform.
"Being named a VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the collaborative relationship we've built with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. Their distributor network shares our commitment to keeping commercial vehicles running efficiently, and we look forward to deepening that partnership in the years ahead," said Noah Osborn, Director of Sales and National Accounts North America at Dinex Emission.
Suppliers that earn the VSP designation benefit from enhanced visibility and engagement opportunities, including special recognition and priority positioning at the IMPACT Conference, expanded branding across distributor touchpoints, and increased networking and collaboration with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies team and distributor members.
Dinex joins the VSP group alongside Baldwin Filters, Donaldson Company, East Penn, Grote, Prestone, Tectran, Tramec, and Truck-Lite and ECCO.
About Dinex Emission Inc.
Dinex is a leading global developer and manufacturer of exhaust and emission control solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial applications. With over 40 years of innovation and service to the OEM industry and the independent Aftermarket, Dinex delivers cutting-edge technologies, including catalytic converters, particulate filters, and SCR systems. For more information, visit www.dinex.us.
VIPAR Heavy Duty Announces Alex Rodriguez as Keynote Speaker for the 2026 IMPACT™ Conference
The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is pleased to announce that legendary athlete, entrepreneur and investor Alex Rodriguez will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 IMPACT™ Conference, taking place October 18-23 in Marco Island, Florida.
From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, Alex Rodriguez has built a career defined by high performance, transformation, and a relentless drive to succeed. During this fireside chat, Rodriguez will share lessons from more than two decades competing at the highest level of professional sports and his subsequent journey as an entrepreneur, investor and business leader. The discussion will explore leadership, building winning teams, preparation, mentorship, navigating change, and applying a championship mindset to business and life.
"We are thrilled to welcome Alex Rodriguez to the IMPACT Conference," said Jeff Paul, Executive Vice President, VIPAR Heavy Duty. "Alex's experiences as an elite athlete, successful entrepreneur, and respected business leader provide valuable perspectives that extend far beyond the game of baseball. From leadership and teamwork to resilience, preparation, and navigating change, he can cover a lot of bases when it comes to building winning teams and achieving sustained success."
The conversation will be moderated by Mariluz Cook, sideline reporter and host for the San Diego Padres Television Network.
Rodriguez is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs world-class startups and partners with leading global companies across real estate, sports, and entertainment.
While best known as one of baseball's greatest athletes, including 14-time MLB All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez has successfully transitioned into business leadership as Co-Chairman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.
He is also an Emmy Award-winning MLB analyst for Fox Sports, has appeared as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-hosts The Deal with Bloomberg Originals Chief Correspondent Jason Kelly, featuring conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and sports legends. His interactions inspire audiences to embrace challenges, push their limits, and make the next move that matters most in their personal and professional lives.
The IMPACT Conference is a weeklong event that brings together the heavy duty aftermarket industry's leading distributors, suppliers, industry associates and aftermarket professionals. In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will participate in business and industry updates, distributor roundtables, focus groups, a trade show, networking opportunities and more than 1,600 one-on-one distributor-supplier partner meetings. Designed to foster collaboration, strengthen relationships and spark new opportunities, the conference serves as a premier forum for advancing the future of the heavy duty aftermarket industry.
