05/21/2026
The in Oklahoma City has come to an end. It was great to reconnect with friends, customers, suppliers, industry leaders, and fellow GAWDA members while participating in an event filled with exceptional content, keynote speakers, educational sessions, and memorable networking opportunities.
This year’s conference welcomed:
• 204 Distributor Companies
• 450 Supplier Representatives
• 700 attendees, including families and guests
EQUIGAS, Inc. was proud to sponsor both the Mobile App and the Newcomers Event. Our CEO, Rafael Arvelo, proudly served as a GAWDA Guide throughout the conference, because helping others connect and succeed is simply what we do.
- Manley Feinberg II, CSP: Leadership Through the Lens of a Professional Alpinist
His presentation provided powerful lessons applicable both in business and in life:
• Courage is Contagious
• Declare Your Current Climb
• Get on Belay
• Master the Art of the Restart
• Put Others on the Summit First
At EQUIGAS, these principles resonate deeply. Every day, we help our customers reach their own summit by keeping their Operations Running.
- Anese Cavanaugh: She challenged attendees to evaluate their leadership Presence and recognize how their Energy, Attitude, and Interactions directly influence Relationships, Productivity, Culture, and Performance. A powerful reminder that leadership begins with how we show up every day.
This year’s conference theme, “The Human Advantage in the Digital Age,” chosen by our GAWDA President Allison Earlbeck, could not have been more relevant. We embrace AI and digital tools to improve productivity and streamline processes. But what truly differentiates us is our people:
- We show up, We step up, and We bring 100% Energy.
- Most importantly, WE ANSWER THE PHONE!
Because this industry is built on Relationships, Trust, Expertise, Responsiveness, and an Unwavering Commitment to SAFETY. When customers need support, they don’t want to talk to a robot, they want to speak with people who genuinely care about THEM, their business, their operations, and their success.
We look forward to seeing everyone again soon and continuing to move our industry forward... Together.