Headshot image of renowned sailor Dawn Riley


DPA Buying Group is pleased to announce that world-class sailor and leadership expert Dawn Riley will deliver the keynote address at its 2026 Annual Buying & Networking conference.

Drawing from her extensive experience in high-performance sailing and team leadership, her keynote—aligning with this year's "Charting the Course" theme—will offer practical insights into navigating challenges, building strong teams, and executing with precision. These critical concepts are directly applicable to today's business environment.

Over the course of her career, Riley has competed at the highest levels of international sailing and built a reputation as a skilled strategist and leader. Among her most notable accomplishments are:

  • Competed in four America's Cup campaigns, including serving as a key member of a winning team
  • Watch captain aboard Maiden in the Whitbread Round the World Race
  • Skippered and led professional sailing teams in elite global competitions
  • Recipient of the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award
  • Inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame
  • Founder and executive leader of organizations dedicated to developing the next generation of sailing talent


In addition to her competitive achievements, Riley is a sought-after speaker who translates lessons from elite competition into actionable business strategies. Her presentations focus on leadership under pressure, adaptability, accountability, and teamwork—core principles that closely align with the goals of DPA members.

"Dawn Riley's experience navigating complex, high-stakes environments makes her an ideal keynote for this year's theme," says Zac Haines, DPA CEO. "Her perspective on leadership and execution will resonate strongly with our members as they continue to chart their course in a dynamic marketplace."

The DPA 2026 Annual Buying & Networking Conference will bring together distributor members and supplier partners for meaningful connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussion, culminating in a keynote designed to inspire and inform. Riley will speak on Tuesday, May 19, and attendees can expect an engaging and insightful session with ideas they can immediately apply within their organizations.