2026 SAMA Annual Conference Session

Session 120 – Prove It or Lose It: Defending your KAM program with data

Date(s):
  • May 19, 20262:15 pm3:30 pm
  • May 20, 202610:00 am11:15 am
Session Info:
Track: SAM Program Design, Structure, and Management

Most organizations believe that key account management is important. Far fewer can prove its impact.

As executive teams demand measurable outcomes and enterprise AI initiatives require structured data, KAM leaders are increasingly being asked to answer difficult questions:

  • Is the program actually driving growth?
  • Which accounts are producing measurable return?
  • Where should we invest more resources and where should we stop?

This session focuses on how KAM leaders can prove and defend the ROI of their programs inside large organizations. 

We will explore how leading companies are:

  • Translating KAM outcomes into language executives understand.
  • Using technology to generate portfolio-level insights instead of static account plans.
  • Building cross-functional value by turning key account intelligence into strategy inputs for marketing, product, and leadership.
  • Creating structured data that not only proves ROI today but also future-proofs the KAM program for the AI-driven enterprise.

Attendees will leave with practical frameworks they can use to quantify impact, influence executives, and secure long-term investment in their KAM programs.

Jerry Alderman

Jerry Alderman

Founder and CEO

Valkre

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Molly Hite

Molly Hite

Sr. Business Operations Manager

Ecolab

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Brad Aufdenberg

Brad Aufdenberg

Vice President of Sales Operations

Ecolab

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