by Amy Antenora
Editor, aftermarketNews.com

DETROIT -- Aftermarket professionals attend industry events like the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) to gather new tools for improving business, but we all know, cocktail hour is the real highlight of events like this. This year’s Global Symposium is no different.

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) kicked off the 2006 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in style with the AASA Opening Pitch Reception held Tuesday night at the Henry Ford Museum. The event, sponsored by Ernst & Young, was centered around the traveling exhibit “Baseball as America” and featured two special guests -- baseball legends Al Kaline and Brooks Robinson – who took photos and chatted with attendees. In addition to the typical cocktail party fare, popular baseball game treats like hotdogs, popcorn and Goodbars were also on the menu.

aftermarketNews took the opportunity to talk to a few aftermarket execs at the event and ask the burning question: What are you drinking tonight?

(from left to right)
Arlene Davis, AAIA: “Chardonnay.”

John Washbish, Affinia: “Jack and water because they didn’t have any good bourbon.”

Barbara Cunningham, AAIA: “Vodka tonic.”

Lonnie Mayne, Affinia: “Water.”

John Brunke, Affinia: “Red wine.”

Don James, Continental Teves: “Vodka and cranberry.”

David Mestdaugh, Continental Teves: “I was drinking wine then I switched to club soda.”

We hoped our informal survey would reveal some key trends about what aftermarket imbibers prefer, whether its beer, wine or the hard stuff, and one thing was made clear, aftermarket professionals enjoy a good cocktail. Cheers!

Counterman Editor Brian Cruickshank and Managing Editor Michael Freeze contributed to this report.