BEDFORD, TEXAS – The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) 2009 Annual Convention will offer nine Industry Impact sessions focusing on a variety of relevant and significant automotive service and collision repair industry issues. The new Industry Impact sessions will continue ASA’s tradition of presenting the subjects that automotive service and collision repair professionals want and need. The flexible schedule of presentations Saturday, May 2, will allow attendees to map out a program that best suits their business needs. ASA’s Annual Convention will be held at the Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., April 30-May 2.

“The industry impact sessions add incredible value to the program for this year’s convention,” said Bill Haas, ASA’s vice president of education and training. “The day is dedicated to education and raising awareness on a variety of topics of great importance to anyone in the automotive service or collision repair communities. These sessions are further evidence of ASA’s commitment to prepare shop owners and their employees for tomorrow and beyond.”
            
The Industry Impact sessions available for automotive service attendees are:
• Advanced Technology Powertrains – Electric, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Systems: The Impact on the Automotive Aftermarket
• ASA’s Mechanical Division Update
• Parts Quality Panel Discussion
• The Future of Telematics and Independent Service Shops
          
The Industry Impact sessions available for collision repair attendees are:
• Waterborne Paint Panel Discussion
• Crash Parts – “What I Need, When I Need It … Will It Work?”
• ASA’s Collision Division Update
• SEO and Internet Marketing for the Collision Repair Facility
• High-Strength Steels and Alternative Metals
               
Additional highlights of the 2009 agenda include the ASA board of directors meeting; a State of the Association address by Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive; an affiliate assembly meeting; a benefit provider networking reception; three Automotive Management Institute (AMI) seminars; a keynote presentation by Meagan Johnson; and ASA’s annual Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, which will again host the AMI graduation ceremony.
           
Members who register before the early-bird deadline of March 31 will enjoy significant savings.

Complete details on all sessions, including instructor names and session times, are available at www.ASAshop.org/Annual09/meetings.htm. In addition to providing a secure, convenient registration option, the website also includes a list of sponsors, education courses, daily agendas and additional details about networking functions.