EDWARDS, Mo. – The Automotive Communication Council (ACC) reports that it successfully combined education and cultural experiences at its 2015 annual conference, held April 14-16 in Austin, Texas. The event included keynote speeches from automotive marketing speakers and provided an introduction to the council’s five new “learning tracks.” The meeting also featured an interactive presentation by Thomas Gimbel, general manager of the legendary “Austin City Limits,” at Austin’s historic Maggie Mae’s.

“Our event created an open environment for mentoring, networking and taking in some once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said ACC President Lance Boldt, AutoNet TV. “Between our dynamic speakers, enthused membership and cultural experiences, I believe the ACC delivered a valuable, memorable event that delivered real take-aways for our attendees.”

Nearly a dozen speakers provided actionable insights into topics that included event marketing, promotional strategies, video marketing, targeted promotions through data analytics and a look into iATN, the world’s largest automotive technician forum. A technician panel, comprised of three shop owners from Austin, provided members with an opportunity for Q&A with those making buying decisions. This year’s uniquely Austin networking opportunities included an evening river cruise, highlighted by the flight of 1.2 million bats – the largest urban bat colony in the world – from the Congress Street Bridge.

A new highlight of the meeting was the introduction of ACC’s new “learning tracks” for members. The track concept is designed to engage and mentor ACC members while supporting and growing the council, which is uniquely operated by its membership. The learning tracks provide opportunities for members to lend their professional expertise to the management and operations of ACC, in the fields of communications, meetings and events, membership, data analytics and strategy/management.

At the conclusion of the event, the ACC made a small but positive impact on the local community. Throughout the conference, attendees collected their unused complimentary toiletries from the hotel, and donated the supplies to the ARCH homeless shelter in downtown Austin.