Register Now For ToolTech 2015

MARENGO, Ill. – The Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) says it is finalizing its speaker lineup for ToolTech 2015, which takes place April 13-16 at the Radisson Hotel and Suites in Downtown Austin, Texas.

The event is being built around this year’s theme, “The Connected Vehicle: Opportunities and Challenges.” Information and technology play a key role in the ever-changing automotive repair industry, affecting the future of tool and equipment companies in significant ways. ETI’s ToolTech 2015 will inform attendees about the connected car evolution through speaker presentations, discussion groups, networking and other dialogue, and also will provide a forum to explore and address opportunities and challenges within today’s automotive aftermarket.

Below are some of the presentations already confirmed:

Monday, April 13, 2015 – 3:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker – Eliot Hoppe
The Science of Silence – Can You Hear Your Body Talk?
Interactive and highly informative keynote program designed to introduce attendees to the silent language of influence and how actions can motivate and persuade others to comply with ease. Through live demonstrations and video examples, each segment will lay the foundation on how what we see and hear can influence both positive and negative outcomes in our ability to be successful in both our professional and personal lives.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Update on the Telematics Task Force/Vehicle Gateway/OE-Aftermarket Initiatives
The Connected Car – What is the Role of Cellular Network Providers?
Cellular network providers like Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are expanding their capability portfolios and services into vehicle connectivity, including real-time diagnostic information and data analytics. Most of this work has been with vehicle manufacturers and Tier One suppliers, but what about the aftermarket? Since a majority of vehicle repairs are performed on older vehicles, it makes sense that retrofitting older vehicles with telematics-based diagnostics and prognostics potentially could develop into a huge market. Diagnostics on older vehicles is different than on new vehicles. As parts age, failure trends change and have less to do with improperly designed parts that fail early and more to do with normal failure due to long-term wear. The experts in developing multiple brand aftermarket diagnostics are ETI member information providers and scan tool manufacturers. ETI members and cellular network providers need to work together at some level to make sure that both industries make the best of each other’s capabilities. This panel will consist of cellular network providers working on vehicle connectivity with the intent of creating new vehicle and aftermarket applications.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Meeting the Needs of OEM Repairs in Collision Today
Panel Discussion
Impact of Telematics on Aftermarket Shops
Question-and-answer session with a panel of shop owners, technicians and training managers discussing the impact of telematics on their shops and their business and the industry challenges they face.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Evolving Telematics – It is said that knowledge is power. It also has been said there is strength in numbers. Today, our businesses operate in a time of unprecedented data management. Plan to attend for a look at the “bigger picture” that telematics presents and how to best prepare to capitalize on these opportunities.
OEM Personnel Discussion Panel
Question-and-answer session with key OEM personnel

ETI’s ToolTech event will also offer the opportunity to engage in productive discussions, exchange useful information on a variety of topics and issues, and network with industry insiders and peers through: