More than 300 aftermarket professionals are expected at the 2019 Vision Conference, which convenes Wednesday, April 3, at The Henry, Dearborn, Michigan. The conference is presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association(AASA).
This year’s conference sessions will examine critical aftermarket business issues including:
- The Road to Achieving Freedom of Choice for the Aftermarket
- The Great Tariff Debate
- Repairing High-Tech Vehicles
- Three Competing Views of How the Aftermarket Will Unfold in 2019-2020
Vision Conference attendees will receive a preview of the groundbreaking analysis conducted by AASA and Roland Berger, one of the leading global consultancy firms, on how new distribution and service models will impact the aftermarket. Barry Neal, Roland Berger partner, operations strategy advisory for automotive and industrial clients, will discuss the new business models being pursued by both current aftermarket players and new “digital giants” in his Vision presentation, “The ‘New Retail’ Future of the Aftermarket (and How to Win).” The full report, slated for publication later this year, will be available exclusively to AASA members.
Also on the agenda is the announcement of the winner of the AASA Channel Excellence Award presented by Epicor. The following finalists are competing for the award: Brake Parts Inc / Genuine Parts Co.; Gates Corp. / XL Parts; and Tenneco / Parts Warehouse Inc.
The 2019 event opens on tonight with an industry networking reception at The Henry Ford Museum. The conference convenes the morning of April 3 at The Henry. The conference finale will feature an AASA member-only segment, featuring Mark Finestone, executive vice president of merchandising for AutoZone, as the “Customer Spotlight” speaker, and also includes a presentation by Adam Goetsch director of automotive for Amazon.
Special thanks to AASA Vision Conference supporters: Epicor Software Corp. and APA Search, AutoNetTV Media, Corcentric, Experian, Gold Eagle, IHS Markit, Interact One, MontAd Media, N.A. Williams, OptiCat, Paramount Data Management GmbH, Plante Moran, Snap36, Surys, Syndigo and Tasco Sales Reps.
