Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week ’21 (HDAW ’21) conference organizers have announced “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.” as the theme for the virtual conference to be held Monday, Jan. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. With newly elected co-chairs Drew Hofley, senior vice president, sales, Americas of Accuride Corporation and Andy Robblee, president of Six Robblees’ Inc. to represent the needs of suppliers and distributors alike, HDAW’s education offerings will serve as a focal point to guide the independent heavy duty aftermarket industry through a world globally disrupted by COVID-19.
Through this year’s virtual platform, teams will still experience critical networking through one-on-one business meetings designed to match distributors with priority suppliers, education and product launches — without having to worry about travel or safety logistics. Real-time deal-making will move from on the floor to online, with the same bottom-line-boosting result.
“It’s safe to say that one year ago, no one had any idea what challenges 2020 would present when we were all creating budgets, strategies and tactics to achieve our plans,” said Hofley, HDAW’s supplier chair. “But I believe we can all be proud that the heavy duty trucking industry has helped lead the nation during this crisis. I have always maintained that HDAW is one of the top three industry events of the year, and its importance will be even more critical to kick off 2021 on the right foot.”
“We are never more successful than when we join in partnership, regardless of the challenge,” added Robblee, who is also responsible for developing HDAW’s 2021 theme and education program. “In this year of drastic change, HDAW is exactly what we distributors need to stay out front, and as many of us know, preparedness leads to success. HDAW isn’t just one way to get ready for what the future holds — it’s the way.”
Education sessions planned for the 2021 event will focus on how to ramp up e-commerce capabilities, improve hands-free measures and leverage virtual technology to build customer relationships. A complete line-up of sessions will be announced soon.
Historically, HDAW has hosted more than 2,500 heavy-duty aftermarket professionals for four days of education workshops and product training. The conference traditionally features a Product Expo with the latest and greatest heavy-duty parts and services on display, as well as one-on-ones, various networking opportunities, and social activities to give the industry quality opportunities to collaborate, connect and get business done.
Registration for HDAW 2021 is now open. Visit hdaw.org for more information and to register.
