RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Participants in the “Executive Session” at the AASA Vision Conference 2009 will be the first to gain insights into the future of the global automotive aftermarket. The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will present AASA Vision Conference 2009, its annual membership meeting, on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17-18, at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill.
McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm, will facilitate the Vision Workgroup Executive Session on Wednesday, March 18. The results of its in-depth analysis of the U.S. aftermarket’s future over the next five to seven years will be discussed in the session.
The firm’s Automotive & Assembly practice conducted comprehensive research involving a survey of more than 1,500 consumers, interviews with industry experts and executives, and detailed analysis of key forces shaping the industry. McKinsey will share the research project results with AASA members at the Vision Conference 2009 and provide perspectives on potential winning strategies for aftermarket stakeholders.
Seating for the McKinsey & Co. Executive Session is limited and will be assigned on first come, first served basis. The AASA Vision Conference is a members-only event and interested participants are urged to register for the Vision Conference and Executive Session soon.
The Executive Session is one of four breakout discussions focused on key issues and initiatives for the association and its members. Other topics include: Globalization: Opportunities and Threats, presented by Ernst & Young; Product and Data Management, presented by Bob Moore & Partners; and Warranties/Returns/Excess Inventory.
The AASA Vision Conference 2009 will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. The program will begin on the morning of Wednesday, March 18.
Keynote speakers are:
• Todd Hack, president of CARQUEST Corp
• Dr. Martin Regalia, vice president and chief economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Christopher Guith, vice president of policy, Institute for 21st Century Energy
• Greg Henslee, CEO and co-president, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO, will present “The State of the Aftermarket” at the opening of the Vision Conference, followed by the “AASA Chairman’s Report.”
The 2009 event also will feature Member Spotlight Breakout Sessions. Attendees can attend one of four breakout sessions, in which fellow members will share experiences, successful initiatives and best practices that resulted in reduced costs, improved efficiencies or increased market share. They are:
• Connecting with Professional Technicians
• Growing Market Share in a Challenging Environment
• Coping with Rising Raw Material Costs
• Affecting Change in Washington
For more details about the AASA Vision Conference 2009, including the full agenda, visit the AASA Vision Conference website, www.aasavision.org. Hotel reservations also can be made at the AASA Vision Conference website.
