RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has announced the rescheduling of its second annual Vision Conference to Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17-18, 2009, at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, in Rosemont, Ill.
“We have changed from our original conference dates in an accommodation to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) to avoid a conflict with its 2009 event schedule,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA.
Based on member feedback from the AASA Vision Conference 2008, the 2009 event will be concentrated into one, information-packed day, allowing members to participate and gain the valuable insights from peers and industry leaders with minimal time away from their businesses.
"Our Vision Conference will continue to be focused exclusively on the top aftermarket industry issues from the supplier’s perspective," Handschuh noted.
AASA Vision Conference 2009, exclusive to AASA member companies, will kick-off with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, following meetings of the AASA Board of Governors and AASA councils.
The program will begin on Wednesday morning, March 18, with keynote addresses by aftermarket retailers and distributors, best practice presentations by members and panel discussions of trends and challenges affecting automotive aftermarket suppliers.
Potential keynote topics include: Exploring New International Opportunities, Lessons Learned from a Global Automotive Supplier, How Washington Affects the Aftermarket Business Environment, Re-inventing to Stay on the Leading Edge, Telematics and other Technologies on the Horizon, Establishing a Strong Position with Customers, Services & Products – A Two-Prong Approach.
As in the 2008 event, participants will chose one of three "Vision Workgroup Sessions" to participate in roundtable discussions focused on key issues and initiatives for the association and its members.
Details about the AASA Vision 2009 Conference, including keynote speakers, panelists, Vision Workgroup Sessions and online registration, will be available soon at the Conference Web site: www.aasavision.org.
