The 2017 Technology Conference, hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), opened yesterday with a patriotic tribute to communities impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico, featuring a local acappella quartet.
Following the opening ceremonies, AASA announced it would make a special donation to the Aftermarket Charitable Foundation in addition to its annual support to assist aftermarket businesses and employees in the impacted areas and urged members to support the foundation’s efforts.
More than 200 automotive aftermarket professionals attended the 2017 conference, setting a new attendance record for the technology event.
“Our presentations and speakers are addressing issues at the leading edge of technology in our industry,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “We’ve devoted our agenda this year to the major emerging trends so that attendees can gain strategies to enable their companies to seize opportunities with these new technologies.”
Attendees at the event, which continues today, include IT/IS, engineers, data/catalog managers, customer service, web developers, forecasting and marketing from suppliers, WDs, retailers, technology and service providers. The conference’s interactive agenda allows participants to compare ideas with manufacturers and channel partners and develop connections with leading technology executives in the aftermarket.
Keynote presentation topics at the conference will highlight:
- Trump Effect on Technology and IT
- Predicting Part Performance & Failure
- Virtual Reality: Is It the Next Big Marketing Tool?
- Global Data: Where Is It Headed?
- e-Tailing: The Fastest Growing Channel
- Shifting Repair Shops from One-off to Servicing Fleets
In addition, the AASA Technology Conference will feature Technology Tracks focused on marketing/B2B, heavy-duty and information technology. Live demonstrations of new technology, including virtual reality, mobile apps, dongles and more are scheduled. These include technology from demonstration sponsor Schaeffler, displays by Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Hunter Engineering, Innova, Launch Tech USA and Parts Intelligence. The popular spotlight sessions on AASA member company DENSO and aftermarket customer O’Reilly Auto Parts also are on the agenda.
The 2017 Conference sponsors are Pricedex Software, Automotive Distribution Network, Autologue, Corcentric, ChannelAdvisor, DSS, Edgenet, Epicor, Experian, Extend Performance, GCommerce, IHS Markit, InterTrade, JNP Soft, MAM Software, OptiCat, Parts Intelligence, Phocas, SAP Hybris, Schaeffler, SD Data Center, Snap36, Stibo, TecAlliance and WHI.
