CHICAGO – The 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead” when it convenes on Wednesday, May 18 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. The day-and-a-half-event concludes at noon on Thursday, May 19. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the event that annually gathers the leaders of the automotive aftermarket for education and networking opportunities. 
“We all see the economy picking up, which has resulted in more optimism in the aftermarket,” said Dave Caracci, GAAS chairman. "GAAS 2011 speakers will focus on the bright future of our industry and what it will take to succeed in the next five to 10 years."
Speakers already set to address GAAS 2011 include:
Tony Cristello, BB&T Capital Markets
David Cole, Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
Chris Chesney, CARQUEST Technical Institute
David Portalatin, NPD
William Strauss, Chicago Federal Reserve.
In addition, two panel discussions have already been organized with Ed Szubielski of Federal-Mogul leading a presentation on the Latin America aftermarket; and Donna Wagner, Northwood University online professor, serving as the moderator for a state of the industry panel on women in the aftermarket.
A complete agenda of all speakers and panelists will be available soon at www.globalsymposium.org.
Industry leaders can also stay connected with the event through social media at Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.
