ORLANDO, Fla. – The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance tri-annual convention for its Auto Value and Bumper-to-Bumper affiliated distributors, stores and service centers sold out one of Orlando’s best convention properties. The Group said the overwhelming attendance numbers this year required administrators to invoke their back-up plan to accommodate the overflow demand.
According to John Washbish, president and CEO of the Alliance, “We expected that we might sell out the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort so we contracted with the Rosen Group on a number of other nearby properties. When our Aftermarket Magic convention reached capacity at Rosen Shingle our people went to Plan B to accommodate the overflow. We never want to turn away any customers, channel partners or shareholders at an Alliance function.”
Dubbed “Aftermarket Magic,” the convention opens today and will feature 34 seminars, informative product exhibits, exciting giveaways, motivational speakers and dynamic entertainment, according to the Alliance.
“Our intent was to create an environment where everyone in the supply chain could interact and learn both from experts and one another. Oh, and having a heck of a good time was also a requirement,” said Washbish.
Seminar topics will range from techniques to motivate employees to improving customer relationships, and from product and technical seminars to using social media and the Internet to promote your business. Plus, there will be a booth show featuring more than 190 major aftermarket suppliers.
Of the nearly 3,000 registered attendees, 15 percent are exhibiting manufacturers; 25 percent are from the warehouse distribution level; 30 percent are parts store employees and owners; and 30 percent are shop owners, managers and technicians, the Alliance said.
Stay tuned for more coverage of this week’s Alliance convention from Mark Phillips, editor of Counterman magazine.
