In today’s AMN Executive Interview, we hear from John Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (The Alliance). This week, in conjunction with the AAPEX and SEMA Shows in Las Vegas, The Alliance is hosting its triennial convention, dubbed “Aftermarket Jackpot,” and bringing with it some 4,000 customers.
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is holding its triennial convention in conjunction with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week this year. What was the reasoning behind that decision?
The main idea behind this approach is to generate greater interest among service centers to attend both the show and our convention. Our conventions have always sold out in terms of total attendance but we’ve felt we could do better when it comes to getting more shop owners to attend. Remember, none of us make a dime until a part gets put on a car. When you consider that DIFM is the preponderance of the business in general and the vast majority of our business at the Alliance, getting shops to an event that is rich in education, motivation and association with peers is essential.
They will sell more parts. That was the primary reason for the decision.
We also felt it was good for our supplier channel partners. Rather than having to attend another event in another city a few months later, they can efficiently kill two birds with one stone and make much more efficient use of their time and booth space here in Las Vegas. In most cases, suppliers don’t need to extend their stay in Vegas at all to get the added benefit of productive, pre-arranged meetings with our customers.
If I’m not mistaken, this is the first time a program group has held its convention in conjunction with Industry Week. Is that so and how many are attending the convention?
Yes, I believe you are correct that this is a first. It is a good way for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to support the Auto Care Association and AASA for the great work they do in putting on this incredible show. Our customers get exposed to the best exhibits, the latest products and all the best people. Our own polling tells us that some 70 percent of those folks would not have attended this show if not for our convention. We have about 4,000 people in attendance representing some 1,500 different businesses.
This includes our shareholders and their jobbers and service centers from all over the world. Importantly, the number of shop owners attending is more than triple what we’ve had at our conventions in the past. We also are proud to have over 30 Northwood University student interns working with us. In our view, consolidating events like this helps everyone in the industry.
You mentioned people from all over the world. Who and from where specifically?
The Alliance has quite an impressive global representation. First, we have our shareholders from Canada and Mexico. From beyond these shores, we have members of Temot International, our sister group doing business in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We are particularly proud to have a large contingent representing AutoWorks, the Temot member from Israel. They have over 20 stores and shops in attendance. We are delighted to have a large turnout from our newest global initiative, the China Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (CAAPA). The managing director, all of the Shanghai headquarters staff and 12 of the shareholders are here with us.
Many in the industry have been watching what the Alliance is doing in China with CAAPA. How is that initiative going?
There has been a lot going on. We have recently staffed the three key leadership positions at headquarters in Shanghai with the general manager, director of information technology and director of product and marketing. We have more than tripled the shareholder membership since our initial startup and we have officially introduced the Auto Value and Parts Master brands in China.
I think though what is most gratifying is the reception and support that CAAPA is getting from our supplier channel partners. We are pleased to have the likes of Wix, Gates, Delphi, Schaeffler Group, Conti, Nissens, WAI Global and Bosch on board. These forward-thinking suppliers see the growth potential in the world’s fastest-growing aftermarket. Yes, we really have been able to accomplish something special in China.
In addition to the activities at the shows, what other plans do you have for you attendees?
Clearly, the shows are the stars and we are happy to facilitate the attendance of literally hundreds of aftermarket businesses who otherwise might not be here for Industry Week. As I mentioned earlier, we have arranged and pre-scheduled meetings for our guests with over 82 participating supplier channel partners. These in-booth sessions will be bilateral learning experiences, with product and technical content for customers and street info for our channel partners. Additionally, we are running about a dozen different educational/training seminars specific to Alliance products and programs on Friday at SEMA. On Saturday, we have a terrific town hall panel discussion planned with thought-leaders from around the aftermarket regarding the future for shops and stores. But we also are having some fun. There will be food, beverages and entertainment, including a performance by “the Hemi guy” and host of “Are You Faster Than a Redneck,” Jon Reep. There are side trips for spouses like a visit to the Hoover Dam and a shopping extravaganza. Also, on Saturday morning as our big finale, we are giving away a customized 1969 Mustang Muscle Car. It’s definitely the Aftermarket Jackpot!
