KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) says its annual International Convention & Tradeshow, which was held July 31 to Aug. 3, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., was a record-setting event this year. The theme for this year’s event, “Technology and Training for Today’s Clean Diesel," underscored five days of educational seminars, panel discussions, social events and boasted the largest tradeshow in ADS history. This year’s event featured 163 booths, including a record 22 first-time exhibitors. The tradeshow floor was completely sold out.
"I am incredibly pleased with this year’s convention," said newly elected ADS president Andy Girres. "We held five days of very well-attended seminars and exhibits that ran the gamut from technology training to entertainment."
Seminars included presentations by leading industry manufacturers, technical discussions on turbochargers, a technical presentation by Luis Ruiz, of Mechanic’s Education Association (MEA), on TDI diesels and a technical seminar on diesel emissions controls presented by Tony Salas, ADS director of training. A business management seminar explored what you don’t know but should about HR and David Mulvey from the Disney Institute explored Disney’s approach to business excellence, an engaging look into business strategies and practices to improve organizational performance.
In addition to the educational opportunities, attendees were able to participate in various social and networking events, including the popular Forerunner’s networking event for the industry’s next generation of leaders 40 years old and younger. A highlight of the week was the closing event at Disney World’s Epcot Center. Attendees were treated to dinner at the American pavilion followed by a spectacular fireworks display and laser light show.
The next ADS International Convention & Tradeshow is scheduled for July 30 – Aug. 2, 2013, at Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, Calif.
To view the 2012 Convention presentations, picture gallery and the virtual tradeshow, visit the ADS website at www.diesel.org/ads-2012convention.
