BETHESDA, Md. – The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) reports that 62 distributors have committed to participate in the AWDA Annual Business and Education Conference, that will be held in November in conjunction with AAPEX in Las Vegas. This level of distributor participation is the highest in four years, says AWDA.

"AWDA’s 2009 conference performance serves to confirm that aftermarket distributors and manufacturers understand current market conditions may present the best opportunity in years for expanding market share, offering new product lines and seeking out customers that have traditionally been served by OE dealers," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

"At a time when uncertainty rules so much of the automotive industry, AWDA’s members are making a statement that traditional distribution is not only alive and well, but growing!" said AWDA chairman Rusty Bishop, Federated Auto Parts Distributors. "That statement will echo throughout AWDA’s conference and out onto the AAPEX show floor this November."

"As AWDA increases its conference registrations, they will deliver scores of high-powered buyers to the AAPEX exhibitors," said Schmatz. "AWDA’s distributor members move a substantial percentage of all aftermarket parts used by independent repair facilities. Their presence on the AAPEX show floor greatly enhances exhibitor value."

The AWDA Business and Education Conference will be held Nov. 1 and 2 at The Venetian Hotel immediately prior to the AAPEX show in Las Vegas.

For more information about the AWDA Conference, visit http://www.aftermarket.org/Segments/awda/AWDAConference.aspx or call 301-654-6664.