The Blurring Lines Of Aftermarket Distribution To Be Addressed At 8th Annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue Conference

Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the commercial vehicle division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), announces a new panel discussion at the 8th annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue (HDAD) conference entitled: The Blurring Lines of Aftermarket Distribution.

The aftermarket is a sought-after market, whether it pertains to dealers, distributors, auto parts chains, engine distributors or independent garages. Dealers are opening independent stores, and independents are adding to their networks. The channels of distribution are blurring as business models are changing to increase customer reach and grow market share. We will hear first-hand how this market is changing and what further blurring we can expect in the future.

In the discussion led by Tim Kraus, president & COO of HDMA and John Blodgett, VP of sales & marketing for MacKay & Company, industry experts will provide insights into their aftermarket distribution channels. Our panelists, Chris Baer of VIPAR Heavy Duty, Ryan Hadley of Premier Truck Group, Greg Klein of Inland Truck Parts, and Tom Wiers of Wiers, will explore the traditional and non-traditional aspects of their respective business models, including selling fleet-direct, channel crossover, the e-commerce market, and the composition of the future channel.

Additional HDAD sessions will feature individual presenters and separate distribution executive panel discussions with primary topics that include:

• The Real-World View: A Global Perspective
•  Trade Policy & Impacts on the Aftermarket
•  The Global Economic Overview
•  Aftermarket Industry Economy & Outlook
•  Future Aftermarket Technology
•  Parts & Service: The Fleets’ Perspective

HDAD will be held on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020 from 7:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. in the Texas Ballroom at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. The conference is co-presented by HDMA and MacKay & Company and will immediately precede Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2020.

Conference registration is now open. It is intended to facilitate networking with industry peers and will include digital presentation materials, breakfast, breaks, a networking luncheon, and the HDAW 2020 All-Industry Reception. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 to prepare for the conference’s start time of 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. For more information about HDAD 2020 and to register, please visit www.hdma.org.