Will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. The AAPEX Forum Sessions are free-of-charge, open to everyone and are first-come, first-serve.

Although some sessions are recommended for specific aftermarket audiences, anyone is welcome to attend any session. The “who should attend” recommendations describe the target audience who will benefit most from that session.

AVI Technical Training:

The technical training program for installers, technicians and shop owners is offered by Automotive-Video, Inc. (AVI), on Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Venetian Hotel, Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1. There is a fee and registration is required. For more information CLICK HERE.

For the AVI shedule CLICK HERE

Continuing Education Unit - CEU:

All AAPEX Learning Forum education sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the AAP and MAAP professional designations.

AAPEX 2012 Learning Forum

Click to view each day's sessions.

Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 | Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 | Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 | Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012

Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 * Full Day of Learning Forum Sessions Added *

1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Outlook for Fuel and Raw Material Costs: How it Impacts Everyone in the Aftermarket

Speaker: Jason Schenker, Prestige Economics, LLC

It is no secret that gasoline and diesel prices have a direct impact on vehicle miles driven and aftermarket product demand. A major unknown, however, is how escalating raw materials and fuel costs will impact the future of the aftermarket supply chain and aftermarket distribution channel partners. Market conditions have constrained retail pricing power on aftermarket products, while input costs have continued to rise in a very volatile manner. Are we headed for a crisis? Well-known and respected economist Jason Schenker (an award-winning “Bloomberg Best” forecaster across eight commodity categories including oil prices) will share Prestige Economics’ top-rated forecasts and provide insights as to what everyone who makes a living in the aftermarket needs to know about the risks and realities of future commodity and fuel prices.

Attendees will learn:

Where should we expect fuel and material prices to go in 2013 and beyond.
What impact fuel and raw material prices will have on the aftermarket in the coming year.
What impact fuel and raw material prices will have on the long-term future of the aftermarket.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

The Partnership Path to Brand Differentiation & Success!

Speaker: Jackie DeLise, Vermillion Consulting

Bringing a brand to life is challenging work and can only be successful through the power of a partnership: manufacturers with innovative products, brand marketers with savvy strategic insights, distributors as supply chain leaders and design agencies with visual prowess to emotionally connect with consumers. Understanding how a brand transforms from Good to Great is important for every partner in the supply chain – especially in today’s society full of “synthetic” communications/social media mania and crowd sourced decision making, where it can put you at the apex of consumer preferential choice over the competition.

Attendees will learn:

How to create a new brand platform to enter new categories/channels of distribution.
How to refresh an existing brand's competitive category advantage.
How to maintain a brand's relevance over time (evolutionary vs. revolutionary).

Who should attend: This session is recommended for manufacturers, warehouse distributors and retailers.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sponsored by MEMA Brand Protection Committee

Intellectual Property: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Speaker: Sarah Bruno, Arent Fox

Intellectual Property, or IP, is often thought of as synonymous with counterfeit products. However, IP extends well past counterfeiting to include ownership of patents, trademarks, trade dress, proprietary process and much more. Unlike many things in life, what you do not know about protecting and/or respecting intellectual property can indeed hurt you, as ignorance has been proven to not be a legitimate defense in the eyes of the court. The law firm Arent Fox is a specialist on all things related to IP in many industries, including the automotive aftermarket. This seminar will address not only how to protect your own IP but also how to protect yourself from being an unknowing participant in unlawful activities.

Attendees will learn:

What is considered intellectual property.
How to protect your IP as well as yourself from unintended IP violations.
How look for and make an IP claim at AAPEX.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch: Why and How to Define and Nurture Your Company Culture

Speaker: Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

Get on a Southwest flight to anywhere, buy shoes from Zappos.com, groceries from Whole Foods, or a Double-Double from In N’ Out and you’ll get a taste of these brands’ vibrant cultures. Culture is a balanced blend of human psychology, attitudes, actions and beliefs that combined create either pleasure or pain, serious momentum or miserable stagnation. A strong culture flourishes with a clear set of values and norms that actively guide the way a company operates. Performance-oriented cultures possess statistically better financial growth, with high employee involvement, strong internal communication and an acceptance of a healthy level of risk-taking in order to achieve new levels of innovation. Building a strong culture takes hard work and true commitment. In this session, learn the benefits and basic building blocks of a strong culture in order to realize long term business success.

Attendees will learn:

Culture is one of the most important business drivers.
The significant benefits of a vibrant culture.
The basic building blocks of a strong culture.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sprechen Sie Brand?

Speaker: Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

Brands are like people and people are like brands. And like people, many brands fall short of reaching their full potential and many well-intentioned ideas get lost on their way to implementation. Some brands become paralyzed before the first step, while others simply fail to weave the brand ideals throughout the company and as a result, the brand becomes a statement that simply lives on websites and corporate documents, rather than everyday operations. This session will cover how brand can make your company successful by providing strategic clarity.

Attendees will learn:

How to define your brand.
How to build your brand.
How to grow your brand.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The New Aftermarket: We Have an App for That

Speaker: Derek Kaufman, C3 Network, Inc.

Mobility is the future of business – more business is conducted in real time and between graphically dispersed situations than ever before. Mobile applications that can address specific business needs – such as sales force automation, logistics and customer service - can generate revenue and facilitate reaching potential customers, partners and suppliers. Companies adopting these applications will see increased productivity and return-on-investment based on new ways of doing business for the rapidly changing marketplace. In this session, learn about the trends in business mobile/smartphone applications and how the aftermarket is benefitting from this technology.

Attendees will learn:

Examples of mobile apps in use by the aftermarket.
Advantages of adopting to new mobile technology.
Mobile apps coming down the pike.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

2013 Aftermarket Outlook

Speaker: David Portalatin, The NPD Group, Inc.

Have surging new car sales burst the aging vehicle bubble? Have consumers finally accepted high gas prices as normal? Has the economy improved consumer attitudes on vehicle spending? NPD Industry Analyst David Portalatin will address these questions and more at NPD’s 2013 Aftermarket Outlook presentation. Drawing on six years of trends, the results from NPD’s 2013 Aftermarket Consumer Outlook Survey will provide attendees with a look into the consumer attitudes and behaviors that will shape their aftermarket spending in the coming year. The annual Aftermarket Consumer Outlook Survey is an AAPEX exclusive with results publicly released for the first time at this highly anticipated session. In addition, a wealth of economic trends, consumer research and product sales data provides an informed context for accurately interpreting the survey results.

Attendees will learn:

What to expect in consumer automotive products and services spending for 2013.
How changes in consumer driving patterns and vehicle purchasing are impacting the aftermarket.
Which changing consumer attitudes may represent opportunities for growth.

This session will also take place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Sponsored by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA)

Branch & Operations Management I: Keys to Productivity

Speaker: Michael Workman, Ph.D., Michael E. Workman Associates

The key to prospering is to operate your business with the power and clarity to create new and efficient systems for branches and operations. In today’s marketplace, traditional branch objectives may no longer earn the desired profit – it may be time to review these objectives and focus on tools for performing new and modified functions of distribution, and methods to structure and manage those for greater productivity in single or multiple branch organizations. This session will focus on effective operational structures and new tools to enhance warehouse distributor productivity.

Attendees will learn:

How to rethink traditional systems for branch and operations effectiveness.
The changing roles of management.
Assets and costs that branch management must influence.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for warehouse distributors.

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Presented by the Auto International Association (AIA)

Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share?

Moderator: Martin Gold, S-G Imported Car Parts; Panelists: David T. Segal, Automotive Supply Associates; Craig Barnes, Delphi; Tim Sifford, Advance Auto

Do you have what it takes to be a major player in the import parts arena? Are you in the game or just sitting on the sidelines? The number of prime aftermarket-age imports on the road grows each and every day, offering service and parts opportunities galore. So, if you’re serious about making money in import parts, you need to get your head in the game now. This don’t-miss seminar will give you several pointers on how you can boost your profitability when selling parts for imports.

Attendees will learn:

How to focus on more than just the “fast moving” import part numbers and look at the “big picture” sales potential.
How to better compete with the dealer network in terms of application coverage for vehicles in your market.
How to better establish your store(s) as the “go-to” specialist for great coverage in import parts, and be the “first call” for more repair shop customers in your area.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

What Your Counterperson Doesn’t Know May Be Costing Both You and Your Customer Big $$

Speaker: Bobby Bassett, Gates Corporation

Many automobile “systems” are built with the same life cycle, so replacing one part or component may not be enough to properly maintain or repair the vehicle. The counterperson is the key person to help ensure that repair shops order the right parts the first time by asking the right questions, and reminding shops about the related parts needed to properly complete the job. If the counterperson has current vehicle system knowledge and is doing his job correctly, rework and warranty claims are reduced and profits are increased.

Attendees will learn:

How to increase profits by creating a “needs sale” not an “up-sell”.
What counterpersons need to know to do their job right.
How educated counterpersons can lead to reduce returned parts and warranty claims.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for warehouse distributors.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Confronting the Connected Car

Speaker: Fred Blumer, CEO, Vehcon, Inc.

Between government-led initiatives to build intelligent surface-transportation systems to the OE-embedded communications found in more vehicles every day, we know the age of the connected car is here. But what does it mean to the aftermarket service industry and the freedom of consumers to choose where the data from their vehicles is directed? The co-founder of Hughes Telematics will explore the exciting potential markets and the competitive challenges that connected vehicles pose to the independent aftermarket.

Attendees will learn:

Characteristics of the connected car.
The impact the connected car has on the aftermarket industry.
How to adapt to and succeed in the market of the connected car.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Causes of Fake Work: Paths to Real Work

Speaker: Brent Peterson, Work Itself Group

This session is about avoiding Fake Work and doing more Real Work. Fake Work is the activity that workers participate in that does not advance their company’s strategic goals or intent. Fake Work may look and feel like real work, but it consumes much time, resources and energy, does not advance the company’s goals or strategies - and costs just as much. When workers do not know or understand strategy and the processes required to implement Real Work, they are likely to end up doing Fake Work. This session will help you rethink the work that is being done in your offices, cubicles, product distribution centers and manufacturing facilities in order to make your employee’s work contribution relevant and real.

Attendees will learn:

The key causes of Fake Work.
The key paths to doing more Real Work.
How to maximize your employees’ contribution by painting the big picture.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Aftermarket Distributors: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Speaker: George J. Swartz Jr., Capgemini

Distributors have to balance many things to maintain profitability. Pressures include economic uncertainty, rising transportation costs, price erosion and leakage, inefficiencies in warehousing and distribution, and increasing supply and procurement costs. The goal of this session is to expose attendees to areas where they may be “leaving money on the table” and provide tactics, strategies and advice on how they can begin putting the money back into the company.

Attendees will learn:

The issues and market forces shaping the distribution marketplace in general.
A laundry lists of tactics to begin leveraging to improve margins and reduce costs.
Longer term strategies that can be employed to optimize distribution.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for warehouse distributors.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Strategy-Alignment Execution: Linking the Real World to Organization Issues

Speaker: Brent Peterson, Work Itself Group

To survive and thrive in the aftermarket’s changing environment, companies need to be able to effectively translate their strategies into execution. Success will require improving the strategic thinking skills of executives and managers at all levels within the company, resulting in improvement of strategy translation and execution at the individual level. Translating strategy to the individual level is the key to engagement and alignment. This presentation analyzes the gap between formulating strategic plans and carrying them out successfully and provides new thinking and approaches that have been successfully implemented.

Attendees will learn:

How to improve the strategic thinking skills of executives and managers.
How to translate strategy from the executive to the individual level.
Examples that have been successfully implemented by large and small companies.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sponsored by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA)

Branch & Operations Management II: All Profits are Local

Speaker: Michael Workman, Ph.D., Michael E. Workman Associates

Warehouse distributor profit is influenced more on the local than corporate level, especially in this economy. Therefore, the ability to position distributor organizations rests with local operations, where branch management roles are critical. With the centralization of many distribution functions, the role of the branch manager must be focused on profit enhancement in each profit center. In this session, branch management roles in local markets will be examined, including services offered, optimal pricing, internal collaboration, market initiatives {from buy-hold-sell to sell-source-ship}, company branding over product branding, proven methods of profit enhancement and new profitability metrics.

Attendees will learn:

What it takes to focus a team on profitability in a day to day operational environment.
Tools for tweaking the profit model.
The elements of long term profit enhancement and the metrics are necessary to move your organization to the next level.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for warehouse distributors.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

New Brake Rules: What the Automotive Aftermarket Needs to Know

Speakers: Aaron Lowe, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA); Ann Wilson, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association/Motor & Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (AASA/MEMA)

The states of California and Washington have enacted new laws that will require major changes to the composition of brakes, including a reduction in the use of copper. While these new laws impose extensive requirements on brake manufacturers, both original equipment and aftermarket; firms that distribute, sell and install brake pads also will be saddled with significant compliance responsibilities. This seminar will provide an overview of the new brake rules and provide compliance information that different segments of the supply chain, from manufacturer to installer, will need to know in order to sell brakes in California and Washington.

Attendees will learn:

Overview of requirements imposed by the new laws.
How the laws will affect all areas of the supply chain, from manufacturer to installer.
What you need to know in order to sell brakes in California and Washington.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

An Essential Primer on Aftermarket Data Standards

Speaker: Scott Luckett, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA); Jeff Marshall, Pricedex Software; Todd Campau, Gates Corporation

The Aftermarket data standards - ACES and PIES - are quickly becoming a mandatory requirement for doing business with major retailers and other channel partners. The standards continue to evolve and mature to serve the industry's appetite for strictly defined catalog content and a full range of product information and digital assets.

Attendees to this session will learn:

The latest extensions to ACES and PIES, including Digital Asset Best Practices, Product-Specific Attribute definitions and staged release of new vehicle configuration data.
The five most important things you must know when beginning to adopt PIES for product information.
The secrets to increasing sales and reducing returns with electronic catalogue data based on ACES.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Role of Mobile in Business-to-Business Marketing and Customer Relationship Management

Speaker: Greg Sterling, Sterling Market Intelligence

There are more than 115 million smartphone users in the US and tablets are growing faster than any consumer product in history. These devices aren’t just affecting business-to-consumer buying they’re having a direct impact on business-to-business (B2B) selling as well. B2B companies that don’t adapt to these profound market changes will be outflanked by competitors and suffer in the minds of customers, who will increasingly expect mobile convenience. In this session learn about the rise of mobile technology and how it can be used to establish and maintain stronger customer relationships.

Attendees will learn:

How mobile is changing the B2B market.
Mobile B2B marketing best practices.
Mobile devices and their use in customer care/loyalty.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Who Has the Right Stuff to Lead? How to Develop Your Next Generation of Leaders

Speaker: Jay Forte, Humanetrics LLC

Some say leaders are born. Others say leaders are made. It is actually a combination of the two. The challenge is to identify natural leadership abilities in your current team and those you hire, then to know how to develop them to be ready to lead when the time is right. This session will introduce how to assess for hardwired leadership ability, and review the four core leadership skills of strategy/vision, connection, engagement and focus. Having both the ability and the training is what will help you develop your next generation of leaders.

Attendees will learn:

The business landscape and the need for quality leadership.
What leadership is, how to assess for leadership ability, and its impact on a business.
The four core leadership skills of strategy/vision, connection, engagement and focus, and how to develop these attributes in your junior leaders.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Technician Panel: What’s Inside the Box?

Moderator: Ron Pyle, Automotive Service Association (ASA); Panelists: TBD

Outsourcing, off-shoring, manufacturing rationalization, private label and re-packaging are just a few of the reasons why technicians - those who throw away the box, have concerns about “What’s Inside the Box.” Whether it is multiple countries of origin on the same SKU or physical difference in replacement parts versus what comes off the vehicle, how does the shop owner ensure the standard of quality their customers expect? This question is true of parts coming from the independent aftermarket as well as those that come from OE dealers. This panel discussion will look at what’s important about product quality from a technician’s perspective.

Attendees will learn:

What technicians and shop owners want their suppliers to know.
The most important parts purchasing criteria for shop owners.
How to best serve technician needs.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The Rise of Mobile in Business to Consumer Marketing

Speaker: Greg Sterling, Sterling Market Intelligence

Mobile users are more focused and more likely to buy than PC users, however most marketers have yet to develop a mobile strategy let alone implement mobile marketing campaigns. In an increasingly fragmented marketplace companies need to know how to reach the elusive and demanding mobile consumer. Retailers also need to know how to combat the growing phenomenon of “showrooming,” where consumers use your store as a showcase for products they later buy online. In this session you’ll learn about key trends in mobile device and Internet adoption and how to respond to these seismic shifts in the consumer marketplace.

Attendees will learn:

Key U.S. consumer behavior trends in mobile adoption and usage.
Mobile marketing options and the best ways to reach mobile consumers.
Ideas on how to combat “showrooming”.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for retailers, repair shops, parts stores.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

When You Aren’t Watching Are They Really Working? How to Manage a Remote Workforce

Speaker: Jay Forte, Humanetrics LLC

In a connected world, fewer and fewer of our employees need to work in the same space. Work happens more and more in the field – face-to-face with customers. So how do you know if your employees are getting the job done or spending time on Facebook? In this program Forte introduces how to create metric-based performance expectations that hold employees, local or remote, accountable for their performance. Add to that how to host employee performance feedback and reviews and you have the tools to encourage them to perform, even when you aren’t watching.

Attendees will learn:

How hiring employees who are a good fit is critical to creating a workforce that can successfully work remotely.
How to define and create performance expectations, to be able to measure daily, weekly and monthly remote employee performance.
How to host employee performance feedback and reviews, local or remote, to keep employees performing.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for warehouse distributors, manufacturers and retailers.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Five Trends in Five Minutes: Trends Affecting the Aftermarket Environment

Speaker: Mark Seng, Polk

Hear about the hottest trends shaping the automotive aftermarket for years to come. Continuing from the “Five Trends in Five Minutes” presentation at the AAIA Town Hall, Polk will dive into the details of the major trends affecting the automotive industry. This session is designed to highlight major trends in the vehicle market that are affecting the automotive aftermarket. From hybrid proliferation to the ever-changing new vehicle market, there is never a dull moment in the automotive aftermarket. These new vehicle trends are affecting the aftermarket “sweet-spot” of vehicles more rapidly than ever before. Do you have the information to help you be prepared for the short and long term?

Attendees will learn:

How new vehicle trends in engine management are affecting the aftermarket industry in North America.
How the vehicle population is changing in North America.
What demographic influences are shaping the automotive aftermarket.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

2013 Aftermarket Outlook

Speaker: David Portalatin, The NPD Group, Inc.

Attendees will learn:

What to expect in consumer automotive products and services spending for 2013.
How changes in consumer driving patterns and vehicle purchasing are impacting the aftermarket.
Which changing consumer attitudes may represent opportunities for growth.

This session will also take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Impact of Dissimilar Coolants on the Automotive Coolants System

Speaker: Ed Eaton, Amalgatech

Coolant dynamics have changed over the years. This session will highlight what happens in modern automotive cooling systems, particularly on new aluminum components, if dissimilar coolant technologies are mixed in the cooling system. Included will be information on current and future trends in coolants along with information on the latest OEM coolant specifications.

Attendees will learn:

How dissimilar coolant contamination can create premature damage for the coolant components.
Why current testing procedures have not kept up with the latest coolant technologies.
Best practices when working with dissimilar coolants.

Note: This session is part of a special program for automotive instructors, who will get priority seating.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Future Service-Readiness for Repair Shops and Suppliers

Speaker: Mark Saxonberg and Andrew Knevel, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

With the continuing introduction of new vehicle technologies and computer-assisted driving applications, repair shops and technicians need to be "Service Ready" for their customers when a vehicle they are seeing for the first time enters the service bay. What does it mean for a repair shop to be Service-Ready? What are the elements of true Service Readiness? What industry resources are available to help shops become and remain Service Ready? This session will describe what's new in hybrid and electric vehicle technology and address the issue of technician development and it's role in empowering the aftermarket repair sector to skillfully and safely maintain and repair these vehicles.

Attendees will learn:

How repair shops can become "Service-Ready".
The challenges faced by repair shops and technicians to become "Service-Ready".
How new vehicle and service technologies will affect the repair sector in the aftermarket and potential impact on the parts distribution sector.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Sponsored by AASA Marketing Executives Council

Collaboration: Building Stronger Buyer/Supplier Relations

Moderator: Chris Gardner, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA); Panelists: Brent Windom, Uni-Select; Mac McGovern, KYB Americas Corporation; Robert Roos, XL Parts; Bob Kimbro, Standard Motor Products

Loyalty, trust and reliability are just a few of the building blocks of strong buyer and supplier relations. This session will provide insights from both the buyer and supplier viewpoints on what it takes to build a strong relationship. Both will share their thoughts on what it takes, as well as examples of and ways to go about building relationships that last. Additionally, they will share examples of collaboration to win in an ever-changing market. This session is for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to develop winning relationships.

Attendees will learn:

Views from a leading supplier on what it takes to build lasting customer relationships.
Views from a leading distributor on what it takes to build lasting supplier relationships.
How a leading distributor and supplier collaborate to mutually grow their business.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for warehouse distributors and manufacturers.

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Yes, the Aftermarket CAN Do Telematics

Speakers: Scott Luckett, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and Ben Johnson, Mitchell 1

The hardware, software and protocols exist to make aftermarket vehicle connectivity practical and affordable. Aftermarket alternatives to OE embedded technology are essential to keeping customers connected to the vehicle service providers of their choice.

Attendees will learn:

What it takes to build out and offer aftermarket telematics solutions.
The value model for consumers and the ROI for parts distributors and aftermarket vehicle service providers.
Early examples of aftermarket telematics, including keys to success, challenges and obstacles.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Sponsored by AASA Marketing Executives Council

Manufacturers’ Added Value: What ELSE is in the Box?

Moderator: Jack Cameron, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA); Panelists: Jim Kelley and Grif Jordan, Honeywell Friction Materials

This session will provide an in-depth look at everything that goes along with the product in the box, including initial design, research and development, manufacturing, quality control, packaging distribution, marketing support, sales support, technical support, warranty, intellectual property protection, etc. from the aftermarket manufacturers’ perspective. It will include an overview of how full-service manufacturers add value to the products they make, many of which are unseen or taken for granted. The overview will be followed by a case study from a leader in the automotive aftermarket that recently received an award for Product Innovation from the Automotive Distribution Network. Honeywell Friction Materials will share the quality assurances process and value added services that are built-in to every Bendix brake product they sell.

Attendees will learn:

How value added enhancements can save shop owners time and money.
What goes into the product development process.
What is done to provide quality assurance in aftermarket products.
What differentiates full-service manufacturers from short line suppliers.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for repair shops and all aftermarket audiences.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

A Manufacturer’s Advisory Council (MAC)/Car Care Professionals Network Program (CCPN)

Start/Stop Technology: It’s Coming Your Way

Speaker: Michael Loth, Robert Bosch LLC

As automakers try to comply with stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards, the incorporation of start/stop systems in non-hybrid vehicles is increasing. A start/stop system or stop/start system can lower a passenger car’s fuel-consumption and its CO₂ output by automatically shutting down the internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of idling time. This concept works extremely well for vehicles that spend a lot of time idling and waiting for traffic lights. Hybrid vehicles have always had the ability to shut down the gas engines, but more recently standard internal combustion engines are now produced with start/stop systems. This session covers key details of these systems in order for your company to be prepared to service them.

Attendees will learn:

The various types of start/stop systems.
The safety systems integrated into start/stop systems.
The starter, alternator, & battery changes involved with start/stop systems.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Can't We All Just Get Along? Working with Generations X and Y (and Everyone Else)

Speaker: Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting LLC

Do you ever find members of your team frustrated, tense, distracted, upset or unreasonable with other members of the team? Wonder why? Well, Gen Y thinks Gen X is a bunch of whiners. Gen X believes Gen Y is arrogant. And everyone thinks the boomers are self-absorbed workaholics. While the younger generation's entitled attitude is clashing with the older worker's values, Gen Y's presence is improving workplace policy for everyone. Once we understand their differences and learn what is important for each group we can work together effectively.

Attendees will learn:

How to define the four generations and their workplace characteristics.
How each generation defines success and how the differences affect communication and relationships in the workplace.
How to change your approach when coaching, managing and leading employees of different generations.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for all aftermarket audiences.

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

A Manufacturer’s Advisory Council (MAC)/Car Care Professionals Network Program (CCPN)

Advanced Drivability and Diagnostics: Properly Diagnose the First Time

Speaker: Jason Norwood, NGK Spark Plugs/NTK Oxygen Sensors

This session will explain testing methods for diagnosing narrowband and wideband oxygen sensors, such as the $06 method, sensor signal (waveform) analysis and methods to determine catalytic efficiency using the scan tool scope and other advanced tools. Understanding modern diagnostic methods will help improve efficiency to help avoid costly comebacks due to improper diagnostics of emission-related components, which in turn adds to the company’s bottom line.

Attendees will learn:

Tools and ideas to properly diagnose emissions-related components.
Specific diagnostic methods for testing and understanding oxygen sensors.
The importance of proper diagnosis the first time.

Who should attend: This session is recommended for repair shops.