Highlights of the AWDA Conference
64th Annual AWDA Business & Education Conference
October 30 - November 3, 2011
AWDA’s Business and Education Conference is held annually in conjunction with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas, NV. Industry Week forms a perfect backdrop for the year’s strongest and most diverse gathering of aftermarket warehouse distributors and their suppliers. The AWDA Conference and Industry Week offer something for everyone involved in the motor vehicle aftermarket: networking, trade shows, education and opportunities to buy and sell products, services or even businesses. It is the must attend event of the year for aftermarket businesspeople.
Below are some of the highlights of the most recent AWDA Conference (2010).
ONE-ON-ONE BUSINESS MEETINGS
Central to AWDA’s Conference are the unique one-on-one business meetings between distributors and their vendor partners. AWDA pioneered these pre-scheduled sessions to facilitate high-level business discussions in a personal and confidential environment. Participants are top decision-makers with member companies: both distributors and vendors. They have the clout to solve problems, explore opportunities and forge new partnerships. AWDA’s one-on-ones are simply the most efficient way to conduct serious business during Industry Week.
All one-on-one meetings are held in private vendor suites in the Venetian Hotel. This venue ensures confidentiality and ease of movement between sessions, and provides an environment that is conducive to the serious nature of discussions held at these meetings.
Please note: In order to conform to a long-standing Industry Week policy, AWDA manufacturers and business service companies are required to reserve at least one (1) exhibit booth at AAPEX in order to participate in the AWDA one-on-one meetings.
AAPEX SHOW
AWDA’s Business & Education Conference is always a key feature of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Distributors who attend the AWDA Conference are automatically registered to attend AAPEX, the world’s foremost trade-only aftermarket expo. In addition, distributors’ show credentials also gain them access to the other major trade show underway in Las Vegas at that time: the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. These shows perfectly compliment the AWDA one-on-one meeting experience.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
AWDA’s Executive Briefing
Held on Sunday afternoon, October 30 following the one-on-one meetings, this session is hosted by the University of the Aftermarket. The 2011 briefing will focus on an issue that is central to the distribution channel and appropriate for executive-level attendees. Last year (2010), the subject was a high-level assessment of the impact of federal healthcare legislation on aftermarket businesses. Attendees can earn CEU credits as this is an executive-level session.
Distributor Education at AAPEX
AWDA also sponsors a “Distributor Track” of education sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday during AAPEX. All sessions are presented by leading experts in their fields and focus on the distribution sector of the aftermarket. Past topics have included:
• Advanced Pricing Strategies
• Profit is Everybody's Business
• Value Based Selling: Breaking the Discounting Habit
• Cost-Effective Marketing Techniques for Distributors
• The Sacred Cows of Automotive Aftermarket Distribution: It’s Not What You Take In – It’s What You Take Home
• Protect the Winners and Fix the Losers: Customer Profitability Analysis
• Successfully Managing Distributor-Manufacturer Relationships
• The Recovery is Coming: Will You Be Ready?
As distributor-specific sessions are added to the 2011 AAPEX education calendar, they will posted on-line. For updated information, visit http://www.aapexshow.com/ throughout the spring and summer of 2011.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the one-on-one meetings, the AWDA Business & Education Conference offers many other opportunities for attendees to connect and build relationships with key industry leaders.
AWDA Opening General Session on Sunday night highlights the year’s accomplishments and provides a look to the future. An awards ceremony recognizes the contributions of key industry executives, including the prestigious Automotive Leader of the Year Award.
AWDA’S Manufacturers’ Reception, immediately follows the General Session on Sunday night, and provides time to renew acquaintances, meet new business partners and thank manufacturers for their major contributions to our industry’s success. The attendee list for this event is a who’s who of aftermarket distribution and manufacturing. All AWDA members are welcome to attend free of charge.
AWDA Breakfasts and Luncheons on Sunday and Monday, provide additional time for conference attendees to visit with fellow AWDA members. Monday’s luncheon traditionally features a special presentation to honor the University of the Aftermarket’s dignitaries, as well as the Counter Professional of the Year Award presented by Babcox Media.
AAIA/AASA Chairmen’s Reception on Monday night is open to all members of the AAIA, including all AWDA members free of charge. The event kicks off AAPEX and is held in the Venetian, adjacent to the Sands Expo Center.
Leadership Development Network and Car Care Council Women’s Board Receptions are open to all AWDA members on Tuesday evening. These receptions recognize the efforts of fellow members and offer a great opportunity to network with top aftermarket executives.
AAIA Town Hall Breakfast has become an institution at AAPEX and a highlight of Industry Week. Held on Wednesday morning, Town Hall features top industry leaders sharing their views on the most timely and critical issues facing the aftermarket. Tickets will be available in the spring/summer of 2011. For more information, visit http://www.aftermarket.org/.
AAIA’S MEMBER BUSINESS CENTER is reserved for the exclusive use of AAIA members, including all AWDA segment members. Located on the lower level of the Sands Expo Center. AAIA’s Business Center can serve throughout Industry Week as your satellite office with phone/fax/Internet service, a copier, refreshments and assistance with many other AAPEX activities. Complimentary meeting rooms are available by appointment. Details on reserving meetings rooms will be made available in the late summer of 2011.