AASA Opens Annual Technology Conference with Announcement of Donation to Support the Industry’s Victims of Recent Hurricanes

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The 2017 Technology Conference, hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), opened here on Oct. 2 with a patriotic tribute to communities impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico, featuring a local a cappella quartet. 

Following the opening ceremonies, AASA announced it would make a special donation to the Aftermarket Charitable Foundation in addition to its annual support to assist aftermarket businesses and employees in the impacted areas and urged members to support the Foundation’s efforts. 

More than 200 automotive aftermarket professionals attended the 2017 conference, setting new attendance record for the industry’s leading technology event. 

“Our presentations and speakers are addressing issues at the leading edge of technology in our industry,” said Bill Long, AASA president and COO. “We’ve devoted our agenda this year to the major emerging trends so that attendees can gain strategies to enable their companies to seize opportunities with these new technologies.” 

Attendees at the event, which continues through Tuesday, Oct. 3, include IT/IS, engineers, data/catalog managers, customer service, web developers, forecasting and marketing from suppliers, WDs, retailers, technology and service providers. The Conference’s interactive agenda allows participants to compare ideas with manufacturers and channel partners and develop connections with the leading technology executives in the aftermarket. 

Keynote presentation topics at the Conference will highlight: 

• Trump Effect on Technology and IT
• Predicting Part Performance & Failure
• Virtual Reality: Is It the Next Big Marketing Tool?
• Global Data: Where Is It Headed?
• Global Automotive Aftermarket eCommerce Outlook
• Shifting Repair Shops from One-off to Servicing Fleets 

In addition, the AASA Technology Conference will feature Technology Tracks focused on Marketing / B2B, Heavy Duty and Information Technology. Live demonstrations of new technology, including virtual reality, mobile apps, dongles and more are scheduled. In addition to technology from demonstration sponsor Schaeffler, displays by Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Hunter Engineering, Innova, Launch Tech USA and Parts Intelligence. The popular Spotlight sessions of AASA member company Denso and aftermarket customer O’Reilly Auto Parts also are on the agenda. 

The 2017 Conference sponsors are Pricedex Software, Automotive Distribution Network, Autologue, Corcentric, ChannelAdvisor, DSS, eAutoClub, Edgenet, Epicor, Experian, Extend Performance, GCommerce, IHS Markit, InterTrade, JNP Soft, MAM Software, OptiCat, Phocas, SAP Hybris, Schaeffler, SD Data Center, Snap36, Stibo, TecAlliance and WHI. 

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products which support 710,000 employees in the United States. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”