AASA Opens the Dialogue on ‘The New Aftermarket Reality – Putting the Puzzle Together’: Industry Leaders to Gather for 2017 AASA Vision Conference

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – On Wednesday and Thursday, March 29-30, automotive aftermarket suppliers will gather for the 2017 Vision Conference, organized by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), for interactive discussions centering on “The New Aftermarket Reality: Putting the Puzzle Together.” AASA, on behalf of its members, is delighted to extend an invitation to channel partners to join the association and its supplier members at this important event. Supplier executives look forward to the open dialogue at the AASA Vision Conference with all industry leaders as the aftermarket industry embraces the “new realities” and opportunities in the aftermarket together.

“The traditional assumptions and knowns regarding the aftermarket are or will be challenged – but a new, more dynamic aftermarket is also being born,” said AASA President and COO Bill Long. “This conference will help put the pieces together, not just on the impact of mobility or technology, but each aspect that drives our industry … and not just a long term ‘strategic view,’ but what we do now or in the near term.”

The 2017 AASA Vision Conference will be held at the Loews Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill. New for this year, the AASA Vision Conference will include participation by aftermarket channel partner attendees in addition to the leading aftermarket supplier members of AASA.

“The ‘new realities’ AASA is spotlighting at this year’s Vision Conference call for collaborative efforts by the association’s supplier members and aftermarket channel partners,” Long said. “We are initiating an open dialogue at our Conference and urge all industry leaders to participate with AASA supplier executives in this unique opportunity.”

The event will open Wednesday evening with “The Vision Experience,” the welcome reception for attendee networking. AASA President and COO Bill Long will kick off the Conference program on Thursday morning with his presentation, “The New Aftermarket Reality: Piecing the Puzzle Together.”

The Conference agenda is focused on four distinct areas, or “realities,” with presentations and discussions addressing topics specific to that area. Reality #1 is the President Donald Trump and new government policies that may affect the aftermarket. Reality #2 will focus on consumer habits, influences and changing service decisions. Reality #3 is the effect of new vehicle technology … and when; and Reality #4 will address the economy and how investors view our industry’s future.

Registration information for the 2017 AASA Vision Conference are available here. Special pricing is available for non-member suppliers and aftermarket channel partners: contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for details. AASA also has reserved a block of rooms at the Loews Chicago O’Hare hotel for the meeting; reserve your accommodations before Friday, March 3, for guaranteed availability.

AASA members attending the Conference also can take advantage of an additional benefit: attendance at the association council meetings held in conjunction with the event. Member conference participants can attend the AASA Intellectual Property Council (IPC) meeting on March 29, and meetings of the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC), both on March 31. Council meeting attendance is limited to AASA members only; some limitations apply and pre-registration is required. Contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for more information.

The Conference’s expanded participation by suppliers and channel partners provides unique promotional opportunities. Sponsors to date include: Corcentric, Epicor Software, Experian, OptiCat, Pricedex Software, Snap36 and ZF Services. Contact Ben Brucato for details on how you can promote your company, brands and services.

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”

MEDIA CONTACT: Margaret Beck, 919-406-8828 or media@mema.org