MEMA and MacKay & Company Announce Theme for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue 2024

Research Triangle Park, NC – MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, part of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, has announced the theme of the 2024 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue (HDAD), which will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. The program, which is co-presented by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MacKay & Company, will be themed “Bridging the Gap Between Today’s Challenges and Tomorrow’s Triumphs.”

“The last few years have presented some major challenges for suppliers to the commercial vehicle suppliers to the aftermarket, and they only seem to be continuing,” said Collin Shaw, chief commercial vehicle officer at MEMA. “However, these challenges and how we respond to them are valuable learning opportunities for our members to help them advance their businesses and move the industry forward stronger than ever before.”

This year’s conference will feature the same fast-paced agenda introduced last year, with some new additions, including “Talk from the Top: One-on-One Conversations with Top Aftermarket Leaders” and “How New Powertrain Technology Will Impact the Heavy Duty Aftermarket: A Look into 2035-2050” with MacKay & Company and Schwartz Advisors.

“Talk from the Top has always been a crowd pleaser when presented by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers,” noted Shannon O’Brien, senior director of Programming & Strategy at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and presenter of the Talk from the Top session. “Providing the same level of transparency from commercial vehicle OEM aftermarket and distributor leaders is sure to be a unique point of view for suppliers in attendance.”

 Other key sessions include an OEM keynote speaker and a Distributor CEO panel.  

“HDAD 2024 will still cover the foundational topics attendees have come to expect from the conference,” notes John Blodgett, vice president of Sales & Marketing at MacKay & Company and also a key presenter during the conference. “Those include our in-depth review of the aftermarket industry economy; our distributor, supplier CEO, and fleet panels; a government affairs update focusing on the fight for Right to Repair; an OEM keynote; and a review of the current global economic and geopolitical environment.”

Some of the foundational HDAD topics attendees can expect in 2024 are:

• A real-world view of the aftermarket from the viewpoint of industry leaders across segments and product ranges, focusing on current business conditions, market disruptors, and innovations changing the market's landscape, featuring members of the Heavy Duty Business Forum
• A deep dive into governmental legislation, especially the REPAIR Act, and its potential impact on the aftermarket industry
• Macro-economic trends that will impact the industry over the next five years and beyond.

Additional topics, speakers, and panelists will be announced soon.

Registration is currently open for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue 2024, with discounted tickets available to MEMA members and MacKay & Company clients. Early bird and volume discounts are also available.

For more information and to register, visit https://mema.my.site.com/members/s/community-event?id=a1f5c00000AqZKPAA3.

ABOUT MACKAY & COMPANY

MacKay & Company is a specialized management consulting and market research firm. With headquarters in suburban Chicago, the company’s focus since 1968 has been, and continues to be, commercial on-highway vehicles, construction equipment, farm field machinery, related components, and all elements of heavy-duty distribution. 

The scope of the practice includes analyses of original equipment and aftermarket potential, strategic options, distribution policies, product introductions, quality management, acquisitions, and a range of related subjects.

The company has 12 employees and maintains joint venture relationships in Europe, Brazil, and Mexico. The company’s senior management has over 150 years of experience in the heavy-duty arena.

For more information, visit www.mackayco.com.

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports over 900,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues, and serving as a valued resource for member companies. Members represent all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a membership group within MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

MEMA is the leading North American trade association for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability. MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.