Record-setting Attendance Expected at 2016 AASA Technology Conference as Aftermarket Professionals Focus on ‘Connecting, Collaborating, Creating’

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The largest gathering of technology professionals from all parts of the aftermarket supply chain are expected at the 2016 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Technology Conference, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 2 through Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Marriott Suites, Clearwater, Fla. – and Brent Berman, director of training and consumer satisfaction for Federal-Mogul Corp. and chairman of the AASA Technology Council Board of Governors, will be among the attendees. 

“The AASA Technology Conference is the single most valuable event in the industry in terms of learning about new and emerging technologies which are changing business as we know it in today’s aftermarket,” Berman said. “We expect record attendance by industry suppliers and channel partners, who will learn about emerging technology trends, compare ideas and best practices, develop connections and come away prepared to develop new winning strategies in ‘The Connected Aftermarket.’” 

“We are anticipating participants from all parts of the aftermarket supply chain at our 2016 Technology Conference as we continue the ongoing dialogue about ‘The Connected Aftermarket’ featured during this year’s Vision Conference,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “It’s clear to everyone in our industry that vehicle technology is having a dramatic impact in shaping the future of mobility. These technologies promise increased safety, enhanced conveniences, improved fuel mileage and more, but also presents challenges to current business models. Leadership and broad industry collaboration is required to ensure equitable access and ability to service the U.S. passenger vehicle fleet, and AASA will share ‘a path forward’ to securing our future at the Conference.” 

Attendees at the 2016 AASA Technology Conference will include IT/IS, engineers, data managers, customer service, web developers and marketing from suppliers, warehouse distributors, retailers and technology providers. 

Presentation topics scheduled for the 2016 Conference include: 

• KEYNOTE: “Traditional Customer Spotlight,” Gary Desai, senior vice president and CIO of Auto Plus Auto Parts and Pep Boys
• KEYNOTE: “Vehicle IoT: Making Access to Vehicles Work for Everyone,” Alan Chakra, Director, Wipro
• KEYNOTE: “Connected Car Functionality for Today's Vehicles,” Sascha Simon, Founder & CEO, Driversiti
• KEYNOTE: “Smart Phones Will Streamline IAM Supply Chain,” by Pavana Jain, CEO and co-founder of SHIFTMobility
• KEYNOTE: “State of Global Vehicle Data,” Jürgen Buchert, CEO, TecAlliance
• Technology Tracks for Marketing/B2B, IT and Heavy Duty

New for this year’s Technology Conference are live, on-vehicle technology demonstrations. Conference attendees will be able to experience creative technologies that connect vehicles with motorists with repair shops and in some cases with the traditional aftermarket supply chain.

Demonstrations scheduled to date include:

• Huf North America: Dongle and mobile app for TPMS applications
• Innova Electronics: Telematics for fleets and repair shops
• Mechanic Advisor: Dongle and mobile app for consumers and repair shops
• SHIFTMobility: Telematics-coded e-commerce application
• Voyomotive: Dongle and mobile app for consumers

More details about the 2016 AASA Technology Conference are available here or by contacting Chris Gardner, AASA vice president, at info@aftermarketsuppliers.org.

Confirmed sponsors to date for the event are: Pricedex Software, Automotive Distribution Network, Autologue, Corcentric, Epicor, Experian, Frost & Sullivan, GCommerce, HDA TruckPride, IHS Automotive, InterTrade, JNPSoft, OptiCat, Snap36, Stibo Systems, TecAlliance and WHI. For more information about promotional opportunities at the conference, contact Ben Brucato: bbrucato@aasa.mema.org.

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”