62nd Annual AWDA Business/Education Conference
November 1-5, 2009
Conference Highlights
Welcome to Industry Week
The 62nd Annual AWDA Business & Education Conference is a key feature of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Distributors who attend the AWDA Conference will be automatically registered to attend the major trade shows underway in Las Vegas at that time: the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) at the Sands Expo Center and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In the weeks ahead, look for more information on a special, AWDA distributors’ section of the AAPEX show.
One-on-One Business Meetings
Central to AWDA’s Conference are the unique one-on-one business meetings between distributors and their vendors. These pre-scheduled sessions enhance members’ Industry Week experience by providing high-quality 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.
By popular demand, all one-on-one meetings will again be held in private vendor suites in the Venetian Hotel. This move will ensure confidentiality, ease movement between meetings and provide 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 will be required to reserve at least one (1) exhibit booth at AAPEX or SEMA in order to participate in the 2009 AWDA one-on-one meetings.
One-on-One Meeting Suites
One-on-ones will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2 in hotel suites located on adjacent floors. Suite assignments are based on several factors, including number of meetings scheduled, seniority in AWDA and the date when registration is received at headquarters.
Actual suite location is based upon availability, but the Venetian will attempt to assign suites for multiple vendor teams as close together as possible.
AWDA One-on-One Information/Hospitality Suite
AWDA will again reserve an Information and Hospitality Suite all day on Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2, on a one-on-one floor at the Venetian. Attendees are encouraged to visit this suite to relax with refreshments, and seek information on one-on-ones or the conference in general.
Educational Opportunities
AWDA’s Executive Briefing is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Nov. 1, at 3:45 p.m., following the one-on-one meetings and prior to the Opening general Session. Hosted by the University of the Aftermarket, this year’s briefing will focus on Trends in the OE Service Market and What They Mean to the Aftermarket. This will be an executive-level presentation with limited seating available. Be sure to indicate your plans to attend on the registration form.
AAIA offers its AWDA members a number of other educational opportunities in conjunction with AAPEX. Topics include technology, global trade, legislation and regulation, management and marketing. Visit www.aapexshow.com regularly for updated information on AAIA’s educational offerings throughout Industry Week.
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, Nov. 1, will highlight the year’s accomplishments and provide a look to the future. An awards ceremony will recognize the contributions of key industry executives, including the prestigious 2009 Automotive Leader of the Year Award.
AWDA’S MANUFACTURERS’ RECEPTION, immediately following the General Session on Sunday night, Nov. 1, provides time to renew acquaintances, meet new business partners and thank our manufacturers for their major contributions to our industry’s success. A large turnout is expected and attendees are urged to schedule dinner appointments and other obligations so as to allow plenty of time for this special event.
AWDA BREAKFAST AND LUNCH on Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2, provide additional opportunities to visit with fellow AWDA members and to plan for the coming week. 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 Publications.
AAIA/AASA CHAIRMEN’S RECEPTION on Monday night, Nov. 2, kicks off AAPEX and is held in the Venetian, adjacent to the Sands Expo Center. All AWDA/AAIA members are welcome to attend at no cost.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT NETWORK AND CAR CARE COUNCIL WOMEN’S BOARD RECEPTIONS are open to all AWDA members on Tuesday evening, Nov. 3. These receptions recognize the efforts of fellow members and offer a great opportunity to network with top aftermarket executives.
AAIA TOWN HALL has become an institution at AAPEX and a highlight of Industry Week. Held on Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, Town Hall features top industry leaders sharing their views on the most timely and critical issues facing the aftermarket. Tickets will be available later this spring. For more information, visit 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 in rooms 204-206. 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. Hours of operation are Monday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.