AWDA Finalizes Plans for 2002 Annual Business/Education Conference

Research Triangle Park, N.C. -- The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) returns to Las Vegas for its 55th Annual Business/Education Conference as part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) -- giving members the opportunity to participate in both the AWDA one-on-one private meetings and AAIW activities.

The Conference is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, through Friday, Nov. 8, at The Venetian, adjacent to the Sands Expo Center where the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is held. AAPEX, the annual trade show co-sponsored by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), runs concurrently with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Tuesday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 8.

"There has never been a greater opportunity for AWDA members to maximize their buying and selling opportunities and for strengthening or creating relationships," said Jim Eady, AAP, president of AWDA.

'Facing a New Reality' With Business, Networking Opportunities

Preparing for the challenges of doing business in a changing aftermarket is the theme of the AWDA 55th Annual Business/Education Conference, "Facing a New Reality."

Highlights of the Conference include:

-- Two business meetings for the price of one - AWDA at AAIW brings warehouse distributors and manufacturers to one venue for the important contacts to drive business for the coming year.

-- Business done "one-on-one" - AWDA's private one-on-one meetings scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and all day Thursday are the perfect venue for problem-solving, breaking down barriers and forging new alliances.

-- University of the Aftermarket Forum - On Monday, Nov. 4, the University of the Aftermarket will present a full day of educational sessions on the issues that are shaping tomorrow's way of doing business.

-- Executive Roundtable - The Executive Roundtable, part of the University Forum, is a forum for selected industry leaders to discuss what they are doing to drive their business toward increased profitability. Facilitators are Gary Kremer, AAP, AWDA chairman and senior vice president of Uni-Select USA, and Lou Merz, AAIA chairman and president of Aftermarket Growth Concepts.

-- Networking Opportunities - Attendees will be included in a host of activities during AAIW, including AWDA events such as:

** Opening General Session on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 5, featuring addresses from the outgoing and incoming chairmen and presentation of AWDA awards: the Pursuit of Excellence award, the Memorial Scholarship award, the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement award and the Automotive Leader of the Year award

** AWDA Manufacturer Reception on Tuesday following the Opening General Session

** AAIW Visits on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings to see the latest products and services in the aftermarket

** Buffet Breakfast and Lunch on Thursday, Nov. 7, is an excellent venue for meeting fellow members and business contacts in an informal setting

** YES Fun Run on Thursday, Nov. 7, sponsored by the Young Executives Society (YES).

The Conference also includes a Spouse Program designed to allow participants to enjoy Las Vegas' many attractions and shopping venues, or visit AAIW. The spouse registration fee includes continental breakfast in the Spouse Hospitality Room on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; Opening General Session/Manufacturer Reception on Tuesday evening; AWDA buffet lunch on Thursday; and AAIW show badge.

Early Registration Advised

The registration deadline for the AWDA Annual Business/Education Conference is Friday, Aug. 9.

AWDA Conference Director Rosemary Hall said, "It's to AWDA members' advantage to register as early as possible, because sequence numbers for the one-on-one meetings will be assigned based upon the date that completed registration forms, selection sheet and payment are received at AWDA Conference Headquarters."

Hall has Conference and hotel accommodation information at Conference Headquarters, 4050 Pennsylvania, Suite 225, Kansas City, MO 64111, phone: 816-361-6588 or fax: 816-361-6986.

Founded in 1947, AWDA is the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories, tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket. Currently, the membership of AWDA consists of more than 150 warehouse distributors, approximately 150 manufacturers, in addition to affiliate, marketing associations, manufacturer representatives and media members. The distributors are engaged in the distribution of passenger car and light truck parts from the manufacturer, on to the jobber and finally to dealers and service stations.