AASA to Address Manufacturing in the Face of Change at GAAS

The agenda for the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) has been revamped for 2013 and a panel discussion by AASA supplier members is one of the event’s opening sessions.

• Ken Friedman, president, Americas, Gates Corp.

• Michael E. McGrath, president, Vehicle Service Market – North America, AB SKF

• Keith Wilson, president, Affinia Global Filtration

The panelists will articulate the challenges being faced by manufacturers today and in the future in the face of globalization, technology changes and regulation compliance. Discussion topics also will include the challenges of production forecasting and production control in the wake of parts proliferation and longer replacement cycles.

This informative session will help educate distribution channel attendees to then the dynamics and complexity of being a “value-added” manufacturer and broaden the awareness of “manufacturer issues.” Friedman, McGrath and Wilson also will help define and promote what it means to be a "full service supplier," leading to further open dialogue on areas of mutual collaboration between suppliers and channel partners.

The second day of GAAS, on Wednesday, May 22, kicks off with four concurrent breakout sessions from 8-8:45 a.m. which repeat from 9-9:45 a.m., allowing GAAS attendees to attend their choice of two sessions. Paul McCarthy, AASA vice president, industry analysis, planning and member services, will be joined by Anthony Pratt, director of forecasting for the Americas, Polk, for a breakout session discussion of “Industry Trends You Need to Know: From Imports Parts Explosion to Fuel Prices.” GAAS 2013 will conclude with a presentation by Danielle Russell of Google Automotive on "Consumer Insights and Opportunities - Three Game-Changing Trends."

Other breakout sessions include:

•                “How to Position Your Company for Future Success,” Susan P. Rounds, senior vice president, senior director of planning, business advisory services, Wells Fargo Wealth Management
•                “Strategy-Alignment Execution: Linking the Real World to Organization Issues,” Brent Peterson, founder and chair, The Work Itself Group, Inc.
•                “Unique Ways to Affordably Boost Employee Morale and Motivation and Customer Happiness and Loyalty,” Todd Patkin, author and speaker, Todd G. Patkin Companies

GAAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. Each year the event’s net proceeds are invested in industry scholarships. Since 1996 GAAS has given out over $1.6 million in aid and has helped over 1,600 students get their careers started as technicians, engineers, marketers, and sales reps.

To view the agenda and to register for GAAS 2013, click here.

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