Events
AASA Vision Conference 2008 in Orlando To Feature Stellar Speaker Line-up
By goHTSN Staff
Feb 20, 2008, 13:19

Research Triangle Park, NC — Feb 19, 2008 — The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vision Conference 2008 will feature a stellar line-up of speakers and presentations, beginning Friday, Feb. 29, and concluding Saturday, March 1, at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Fla.

Darren Jackson, president and chief executive officer, Advance Auto Parts Inc., and Jeff Rachor, president and chief executive officer of Pep Boys Auto, will present their fresh perspectives on the automotive aftermarket industry as keynote speakers.

Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO of Robert Bosch LLC, also will present a keynote address, and Mike Hanley, partner, global automotive industry leader, Ernst & Young, will discuss the global marketplace and trends.

Neil DeKoker, president and CEO of OESA, and Paul Johnson, general director – global independent aftermarket, General Motors Corp., will discuss emerging automotive technology and its affect on the aftermarket in the Technology Forum.

Representatives of three member companies will discuss innovative programs and solutions at their companies: Ed Rammel, vice president of marketing, Dayco products LLC; Bob Soroosh, director of benefits, Affinia Group Inc.; and Brian Tarnacki, director of global brand strategy, Federal-Mogul Corp.

The Vision Conference also provides three work group sessions. Attendees will select from one of three open discussions groups, which will examine the most important issues to the aftermarket supplier community. Sessions and facilitators include:

"Education/Training" – "Mac" McGovern, KYB; Doug Vidler, Delphi Corp.
"Cataloging a Better Way" and "Collaborative Purchasing for Indirect Items" – Dil Kulathum, CARDONE Industries, and Susan Ulrey, Tenneco
"Global Selling and Sourcing" – Jeff Brekke, The Gates Corp., and Jeff Stauffer, Affinia Group Inc.
More details on the AASA Vision Conference 2008 – including online registration and online hotel reservations – is at www.aasavision.org.

Sponsors of the AASA Vision Conference 2008 are: Babcox Publications, Ernst & Young, R.L. Polk & Co. and SAS.

About AASA
AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It 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 a market segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). "AASA, Leadership in the Global Automotive Aftermarket"