AAPEX Learning Forum Sessions To Address Employee Productivity

ORLAND PARK, IL – Oct. 15, 2012 – Among the 32 sessions in the 2012 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum, six sessions will focus on ways to enhance employee productivity. Learning Forum sessions will start on Monday, Oct. 29 and be offered during AAPEX, slated for Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond, will present “Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch: Why and How to Define and Nurture Your Company’s Culture.” This session will cover the benefits and building blocks of a strong culture in order to realize long-term business success. Though creating a strong culture takes hard work and true commitment, the rewards are better financial growth, high employee involvement, strong internal communications and new levels of innovation.

Brent Peterson, Work Itself Group, will present “Causes of Fake Work: Paths to Real Work.” This session will help participants rethink the work that is being done in offices, cubicles, product distribution centers and manufacturing facilities to make sure employees’ work contributions are relevant and real. Peterson will follow up with “Strategy-Alignment Execution: Linking the Real World to Organization Issues” where he will talk about how company leaders and managers can translate strategy to individual employees to facilitate engagement and implementation.

The issue of identifying and nurturing natural leadership abilities will be presented by Jay Forte, Humanetrics, LLC, in the session, “Who Has the Right Stuff to Lead? How to Develop Your Next Generation of Leaders.” Companies need to assess for hardwired leadership ability and provide the support to develop next generation leaders to be ready when the time is right.  

With large outside sales forces and increased numbers of telecommuters, companies want to be sure that employees are working when not being watched. In “When You Aren’t Watching, Are They Really Working? How to Manage a Remote Workforce,” Forte will introduce how to create expectations that hold employees accountable for their performance.

In “Can’t We All Just Get Along? Working with Generations X and Y (and Everyone Else),” Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting, LLC, will cover the different approaches to coaching, managing and leading employees of different generations to work together effectively. 

All AAPEX education sessions are free and will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701 – 706.

Although some sessions are recommended for specific aftermarket audiences, everyone is welcome to attend any session. All AAPEX Learning Forum sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com.

AAPEX Learning Forum Sessions To Cover Sales, Marketing and Branding

Five sessions in the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum will focus on what companies should know about sales, marketing and branding to be successful in today’s marketplace. The Learning Forum will offer more than 30 sessions, all at no cost, starting Monday, Oct. 29 – the day before the official start of AAPEX – and running throughout AAPEX, Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Sales, marketing and branding sessions include “Sprechen Sie Brand?” with speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond, which will cover how branding can make companies successful by providing strategic clarity. Jackie DeLise, Vermillion Consulting, will lead a session on “The Partnership Path to Brand Differentiation and Success” with a focus on how partnerships within the supply chain can work together to create, refresh and maintain a brand’s relevance over time. “Intellectual Property: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,” with speakers Sarah Bruno of Arent Fox and Kenya Merritt of the FBI, will outline how companies can protect their intellectual property and brand. These three sessions will be offered on Monday, Oct. 29.

For companies embracing the newest in marketing technology, two sessions will be presented by Greg Sterling, Sterling Market Intelligence: “The Role of Mobile in Business-to-Business Marketing and Customer Relationship Management,” and “The Role of Mobile in Business-to-Consumer Marketing.” These two sessions will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31, respectively.

Learning Forum sessions will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. All sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.

With the Learning Forum starting before the official opening of AAPEX, attendees are reminded to adjust their travel plans and schedules accordingly. To register for AAPEX, visit the event’s website, www.aapexshow.com. For a complete list of sessions, visit the Learning Forum on the AAPEX Website.

AAPEX Adds Extra Day for Learning Forum Education

AAPEX Adds Extra Day for Learning Forum Education

For the first time, Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum education sessions will start on Monday, Oct. 29, instead of Tuesday, and continue throughout the event. AAPEX will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev. 

The new four-day Learning Forum will include 30-plus sessions that are all free-of-charge and open to everyone. Specific sessions are recommended for general aftermarket audiences, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, retailers, auto repair shops and parts stores. Sessions are designed to provide attendees with industry trend information, new techniques and technology to help them improve their businesses. 

The following Learning Forum sessions will be offered on Oct. 29:

• “Outlook for Fuel and Raw Material Costs: How it Impacts Everyone in the Aftermarket,” speaker Jason Schenker, Prestige Economics, LLC

• “The Partnership Path to Brand Differentiation & Success!” with speaker Jackie DeLise, Vermillion Consulting

 • “Intellectual Property: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,” speaker Sarah Bruno, Arent Fox (sponsored by MEMA Brand Protection Committee)

• “Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch: Why and How to Define and Nurture Your Company Culture,” speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

• “Sprechen Zie Brand?” with speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

• “The New Aftermarket: We Have an App for That,” speaker Derek Kaufman, C3 Network, Inc.

Learning Forum sessions will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. All sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.

With the Learning Forum starting before the official opening of AAPEX, attendees are reminded to adjust their travel plans and schedules accordingly. To register for AAPEX, visit the event’s website, www.aapexshow.com. For a complete list of sessions, visit the Learning Forum on the AAPEX website. 

AAPEX represents the $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket and is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information, please visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.

NHTSA Compliance Required for AAPEX Exhibitors

NHTSA Compliance Required for AAPEX Exhibitors

NHTSA rules prohibit the importation of a non-compliant product without a permit. Specifically, Section 30112(a) of the Vehicle Safety Act prohibits the importation of non-compliant vehicles and equipment, which would include the HID conversion kits (See 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a)).
Importers that are not certifying vehicle manufacturers must seek written authorization from NHTSA in order to import noncompliant vehicle parts and equipment.

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30114, an importer can apply for special exemption and authorization to import a non-compliant product for research, investigations, demonstrations, training, competitive racing events, show, or display. See 49 U.S.C. § 30114. The importer can obtain NHTSA authorization by submitting a “Box 7” form. See NAT’L HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., DEP’T OF TRANSP., TEMPORARY IMPORTATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER BOX 7 OF THE HS-7 FORM, available at www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/racing/box7form.pdf [hereinafter “Box 7” form].

If you are an exhibitor who would fall under this category, you will need to supply the Box 7 form in order to import and display your noncompliant part.

AVI Brings High-End Technical Training to AAPEX 2012

AVI Brings High-End Technical Training to AAPEX 2012 

The AVI Training Conference will take place alongside the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) to give attendees the opportunity to participate in two industry events at one time and one place. AVI’s Training Conference is slated for Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30 during AAPEX 2012, set for Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1. Both events will take place at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.  

AVI’s conference will feature more than 20 high-end technical classes, all geared toward the needs of the installers, technicians and shop owners to help them be more efficient with diagnostics. Topics include: advanced diagnostics using pressure transducers; using the Bartec TPMS tool; PCM coding, reflashing and reprogramming; advanced security, TPMS and chassis systems; and vehicle stability control. Classes also will cover Bosch training on gasoline direct injection, passenger car diesel, powertrain networking and Ford Powerstroke, as well online marketing strategies and creating profit win numbers. 

The instructor lineup for the AVI Training Conference includes: 

• Jim Bates and Michael Moskowitz, Advance Auto Parts;

• Dave Hobbs, Delphi; 

• Wally Mouradian, Automotive Training Group; 

• Mike Rose, Bartec USA; 

• Luis Ruiz, DiPaco DTech Products; 

• Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions; 

• Dave Scaler, Mechanics Education Association; 

• Bernie Thompson, Automotive Test Solutions; 

• Jim Wilson, Auto Dynamics Ltd.; 

• Matt Winslow, Automotive Training Institute; and 

• Becky Witt, approved Automotive Management Institute (AMI) instructor.

Attendees must be registered for AAPEX before registering for the AVI Conference. To learn more and to register, visit the Learning Forum on the AAPEX website, www.aapexshow.com, or the AVI Training Conference, www.aviconference.com. 

Federated Car Care Announces 'Let it Ride' Sweepstakes

STAUNTON, Va. – Federated Car Care has just announced the launch of the “Let it Ride” Sweepstakes, in which one lucky Federated Car Care Center member will not only win a trip to Las Vegas, but also a Chevy SSR to take home. 

 

The lucky winner of the Federated Car Care “Let it Ride” sweepstakes will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for the 2012 AAPEX show and will also leave Las Vegas with a Chevy SSR as the grand prize winner of this exclusive contest. In addition, hundreds of other prizes will be awarded to Federated Car Care Center members throughout the country.

 

“In past Federated Car Care sweepstakes, the grand prize winners have been awarded a trip or have won a vehicle,” said Phil Moore, senior vice president of Federated Auto Parts. “This year, our ‘Let it Ride’ sweepstakes takes it to a new level. We are going to send our grand prize winner on a trip to Las Vegas, where he or she will be awarded with a second grand prize, a cool Chevy SSR. This just goes to show that you can’t lose with Federated Car Care, one of the nation’s most comprehensive support programs for professional service technicians.”

 

The Federated “Let it Ride” Sweepstakes is open to any fully enrolled Federated Car Care Center member. Current members are automatically eligible. New members must be enrolled by Aug. 31 to be eligible.

To learn more about the Federated Car Care Center program and the “Let it Ride” sweepstakes, visitwww.FederatedAutoParts.com.

---Repost from: http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/102415/federated_car_care_announces_let_it_ride_sweepstakes.aspx

Social #@$%* Media: Why Take the Time?

Getting the Most Out of AAPEX

If you find social media confusing, you’re not alone. However, the mind-boggling statistics about social media can’t be ignored … millions of people use it millions of times a day. This outstanding communications tool really can be useful for your business and certainly worth your attention.

Here are three compelling reasons why you should give social media a chance and join one of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) online communities, especially if you’re attending the 2012 event, Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

First, you’ll add value to your overall AAPEX experience when you engage in conversations taking place on the AAPEX Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AAPEXShow, Twitter page, www.twitter.com/@AAPEXShow, and within the AAPEX Show Group on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com. The three days of AAPEX continue to offer the best opportunity for in person communication and networking within the global automotive aftermarket. But, social media provides the opportunity for the communication and networking to continue throughout the year, 24/7.    

For example, the AAPEX Facebook page already has more than 14,000 “Likes” or fans from all over the world; buyers and exhibitors who are ready to engage in discussions, build relationships and make new contacts long before AAPEX even starts.

Second, social media is a great way to stay connected with everything AAPEX. This year marks the 20^th anniversary as AAPEX, and we’ll be posting exciting information to mark the occasion. You also will find the latest news about AAPEX, time sensitive information, such as the deadlines for saving money on early registration or housing, and plenty of photos and videos related to the event. As AAPEX gets closer, you’ll see posts about celebrity appearances, special meetings and receptions, guest speakers, and Las Vegas discounts available exclusively to buyers and exhibitors.


Social media also is a great way to help spread the word about AAPEX. When you “Like” the AAPEX page on Facebook, or “Like” or “Retweet” its content or someone else’s content, you’ll be telling your friends and colleagues about AAPEX and all the opportunities it offers. A ”Like” also is a good way to provide AAPEX event managers with valuable feedback and more engagement with you, which is a win-win for everyone involved in AAPEX.

Last, but not least, the AAPEX social media pages can be a great place to learn more about the global automotive aftermarket industry. Whether it’s research results, surveys or thought-leaders sharing their perceptions, there are endless opportunities to gain valuable information about this vibrant industry. 

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) drives new business throughout the global automotive aftermarket and is the premier event for new products, business solutions, the latest innovation, extensive education and exceptional networking. AAPEX features more than 2,200 exhibitors and approximately 4,900 booths, as well as 30-plus education sessions targeted to aftermarket retailers, distributors, suppliers and service professionals. In 2011, buyers traveled from approximately 136 countries to participate in AAPEX.

AAPEX will be co-located with the SEMA Show, which will be held the same week at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, visit the AAPEX Web site, www.aapexshow.com, or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.