The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will continue development of “Know Your Parts,” its industry education and awareness campaign, at the third annual Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vision Conference, set for Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill. Online event registration and hotel reservations now can be made.

“We have selected ‘Know Your Parts’ as the theme for our 2010 Vision Conference, building on the momentum gained at the campaign’s launch at AAPEX 2009,” says Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. “We will discuss the next steps for the ‘Know Your Parts’ campaign at the conference, which also features an outstanding line-up of speakers and presentations. Members are urged to register and make room reservations early,” he added.

Event registration is available by clicking here. On this page, visitors have the option of registering electronically or downloading a fax-back form.

Hotel reservations at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill. can be made by clicking here. The AASA Vision Conference 2010 room rate of $129 per night and guaranteed room availability expire on Friday, Feb. 22, 2010.

AASA Vision Conference 2010: “Know Your Parts,” exclusive to AASA member companies, will kick-off with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Tuesday, March 16, following meetings of the AASA Board of Governors and AASA councils.

The program will begin on Wednesday morning, March 17, with keynote addresses by aftermarket channel partners, best practice presentations by members and panel discussions of trends and challenges affecting automotive aftermarket suppliers.

Featured keynote presentations will include Larry Magee, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC and executive vice president of Bridgestone Americas Inc. (BSAM), the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,100 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care™, Tires Plus™, ExpertTire™ and Wheel Works™ store locations; Eric Hurst, Ph.D., professor of economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and top-rated speaker from AASA Vision Conference 2009; and “Driving Business Success in these Dynamic Times” by Ernst & Young, the conference premier sponsor.

Other highlights will include:
• “Your Association at Work,” presented by AASA council chairmen
• “Member Spotlights,” featuring innovative business solutions at AASA supplier member companies
• Government affairs discussion led by Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)
• Presentations on new AASA initiatives

The AASA Vision Conference 2010: “Know Your Parts” will conclude at approximately 5 p.m. on March 17 with a Networking Reception. Additional AASA council meetings are scheduled for Thursday, March 18, at the InterContinental following the conference.

AASA 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 an affiliate of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).