“Turning on the Data Spigot,” a key presentation at the 2009 MEMA Information Services Council Fall Conference, will feature representatives from Advance Auto Parts, CARQUEST Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The execs will discuss how to simplify and quicken the flow of data from suppliers to channel partners. The conference takes place Oct. 11 through 13, in Marco Island, Fla.

Panelists will include: Eugene Cheng, director, content management & strategy – e-commerce, Advance Auto Parts; John Christie, vice president of e-service-business marketing division, CARQUEST; and Mike Williams, vice president of advanced technology, O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Automotive aftermarket professionals who use technology are urged to attend the MEMA Information Services Council Annual Fall Conference. This includes those whose responsibilities involve customer service, business support, e-commerce, information services, cataloging, forecasting and supply chain.

“The MIS Council Fall Conference is the only face-to-face forum for technology professionals this year,” says Chris Gardner, MIS Council group executive and vice president, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “At this year’s event, aftermarket manufacturers can collaborate on standards and industry initiatives, explore current technology and industry trends, and create open dialogue about innovative ways e-commerce and information technology can impact the aftermarket supply chain.”

Also during the conference, Brad Duncan, CEO of MindQuest, will discuss the new supplier-driven OptiCat e-catalog application that features the Do It Once (DIO) approach to preparation and delivery of critical data.

The first registration for MIS Council member companies is free, and additional employees can attend at a discounted rate. Participants also may earn 1.5 CEUs through the University of the Aftermarket.

The conference sponsors to date are Activant, ANX eBusiness Corp., Autologue Computer Systems, Corcentric, Edgenet, Experian Automotive, GCommerce, MAM Software, OptiCat, Pricedex Software, R.L. Polk & Co. and Show Me The Parts.

For more information, visit www.mema.org.