Research Triangle Park, N.C. – By registering now, attendees at the 10th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program –– can hear a stellar lineup of speakers and industry leaders as they discuss “Lessons from the Past, Perspectives on the Future” at a $200 savings. The event will take place Wednesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 12, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill.

Participants who register by Monday, Feb. 28, receive the early bird discount of $200. Registration fees are $695 for the sponsoring associations’ members’ first registrant and $595 for each additional representative. After Monday, Feb. 28, fees increase to $895 for an association member company’s first registrant and $795 for each additional representative.

Early registration for individuals whose firms or organizations are not a member of any of the sponsoring associations is $895 for the first registrant and $795 for each additional representative. After Monday, Feb. 28, fees are $1,095 for the company’s first registrant and $995 for each additional representative.

GAAS program registration information is available from the sponsoring associations or online at www.globalsymposium.org.

Over its 10-year history, GAAS has become the premier industry conference for senior-level aftermarket executives. The symposium also is a must-attend event for anyone conducting business with the automotive aftermarket including: advertising, communications, marketing and PR professionals, attorneys, business developers, consultants, electronic commerce providers, export management companies, financial analysts, investment bankers, market researchers, product developers, research and development specialists, and venture capitalists.

Speakers for the 10th anniversary event include

• Dr. Lester Thurow, MIT, one of the nation’s leading economists;
• Joe Gibbs, coach of the Washington Redskins and team owner, Joe Gibbs Racing;
• Jim Press, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.;
• Donald Cooper, international business speaker;
• Dr. David Fry, president and CEO, Northwood University; and
• Kathleen Schmatz, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

GAAS participants will hear a presentation on “The Price Advantage,” a comprehensive book by McKinsey & Co. Jeremy Eaton, an associate principal in the firm’s Detroit office, and Gerald Mercer, an expert partner in the Cleveland office, will discuss best practices for aftermarket prices. A complimentary copy of the book will be available from McKinsey & Co.

The first-ever Polk Aftermarket Inventory Efficiency Award will be presented by R. L. Polk & Co. during this year’s Symposium, designed to recognize and reward outstanding aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency. In addition, Mike Gingell of Polk will highlight best practices case studies in inventory management.

The program also features panel discussions on important industry issues such as:

• Manufacturers panel – Moderator: Bob McKenna, president of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); panelists: Joe Felicelli, executive vice president, worldwide aftermarket, Federal-Mogul; Terry McCormack, president and CEO of Affinia; Larry Pavey, CEO of ARI; and Bruce Zorich, CEO of United Components Inc. 
•  “Who Will Fix the Cars?” panel – Moderator: Larry Silvey of Advanstar Automotive Group; panelists: Mike Kamal, co-president, Automotive Distribution Network; Cheryl Ward, marketing manager of Goodyear’s Gemini Automotive Care centers; John Watt of Petro-Canada Certigard
• Next Generation panel – Moderator: Bill Babcox of Babcox Publications; panelists: Lisa Chissus, vice president and general manager of Flex-a-lite Consolidated; Gordon Fenwick, CEO of Fenwick Automotive Products; Fletcher Lord, president of Replacement Parts Inc.; and Doug Washbish, president and CEO of Moog Louisville Warehouse
• Industry leaders panel – Moderator: Al Gaspar, president emeritus, AAIA; panelists: Steve Odland, chairman, president and CEO of AutoZone; David O’Reilly, chairman and CEO of O’Reilly Auto Parts; Larry Samuelson, president of U.S. Automotive Parts Group, Genuine Parts Co.; and Temple Sloan III, president and COO of Carquest

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA)and University of the Aftermarket.

R. L. Polk & Co. is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.

GAAS Proceeds Invested in Industry Future

All of the net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. The anniversary year will mark a significant milestone when the Symposium surpasses $1 million in scholarship funds awarded to more than 1,000 students. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.