GAAS committed to ‘Driving Change’

The 2013 theme for the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will be “Driving Change.”

The event will be held May 21-22, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago

In a letter to the industry, GAAS chairman Dennis M. Welvaert said the new breakout sessions are designed to foster deeper discussions than are possible from the big stage.

The theme of "Driving Change" is reflected in this new feature, as well as the event’s colocation with the Aftermarket eForum.

The Aftermarket eForum, which will be held May 22-23, will offer strategic and technical presentations on the business technology challenges of the aftermarket.

Closing speaker at that event, Danielle Russell from Google Automotive, will act as a bridge to GAAS.

“I strongly believe that education and training are key drivers that distinguish the great repair shops, retailers, WDs and manufacturers in our industry from those who are struggling,” he writes. “What better event can you pick than the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium to sharpen your industry knowledge and to meet and dialogue with the leaders of our industry?”

Among the many sessions planned for the 2013 edition of GAAS include:

* “Are We Re-Entering a New Golden Era of the Automotive Industry?” by Mike Martini, president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Consumer OE

Division, and John McElroy, president of Blue Sky Productions

* “Manufacturing in the Face of Change” (Panel Discussion)

* “Where is the Economy Headed?” by Gary Schlossberg, senior economist at Wells Capital Management

* “Distribution Headwinds and Tailwinds” (Panel Discussion)

*  “It’s a Social, Mobile, Digital World! Are You Taking Advantage or Letting Opportunity Pass You By?” by Cynthia Cohen, founder and president of Strategic Mindshare

* “What Shops Really Need” (Panel Discussion)

You can review  the GAAS brochure online