Registration open for AIA Canadas Western Canada Automotive Service Providers

Planned specifically for today’s shop owners and managers who are stretched to the limit with both time and resources, the Western Canada Automotive Service Providers Forum is the ideal venue to empower yourself with the knowledge you need. The forum will be held Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM at the beautiful Elk Ridge Resort, a four-star destination/lifestyle resort located deep in the heart of the boreal forest, at Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan.

The AIA Saskatchewan Division will be holding its Fall Golf Tournament the following day. With the opportunity to participate in both of these events, this is the perfect venue to take the time to meet and network with your industry peers – hear about what they are doing, learn from their experiences and from their successes!

Panel Session: Protecting the Viability of the Canadian Automotive Aftermarket

Canada’s automotive aftermarket is facing a severe skills shortage – and one that could continue to deepen unless action is taken. There are currently 13,000 (approx.) unfilled positions in Canada’s automotive aftermarket, with Canada’s Motive Power Repair and Service Sector (MPRS) accounting for 29% of these vacancies.* Harmonized recruitment strategies, incentives and enhanced government programs will be essential to protecting the viability of Canada’s automotive aftermarket and its labour force into the future. This panel session will explain important trends to help you better understand programs that are available.

*CARS Council’s 2009 study, “Performance Driven: Labour Market Opportunities and Challenges for Canada’s Motive Power Repair and Service Sector."

Speakers:

The Car of Tomorrow – James Shields

With vehicle maintenance and repair more complex than ever, it is imperative that technicians remain competent with the latest skills and techniques. With first-hand knowledge of these technologies, and a passion for solving tough diagnostic problems, James Shields will provide you with an in-depth perspective on how this new technology will impact your shop including the opportunities and challenges that the automotive aftermarket repair and service industry face today and in the future.

Transforming Your Shop from Survival to Prosperity – Rui Martins

Rui Martins, a charismatic speaker and dynamic instructor, has developed the processes required to bridge the gap between what needs to be done, and getting it done. His Business Management Process courses directed at owners, managers and employees of automotive shops have proven techniques and methods for achieving results. His presentation will address the creation of specific processes and changes that must happen in unison to transform a shop from survival to prosperity.

Making TPMS a Profitable Part of Your Business – Susan Hitchon

TPMS has become one of the hottest topics in the Canadian aftermarket. You have likely been inundated with technical material on how to service TPMS systems correctly and have listened to countless sales pitches from one supplier or another. Perhaps your biggest challenge is making TPMS a profitable part of your business. Susan Hitchon will provide you with hard facts and key strategies for embracing this new technology and making TPMS your fastest growing category at a considerable profit.

Closing Speaker: Cheryl Pounder, Gold Medal Champion

It’s always about the journey…

That’s the message women’s hockey champion Cheryl Pounder seeks to instill in every audience she speaks to. Believing that learning from our successes, as well as our failures, is the key to staying on the path towards excellence, Cheryl Pounder reminds audiences that true achievement is found on the way to winning gold. Cheryl’s enthusiastic presentations are inspirational and demonstrate the need for setting goals, remaining focused and overcoming adversity. Having played on six of Canada’s World Championship Hockey Teams and voted top defenseman at the 2002 Canadian Women’s Hockey National Championship, Cheryl’s greatest career accomplishments are her two Olympic gold medals from the Salt Lake City and Torino Olympic games. In addition to her stellar hockey career, Cheryl has also been an in-studio analyst for TSN’s coverage of the last two Women’s Hockey World Championships.

Presentations– The Secrets of a Shop’s Success

Throughout the Forum, you will hear presentations from three local successful shop owners (see Schedule on reverse). Find out how they recruit and train staff, hear their personal tips on marketing, customer management and retention, succession planning and more. Learn from your peers about their experiences and their successes.

Registration for the event is $229/per person plus 5% GST.

Atendees can register online or download the registration brochure and fax your completed registration form to 613-728-6021.

For assistance with registration, please contact: Patty Kettles at 800-808-2920 ext 221 or patty.kettles@aiacanada.com.

Please note that registration for the golf tournament is seperate from the Forum registration. Click here to download and complete the golf registration only.

Hotel Accommodations

AIA Canada has negotiated special rates for 2013 Western Canada Automotive Service Providers Forum at the Elk Ridge Resort. Because of the different room types ranging from rooms in the lodge (2-4 bedroom cottages, cabins and townhouses), rates will range from $199.00 to $369.00. Book early to ensure that you reserve the room type that best suits your needs.

All guests must make their own reservations directly with the Elk Ridge Lodge on an individual basis, identifying themselves as a member of AIA Canada. Contact the resort at (800) 510-1824/ (306) 663-4653 or email at reservations@elkridgeresort.com.