Aftermarket Insider Issue 82 - (Page 3)

trim in tennessee SEgMENt NEwS Big Changes for AAIA’s Upholstery and Trim International Segment In September 2012, AAIA’s Trim segment changed its name to the Upholstery and Trim International (UTI) segment to reflect the broad array of products marketed by its members. The UTI segment represents companies that manufacture or distribute, primarily through wholesalers, interior and exterior fabrics and hardware and products used in the aftermarket for the repair or the restoration of cars and trucks. Now the segment is preparing for its annual convention, which also is undergoing major changes. Most importantly, the convention, which has been held for decades in March or early April, will this year be held Sept. 18-21 in Nashville, Tenn. The move to the fall was at the request of members, and hopes to better reflect the marketing cycle of the industry. The mainstay of the UTI Convention is the highly successful one-on-one meeting format, which permits distributors and wholesalers to meet privately in hotel rooms in order to conduct business. Previously, all one-on-one meetings were arranged on the first day of the convention. However, for the first time, attending wholesalers will be able to take advantage of an Internet-based system that will permit them to make their appointments with exhibitors online from the comfort of their offices. This new system will permit attendees to know their one-on-one schedule before they arrive at the convention. Other highlights to look forward to at the convention include: • Roundtable discussions for wholesalers on Wednesday afternoon to discuss industry-wide issues. • Wednesday night – Chairman’s Reception and Dinner honoring Mark Goldstone, Spradling International, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the segment and to the industry. • Thursday luncheon – John Zoellner, a veteran merger and acquisition business consultant, will share insights on preparing a business for succession or acquisition. For the UTI segment, the convention has been more than just a meeting, it has been the scene of many long-term business and personal relationships that have endured for decades. With the major changes to both the segment and the convention, UTI is on target to continue its success for many years to come. For more information on the UTI segment, visit www.aftermarket.org or contact the UTI segment liaison Aaron Lowe at aaron.lowe@aftermarket.org. Information on the convention will be sent out in June and will also be available on the website. For the first time, attending wholesalers will be able to take advantage of an internet-based system that will permit them to make their appointments with exhibitors online from the comfort of their offices. AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 82 | 3 http://www.aftermarket.org/Segments/Trim

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 82

Aftermarket Insider Issue 82
Contents
President’s Message
Segment News
Essential Information
Company Profile
Government Affairs
Member Profile
Toolbox
Inside Technology
Software Piracy in the Aftermarket
Head of the Class
Market Intelligence

Aftermarket Insider Issue 82