Aftermarket Insider - October/November 2009 - (Page 2)

PRESiDENT’S MESSAgE Stepping Up to the plate Member driven. Member Supported. Kathleen schmatz AAIA President & CEO I’m proud to report that 77 percent • Built the “Shop of Tomorrow,” an exhibit to demonstrate integrated of the more than 1,700 exhibitors at technology solutions that improve AAPEX this year are AAIA member workflow in a repair shop with live companies, closely divided between demos of remote vehicle diagnostics. domestic and international. And, of course, a large number of the buyers • Organized new AWDA Pavilion, a are AAIA member companies, as convenient focal point for exhibialways. tors that provide goods and services specifically related to distributor This strong show of support for the operations. trade show from our members is heart• Designed a new demo area on the ening and encouraging especially in show floor – the AAPEX Theater light of the economic challenges they Presented by SearchAutoParts.com – have faced all year and continue to for product and service multi-media struggle through. I’d like to think that demonstrations by exhibitors. our very visible efforts this year to add • Improved show floor navigation with value to AAPEX helped drive interest new interactive touch screens to and registrations. replace printed show floor maps. A number of “You Are Here” kiosks Ironically, the new features to AAPEX with 42-inch plasma TV screens 2009 came from our members, those will be strategically located to help who serve as volunteer leaders on the attendees find exhibitors by name or Show Committee and the Marketing product. Committee. These volunteers worked closely with staff to strategize how to • Returned to the exclusive all-afterimprove exhibitor ROI and how to market panel for the Wednesday attract more buyers. We listened and morning AAIA Town Hall featuring here’s how we responded: a “Channel Panel” representing • Increased awareness and promotion of the International Buyer Program bringing thousands of international buyers to AAPEX. • Expanded educational offerings to 24 seminars in the “Inside Track: AAPEX Learning Forum,” including distributor-specific education sponsored by AWDA. • Created the first-ever Car Care Fair, to showcase the popular “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign in its own exhibit on the show floor. manufacturing, distribution, retail and service and repair. AAIA truly is a member-driven organization. See you in Las Vegas. 2 | AFTERMARKET INSIDER | OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2009 http://www.aapexshow.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider - October/November 2009

Aftermarket Insider - October/November 2009
Contents
President's Message
New Members
You’re Invited...
“Be Car Care Aware” Vehicle Check-Up Events
Industry Events
Member Profile
Technology Update
International Focus
Association News
Market Research
Company Profile
Government Affairs
Industry News
Market Research

Aftermarket Insider - October/November 2009