Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS): Agenda

8 am – 8:15 am
2009 Symposium Greeting and Scholarship Report
Dave Caracci, Chairman, Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium
Pete Kornafel, MAAP, Chairman, Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship Committee

8:15 am – 9 am
Is This the Recovery I've Heard so Much About?
Chris Kuehl, Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence

Now that we have finally left 2009 in the rearview mirror what can expect from the economy
in 2010? Not so much according to Dr. Chris Kuehl, economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA). Dr. Kuehl says we are now in the midst of the second transition, this time from the recession to recovery. He says it is certainly better than transitioning the other way, but it will not be without its challenges. In his presentation, he will look at such topics as: "Whatever happened to that stimulus money? When do I officially shift from panic over the recession to panic over inflation? What did all those people do that lost their jobs and what will we have them do now?"

9 am – 10 am
How Automotive Repair Service Chains Are Gaining Traction in Today's Market: A Panel Discussion
Moderator: Barry Soltz, President, AMRA/MAP
Panelists: Joe Biggie, Vice President of Strategy and Development, Just Brakes
Larry Magee, Chairman, CEO and President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO)
John A. Warzecha, Senior Vice President for Franchise Business Development, Midas, Inc.

Three representatives of the national service chain segment of the automotive aftermarket will provide insights on their current business practices and demonstrate the impact of using Uniform Inspection & Communications Standards. By following these guidelines, developed by the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), they will demonstrate that customer satisfaction increases and shop profitability improves. Their insights will provide full service automotive aftermarket suppliers and distributors with valuable information to increase their parts sales.

10:45 am – 11:30 am
Chinese Aftermarket Outlook
Timothy Weckesser, Ph.D., President & CEO, Sino Consulting

China has the potential to be the world's largest market for the automotive aftermarket. What is the current state of the Chinese aftermarket? Get the latest information from one of the world's foremost authorities on China in this global presentation.

11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Turnaround Growth & Survival Through People
Jim Wright, Chairman & CEO, Tractor Supply

“Work Hard. Have Fun. Make Money.” For more than 70 years, these words have guided Tractor Supply's success. These words are the basic philosophy behind every facet of the company's operation, and a big part of its mission. Former aftermarket executive and AAIA chairman, Jim Wright, will share the story of Tractor Supply's success where employees are valued for honesty, integrity, mutual respect and teamwork. Wright will explain how the company has grown since he started at the company over nine years ago and survived the recent downturn through an open company philosophy where everyone has the information and tools to grow and excel. He will detail how Tractor Supply encourages risk-taking, celebrates initiative and rewards success.

1:30 pm – 2 pm
Polk Inventory Efficiency Awards
Mark Seng, Vice President, R.L. Polk & Co.

The 6th Annual Polk Aftermarket Inventory Efficiency Award will be presented during this year’s Symposium. The award, given to both a manufacturer and distributor, is designed to recognize and reward aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency. This presentation is intended to foster a spirit of industry collaboration and cooperation to help provide solutions to the challenge of inventory management within the automotive aftermarket.

2 pm – 2:45 pm
Gen Y: Shifting Away from Cars
Mike Cooperman, Senior Director of Marketing, J.D. Power Web Intelligence

“Fun, Fun, Fun Till Your Daddy Takes Your Cell Phone Away” doesn’t have the same ring to it as the original Beach Boys song. Most of us remember the thrill of turning 16 and pressuring our parents to get a driver's license. But in a generation of social media and mobile technology, does Gen Y have the same motivation toward all things automotive? Do they care about their cars the same way Gen Xers and Boomers do? How will the evolution of “green” consumers impact their opinions of auto brands? This sessions promises insights into the current automotive attitudes and behaviors of Gen Y.

3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Winning the Consumer Products Battle: How Today's Small and Large Companies are Succeeding Through Innovation
Sandy Brawley, President, GameChanger Products

More breakthrough new products today are coming from small companies and start-ups than big companies. Vitamin Water. Burt’s Bees. Oxi-Clean. Power Bar. Bare Escentuals. It is happening over and over. Learn what these successful start-ups have in common— and how you can put their secrets to use at your “big" or "small” aftermarket company. Well known in the aftermarket as a former Clorox Co. national sales manager and winner of AAIA Executive Of The Year Award, Sandy Brawley is active in his new role at GameChanger helping manufacturers build innovation pipelines for growth and testing products with leading retailers through the company's retail Learning Lab™.

4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
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Are You Ready for What’s Now? Innovations in Marketing & Branding
Moderators: Jeremy Denton, Director, Programs and Member Services, AASA
Theresa Spera, Director, Programs and Member Services, AASA
Panelists: Richard Alameddine, Vice President Marketing and Engineering
Tenneco Inc.
Jim Brown, Director of Global Marketing Services, Honeywell Consumer Products Group
Alicia Smales, Vice President of Marketing, Snap-on Tools

Customers are savvier than ever, and in order to get ahead and stay ahead, first you may need to “catch-up.” As the marketplace continues to evolve along with the way we communicate, companies must continuously adapt their “marketing mix” to ensure they are reaching their customers at the right time with the right message. The panel presentation will look at companies that are reaching today's generation through innovations in marketing, branding / rebranding, licensing, new markets and social media tools.

8 am – 8:30 am
Why Do Automotive Service Providers Leave Billion's Unsold?
John Watt, National Manager, CERTIGARD Franchised Operations, Petro-Canada

Understanding why automotive service providers leave billions of unperformed maintenance on the table will lead to possible solutions. Solving it is worth billions of dollars in sales to manufacturers, wholesale distributors, jobbers and retailers alike. A Canadian insight delivers this message.

8:30 am – 9:30 am
Shop Owner Panel: How to Repair Tomorrow's Cars--Driving Connected
Moderators: Bill Haas, Vice President, Education and Training, ASA
John Waraniak, Vice President of Vehicle Technology, SEMA
Panelists: Michael Blicher, Business Development Director, Immersion Corporation
Scot Manna, Owner, MB Automotive, Inc.
Stephan A. Tarnutzer, Chief Operating Officer, DGE Inc.
John Vallely, Owner, McLean Marathon Service

New technology has changed the way today's vehicles are repaired and serviced. This panel of repair shop professionals and specialty equipment technology providers will assess this new class of high tech cars and trucks. In addition, they will assess the impact of "driving connected"--how connecting a driver with their vehicle, other vehicles and the roadside infrastructure will impact aftermarket companies. This session will provide timely insights for manufacturers and distributors regarding the parts that will be needed.

10 am – 10:45 am
Automotive OE Industry Effect on the Aftermarket
Jeff Henning, Global Automotive Markets Leader, Ernst & Young

Last year's significant restructuring of leading automakers was among many fundamental changes that occurred in the automotive industry in 2009. Throw in the government's "Cash for Clunkers" program and it was one of the most significant years for American automaking. Ernst & Young's Global Automotive Markets Leader, Jeff Henning, will provide GAAS attendees with insights on the future ahead for the major global automakers, their dealer networks and the emerging car industries, and the implications for the aftermarket.

10:45 am – 11:15 am
University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 Team Presentation

Bill Johnston, Regional Manager, Tenneco
Tom Myroniak, Vice President of Marketing and Market Research, SEMA
Tom Piper, Vice President, Information Technology, Automotive Supply
Associates/Sanel Auto Parts
Ron Rossi, Director, Market Research, AAIA
Trevor Tennant, Senior Manager, Piston Ring Service

11:15 am – 12 Noon
The Economy & The Aftermarket
Tony Cristello, Senior Vice President, BB&T Capital Markets

One of the most popular speakers at previous Symposium's, Tony Cristello will provide his perspective on Wall Street as one who writes equity research exclusively on the automotive aftermarket. How did the aftermarket survive the recession? What is the future outlook for the industry? Not only will you receive the latest forecasts, you will also receive insights on the most popular publicly traded aftermarket companies.

12 Noon
Conference Wrap-Up
Dave Caracci, Chairman, Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium has importance for senior-level aftermarket executives, but it also is a must-attend event for anyone conducting business with, or in any segment of, 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, Venture capitalists.

Dress Code

Business casual dress throughout the event.

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