AAPEX Learning Forum: Hot Topics

ORLAND PARK, IL  – SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 – Among the 30 education sessions scheduled for the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum, 13 hot topic sessions will focus on timely issues impacting all channels of the aftermarket. Topics include the import parts explosion, social media, emerging business models, selling process techniques, trends affecting the aftermarket environment and brand protection.

All education sessions will be held over a three-day period during AAPEX, Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706& 801-802, in Las Vegas, Nev. The Learning Forum sessions are free and open to everyone.The Lunch & Learn sessions at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 1-2, require registration and pre-payment of $25per person.All AAPEX Learning Forum education sessions are accredited for 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) by the University of the Aftermarket toward the AAP and MAAP professional designations.

Hot Topic Sessions for AAPEX 2011 include:

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011

2012 Aftermarket Outlook
David Portalatin, The NPD Group

Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share? 
Marty Gold, S-G Imported Parts, Inc. and TBD Panelists
*Presented by Auto International Association (AIA)

Not More Social Media! The Continuing Evolution of Social Media Integration within Marketing Campaigns
Tyler Olson, SMCpros

Your Business and Your Market Share Are Being Affected by Your State Legislature
Rodney Pierini, CAWA; Jennifer Zins, PlotkinsZins& Associates; Aaron Lowe, AAIA; and Ann Wilson, MEMA
*Presented by Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA); Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

QR Codes 101: What Are They and How Can They Grow Your Business?
Tyler Olson, SMCpros

New Vehicle Technologies and Their Impact on the Future
Phil Magney,IHS Global Insight

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011

Salespeople are from Venus: Installers are from Mars
Mac McGovern, KYB America LLC

Emerging Business Models: New Pathways to Growth and Profit
Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group
*Sponsored by Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA)

Selling Process Techniques: The New Age of Selling 
Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group
*Sponsored by Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA)

5 Trends in 5 Minutes: Trends Affecting the Aftermarket Environment
Mark Seng, Polk

Making Packaging a Team Player in Brand Protection
Institute for Packaging Professionals (IOPP); Patrick Arnold, trademark lawyer, McAndrews, Held &Mallo
*Sponsored by Institute for Packaging Professionals

Accessing Repair Information on Today's Vehicles and the Role of NASTF
Moderator: Ron Pyle, NASTF; Panelists: Mark Saxonberg, Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.; Donny Seyfer, Seyfer Automotive; Bob Stewart, ACDelco e-Business; and Jeff Sweet, Identifix

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011

Share the Knowledge – Gain the Profits
Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions Inc.
*Presented by Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP)

For a full schedule of sessions, visit http://aftermarket.org/Education/AAPEX-Learning-Forum/2011FullSchedule.aspx.

About AAPEX
AAPEX is the annual business-to-business trade show representing the global automotive aftermarket and features more than 2,000 exhibitors. AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket affiliate of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com.