LAS VEGAS (Aug. 14, 2014) — Service operations representatives from 12 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have confirmed their participation in the upcoming National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) fall 2014 general meeting.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) show, which runs Tuesday, Nov. 4, through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas—the same time as the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is being held in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
AAPEXedu sessions will start on Monday, Nov. 3.
The NASTF meeting is part of the organization's new Service Professionals Program at AAPEX and, according to promoters, “presents a unique opportunity for shop owners and technicians to interact directly with OEMs to bring solutions in service information.” The meeting's featured topic is, “Aftermarket Access to OEM Education Resources.” A confirmed agenda is available on the NASTF website.
“The addition of NASTF to the AAPEX Service Professional's Program brings the aftermarket one-step closer to the OEM. Sessions on the NASTF meeting agenda like ‘OEM Education Resources' and the ‘2018' PC diagnostic requirements give both the auto maker and the aftermarket technician insights into each other's world,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and chief operating officer of the Auto Care Association.
“Technicians, service writers and shop owners are the front-line in our industry and AAPEX, one of the largest gatherings of repair professionals in North America, is committed to adding value for their time at the show,” said Bill Long, president and chief operating officer, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “The addition of the NASTF general meeting to the AAPEX Service Professionals Program is an important step in continuing the dialogue among service providers, aftermarket channel partners and suppliers so that all can innovate and win in today's aftermarket.”
NASTF's fall general meeting will be held from 1-4 p.m., PST, Room Casanova 605 at the Sands Expo Center/Venetian Hotel. No registration is necessary for the meeting, but registration is necessary for AAPEX events.
For further information on the meeting, visit the NASTF website or contact Skip Potter, NASTF executive director, at [email protected]. To register for AAPEX, visit the show's website.
Show promoters said AAPEX is expected to feature more than 2,400 exhibitors, 5,000 booths, nearly 40 AAPEXedu sessions and 39,000 targeted buyers. More than 130,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from nearly 125 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX.