NACE Automechanika adds biz conference

CHICAGO — The organizers of NACE Automechanika 2017, the biennial trade show for the auto service/collision repair industries, are hosting a two-day business outlook conference during the July 26-29 event at Chicago's McCormick Place West.

The conference on the 26th and 27th will offer attendees insight into new technology, economic trends and the changing automotive landscape, according to the organizers, Automotive Service Association (ASA), Messe Frankfurt and UBM Americas.

Dan Ricci, global automotive leader with IBM Cognitive Solutions, will headline the event with a discussion on big data and analytics impacting the automotive sector, the organizers said. Additionally, Dan Hearsch, director with financial firm AlixPartners L.L.P., will speak to economic trends impacting the automotive aftermarket.

The conference also will feature:

• A panel discussion focused on telematics and in-vehicle connectivity moderated by Greg Potter, executive manager and COO with the Equipment & Tool Institute;
• A review of key legislative issues — "How Capitol Hill is impacting your business?" — from Bob Redding, the ASA's Washington D.C. representative; and
• A regulatory session — "Staying Compliant: Helping Shops and Distributors Avoid Costly Violations" — by Charles Ayers, president of the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR).

In addition, Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership Training, will deliver "Win the Moment," a presentation on the value of being outcome focused in life and business.

Michael Willins, UBM Automotive Group content director and conference coordinator, said the conference will address the technological revolution and how it is impacting how parts are delivered, what parts are needed for vehicle repairs, the repair services that shops offer and the overall repair process.

The cost of the conference is $99. More details and registration information is available on the NACE Automechanika web site.