GRAPEVINE, Texas — The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) will hold a virtual national membership conference and expo April 12-16, bringing together for the first time members of Federated Auto Parts and the newly formed Pronto Automotive Distribution Network.
The virtual event, themed "Go All In with The Group," is being held in place of an in-person conference and trade show The Group had been planning for Las Vegas.
" … after careful evaluation, we opted to hold the conference at a 'virtual Vegas' location,'" Larry Pavey, CEO of The Group, said.
"Our primary consideration continues to be the health and safety of our members, suppliers and associates, and this virtual option allows us to convene, collaborate and conduct business in a safe and practical manner."
The virtual conference will include sessions for both members and suppliers, presentations by select suppliers to the entire membership and an online expo where each supplier can host a virtual booth, the trade group said.
The event will also feature live one-on-one meetings between suppliers and members, with over 700 one-on-one sessions expected to take place. Additional highlights include an auto care industry update, a keynote speaker from the industry and an awards presentation.
Registration information and the agenda will be sent to members, suppliers and associates of The Group in the coming weeks.
"We had a very successful virtual event last year and anticipate that this year will be even better," Mr. Pavey added.
The Group, a joint venture involving Federated Auto Parts and Pronto Automotive Distribution Network, is considered one of the largest automotive parts supply networks in North America.
The Pronto Network, in turn, is a merger of the National Pronto Association and Automotive Distribution Network, two allied auto parts distributors that together represent over 250 members in North America with an estimated annual revenue of approximately $5 billion.