WOODRIDGE, Ill. — The Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) and National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) are planning to partner for their spring meetings.
All three associations traditionally have held separate technical conferences in the spring, but for 2020 they said they are working to hold one conference in San Diego in May. The move is intended to better serve their members and enhance the value of the meetings.
"This collaboration leverages each association's membership and brings the original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket service providers, along with tool and equipment manufacturers, part manufacturers, suppliers and other organizations that support the industry, together to discuss topics which affect how vehicles are being serviced, the equipment used, and the technology needed to service today's complex vehicle," the associations said in their joint announcement.
"The unique coordination of the meeting allows for each association to have specific sessions to focus on their agenda items, in addition to the collaborative session that will feature topics that span across all three association's interests."
AMRA is a nonprofit association of automotive service providers, parts and tool suppliers and manufacturers and technology companies that oversee the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP).
ETI provides networking among members of the automotive equipment and tools industry and OEMs, while NASTF focuses on resolving gaps in the availability and accessibility of OEM automotive service information, service training, diagnostic tools and equipment for automotive service professionals.
"Never, in the history of the automotive industry, have we seen so many significant technological advances affect our businesses simultaneously. The impact of ADAS, autonomous mobility, electric vehicles, and cybersecurity, just to name a few, have rocked the aftermarket and OEM worlds alik," ETI Executive Director Brian Plott said.
"In our on-going efforts to drive solutions to these challenges, we are honored to collaborate with AMRA and NASTF on this year's event. The combined line-up of industry experts, cutting edge topics, and a focus aimed at the future of vehicle service and consumer safety, will definitely make for an exciting event."
Details of the conference schedule will be forthcoming, according to the associations.