The Global Automotive Symposium (GAAS) and AAIA’s Aftermarket eForum have reached an agreement to co-locate their two separate events in 2013. Under the agreement, GAAS will continue to hold its day and a half event from May 21-22, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Day two of GAAS, on May 22, will include a keynote presentation on technology that would benefit attendees at either event. The second day of GAAS will also include several breakout sessions on a variety of topics, including technology.
The Aftermarket eForum will begin immediately after GAAS concludes on May 22 with an afternoon general session addressing executive-level IT and ebusiness topics. The eForum will conclude on May 23 with a variety of breakout sessions that explore technology issues in greater depth.
“We are excited to bring together two of the industry’s leading events in order to help reduce industry travel expenses, but more importantly it provides us with the opportunity to present subject matter that appeals to both audiences,” says GAAS chairman, Denny Welvaert. “We believe holding these events back-to-back is a winning proposition for everyone in the aftermarket.”
Attendees will be able to attend either event separately or register for both. GAAS subject matter will examine the latest business and economic issues facing the aftermarket, while the eForum will continue to address IT and e-business topics.
“Technology is the common element that runs through every important business strategy and decision,” says Scott Luckett, AAIA chief information officer. “It is so appropriate to join eForum and GAAS into a single educational opportunity for our industry leaders. We are also excited about joining the proceeds from the Aftermarket eForum with those of the Global Symposium to benefit industry scholarships for automotive students.”
