AAPEX Adds Extra Day For Learning Forum Education Sessions -

AAPEX Adds Extra Day For Learning Forum Education Sessions

Organizers for the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) have announced that the Learning Forum education sessions at this year's AAPEX will start on Monday, Oct. 29, instead of Tuesday, and will continue throughout the event.

Organizers for the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) have announced that the Learning Forum education sessions at this year’s AAPEX will start on Monday, Oct. 29, instead of Tuesday, and will continue throughout the event.

AAPEX will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

The new, four-day Learning Forum will include more than 30 free sessions open to all AAPEX attendees. Specific sessions are recommended for general aftermarket audiences, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, retailers, auto repair shops and parts stores. Sessions are designed to provide attendees with industry trend information, new techniques and technology to help them improve their businesses.

The following Learning Forum sessions will be offered on Oct. 29:

• “Outlook for Fuel and Raw Material Costs: How it Impacts Everyone in the Aftermarket,” speaker Jason Schenker, Prestige Economics LLC

• “The Partnership Path to Brand Differentiation and Success!” with speaker Jackie DeLise, Vermillion Consulting

• “Intellectual Property: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,” speaker Sarah Bruno, Arent Fox (sponsored by MEMA Brand Protection Committee)

• “Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch: Why and How to Define and Nurture Your Company Culture,” speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

• “Sprechen Zie Brand?” with speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

• “The New Aftermarket: We Have an App for That,” speaker Derek Kaufman, C3 Network Inc.

Learning Forum sessions will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. All sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.

With the Learning Forum starting before the official opening of AAPEX, attendees are reminded to adjust their travel plans and schedules accordingly. To register for AAPEX, visit the event’s website, www.aapexshow.com. For a complete list of sessions, visit the Learning Forum on the AAPEX website.

AAPEX represents the $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket and is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

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By Joe Marconi of Elite
Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track
all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue,
other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.
Here are a few things to consider:
• The loss of time when performing the comeback; time that the tech can use to
perform other work and generate profit;
• The misc costs, such as overhead costs, supplies, cleaners, etc.;
• Towing costs, rental, etc.;
• Cost to morale;
• Reputation damage; and
• Reduction to your profit margin.
For every part issue, you need to
inform your supplier. Sit down with suppliers on a regular basis. Don’t return defective
parts until you have listed the parts, and maintain a report. Document
everything.
Part issues are increasing. Every shop
owner I speak to is frustrated over this.
Remember, comebacks kill your bottom
line. The more comebacks you have, the more they’re killing your profits.
This article was contributed by Joe Marconi.
Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through
the Elite Coaching Program, and is the
co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

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