RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – New and emerging technologies are changing the landscape of the automotive aftermarket and are crossing multiple business disciplines in the industry today – marketing, strategic planning, information services and systems, cataloging and much more. To assist innovative aftermarket professionals in embracing new opportunities through technology, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will present the 2014 Technology Conference, hosted by the AASA Technology Council (ATC) Sunday, Oct. 5, through Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Marco Island, Fla.
 
“Technology has enormous potential in the aftermarket, offering significant opportunities for those companies that embrace it and its stronger connection to end-customers,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “The competitive advantage of technology depends on aftermarket professionals’ ability to respond to change, so the 2014 Technology Conference is the vital part of AASA’s mission to advance the business interests of automotive aftermarket suppliers.”
 
“The ATC opened the dialogue with marketing professionals at its 2013 Conference and made important strides toward bringing aftermarket marketing and technology professionals together,” said Lisa Henkel, CRM/end market development manager, Gates Corp., and chairperson of the ATC Board of Governors. “The ATC will host the 2014 Technology Conference to reflect our commitment to continuing the technology dialogue among the Council’s members and a wide audience of aftermarket professionals.”
 
“Through the important conversations, meetings and networking held at the ATC Fall Conference in 2013, members of the AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC) realized the value in better alignment with their technology colleagues on the most effective use of data and technology to better satisfy customers’ needs,” commented Don McEntee, vice president, marketing, SKF, and chairperson of the MEC. “We look forward to joining our ATC colleagues at the 2014 Technology Conference for a deeper dive into issues and emerging technology trends that will transform the aftermarket.”
 
The AASA Technology Conference agenda is designed to meet the needs of automotive aftermarket supplier professionals. From the keynote addresses by top aftermarket channel partners to the “Member Spotlight” presentations from AASA members, the AASA Technology Conference is the only annual event in the aftermarket focused on technology from the perspective of suppliers. Aftermarket professionals who are responsible for their company’s customer service, business support, e-commerce, information services, cataloging, forecasting, supply chain, EDI, IT/IS and Web services – as well as sales, marketing and business development – are encouraged to register and make room reservations as soon as possible.
 
More information about AASA Technology Conference 2014, including hotel accommodations and event registration, are available at www.aasatechnology.org. The ATC has reserved a room block for the event; attendees should reserve rooms here no later than Friday, Sept. 12 for guaranteed rates and room availability.