AWDA 2021 Conference To Shift Dates, Feature New Schedule

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) announced a return to in-person meetings for its 2021 Annual Business and Education Conference during Industry Week in Las Vegas.

As in past years, the conference will coincide with an in-person Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) show, held at its traditional location in the Sands Expo Center. Both the AAPEX show and AWDA conference will adhere to all COVID-19-related rules and safety protocols, as put forth by the Venetian, the Sands Expo Center and the city of Las Vegas.

Recognizing the evolving needs of members over the past year, AWDA’s board of governors also has endorsed a Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (MAC) recommendation to align and overlap the AWDA conference with AAPEX.

2021 AWDA Schedule

Sunday, Oct. 31 – Morning and afternoon arrivals; general session and evening reception
Monday, Nov. 1 – Full day of one-on-one meetings in the Venetian suites
Tuesday, Nov. 2 – AAPEX in the morning; half day of in-suite, one-on-one afternoon meetings
Wednesday, Nov. 3 – AAPEX in the morning; half day of in-suite, one-on-one afternoon meetings
Thursday, Nov. 4 – AAPEX; depart in the evening or following day

AWDA’s new, more time-efficient schedule is designed to reduce overall time in Las Vegas by one night for most members and to deliver considerable savings to companies that bring large contingents to AWDA and AAPEX. Additionally, the schedule will allow for the same, if not more, time for members to visit the AAPEX show floor.

Virtual AWDA Option

A limited “virtual option” will be available for conference participants who wish to enhance their in-person meetings by involving certain off-site personnel. Conference details, registration and meeting/hotel suite reservations will be included in the initial registration package to be available to AWDA members in early June.

“AWDA is looking forward to welcoming distributors and manufacturing partners to its “Reunion Conference,’” AWDA said in a news release. “All indications suggest that members are more than ready to resume and renew the deep personal and business relationships that have been put on hold for more than a year.”

For more information, visit autocare.org/awda or contact Larry Northup, executive director, AWDA, at [email protected] or Leah Jones, director, meetings and events, at [email protected].