LAS VEGAS – Denny Welvaert, chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), announced at AAPEX 2013 today that “Connected” will be the theme for GAAS 2014, to be held May 20-21 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill.
“The word connected speaks to our common bond as an industry and the opportunity that GAAS provides each year to bring the aftermarket together for networking and education,” said Welvaert. “Our 2014 theme also looks at how automotive electronics, specifically telematics, are bringing the connected car to reality and how it will impact the aftermarket.”
Welvaert points out that popular breakout sessions, which were introduced at GAAS 2013, will return again for the 2014 event. Preliminary topics include: training that impacts a new generation, trends in the heavy-duty aftermarket and how to translate a strategic plan into action. General session topics will look at telematics, a global view of the Chinese aftermarket and more. A complete agenda will be available soon.
The annual two-day Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, now in its 19th year, brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the worldwide automotive aftermarket and influencing its future. Each year, the net proceeds of GAAS are invested in the organization’s scholarship fund to help students get their automotive aftermarket career started. Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. To date GAAS, has awarded scholarships to more than 1,700 students representing $1.7 million in aid.
For more information on GAAS 2014, visit www.globalsymposium.org.
