NCMA cataloging conference registration opens

The National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) has opened registration for its 39th annual Knowledge Exchange conference, April 21-24 at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. This event is focused exclusively on the educational and professional development needs of the automotive catalog and product content community. Conference highlights will include respected industry keynote presentations, informative educational breakout sessions, new products and services at the vendor trade show and the first graduating class of Aftermarket Catalog Professionals (ACP).

"Aftermarket businesses rely on their catalogs and product information as a competitive advantage and point of differentiation," said NCMA president Milt Grimes, coordinator, global catalog services, CARDONE Industries. "The annual NCMA conference is the best opportunity of the year for these professionals to learn and sharpen their skills in fulfillment of that mission. We invite all catalog and product data managers and their solution partners to join us in Las Vegas for three days of education, development and networking."

Keynote presentations will include:

• Shane Evangelist, CEO, U.S. Auto Parts, who will speak about the unique information requirements and challenges of marketing automotive products online;
• Dil Kulathum, vice president, international, CARDONE Industries, who will share observations about the challenges and rewards of investing in catalog solutions from the perspective of a global parts suppliers; and
• Mark Seng, vice president, global aftermarket – commercial sales, Polk, will explore the five major trends that every automotive professional should understand and account for in their strategic planning.

The technology required to manage electronic and print catalogs as well as a growing number of digital assets is expanding in variety and sophistication. The vendor trade show at NCMA is the best single opportunity of the year to discover new solutions and see the latest technology updates. Exhibitors are assured of a great ROI and opportunity to network with hundreds of the most successful companies in the aftermarket.

Other highlights of the conference will include awarding the first certificates to those NCMA members qualifying for their ACP designation from the University of the Aftermarket; the recognition of the best examples of print and electronic catalogs at the awards luncheon; and the education and training that has made NCMA the must-attend event of the year for catalog professionals.

A guaranteed room rate of $169 is available at The Cosmopolitan through March 23, 2012. Online registration forms and a link to The Cosmopolitan reservation site are available at www.ncmacat.org. The conference registration cost for NCMA members is $495 and qualified non-members may register for $695. Separate registration forms are online for vendors interested in exhibiting at the trade show. All questions can be directed to ncma@aftermarket.org.