Six of the 30 sessions in the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum will focus on industry trends to help attendees better position their businesses for the future. Learning Forum sessions are offered at no cost, and will begin Monday, Oct. 29 – the day before the official start of AAPEX– and run during AAPEX, Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
Industry trend sessions include the "Outlook for Fuel and Raw Material Costs: How It Impacts Everyone in the Aftermarket," with a focus on how the rising costs of fuel and raw materials are affecting the manufacture and cost of parts. Well-known and respected economist Jason Schenker will share Prestige Economics' top-rated forecasts and provide insights as to what everyone who makes a living in the aftermarket needs to know about the risks and realities of future commodity and fuel prices.
NPD's David Portalatin will present the "2013 Aftermarket Outlook" and what to expect in consumer spending on products and services based on the results of NPD's 2013 Aftermarket Consumer Outlook Survey. Polk's Mark Seng will present "Five Trends in Five Minutes: Trends Affecting the Aftermarket Environment," a review of the hottest trends in the vehicle market that are and will be shaping the industry in the short - and long-term.
The popular "Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share?" session will help companies focus on how to boost productivity when selling parts for imports. "What's Happening with U.S. International Trade: Opportunities for the Aftermarket" will cover recent trade agreements (FTAs) and the benefits and issues that arise due to the FTAs. And, "New Brake Rules: What the Aftermarket Needs to Know" will review how state laws in California and Washington will affect the entire supply chain.
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.
