The ABPA is proud to announce that our 2017 annual convention is being held in Atlanta! Once again, the ABPA has arranged a packed schedule with informative speakers, educational breakout sessions, and of course, an exciting social schedule. Our convention in Miami last year was by far the best one we have had in recent years, but Atlanta promises to exceed it!
The ABPA convention is the place to be to learn about the industry issues and trends that affect your business. Panel discussions and educational breakout sessions will allow you to learn and discuss topics that are important to you. Guest speakers will convey vital information on insurance relations, MSOs, legislative updates, and parts procurement.
Finally, don’t forget the Atlanta nightlife! CCC will once again be hosting an evening party on Thursday night, April 27. And the Marriott Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, the convention host, is located right in the downtown area with many choices for restaurants, bars and shopping only steps away! You can take advantage of special ABPA Annual Meeting pricing on rooms at the hotel here.
Here’s a preliminary look at the schedule…
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
ABPA Golf Tournament. This year, our event will be in conjunction with Atlanta I-CAR, with proceeds benefiting the Collision Repair Education Foundation. You can register now.
The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm
3030 Bradshaw Club Drive
Woodstock, GA 30188
Individual golfer registration is $75 without club rentals, or $100 for those who need clubs. Registration can be made through the ABPA Annual Meeting Event Hub page, and includes:
- 18 holes of golf
- Range balls
- Cart fee
- 3 drink tickets
- Lunch
- Reception dinner
- Putting contest
- 19th hole experience
- Golf ball launcher
- Custom glove fitting
- Goody bag
Thursday, April 17: Business Session 1
Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation
Brandon will update members on the important progress his organization is making toward “filling the pipeline” with trained and qualified technicians to keep the collision repair industry going strong in the future.
Ray Colas, Legislative and Regulatory Issues
Ray Colas is the head of the government affairs division at LKQ. Ray will be providing the membership on key updates on state issues that affect parts specification, approval and certification.
Dave Smith, Caliber Collision
Dave is Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Caliber. Dave is a graduate of California State University-Long Beach, where he earned a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Finance. He will be speaking on the growth of Caliber, the company’s plans for the future, and the importance of distributors working with MSO operations.
Jack Gillis, CAPA Update
Jack Gillis will give an update of the CAPA parts certification program.
Breakout Sessions
Past participants have told us how much they value the ability to participate in our breakout sessions! In 2017 these will include:
- Jim Smith – “Getting on Estimates but not Getting the Business?”
- CCC
- carpart.com
- Partstrader
- NSF – “Benefits of the Distributor Certification Program”
Friday, April 28: Business Session 2
NSF Certification Updates
Bob Frayer will give an update on the growing list of NSF certification programs and participants.
Gerry Poirier, Farmer’s Insurance
Brad Mewes, Supplement
Brad will speak about consolidation within the collision repair industry and how it affects aftermarket parts segment. Brad provides strategic and financial advisory services to the automotive aftermarket industry world wide, specializing in M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) and outsourced corporate finance and CFO functions.
Patent Reform in the Courts
The ABPA has brought the issue of patent reform to the U.S. federal courts. ABPA representatives will give a brief overview of the case and update the membership on the current status of legal actions.
Navigating the Sea of Legislation
Will Nordwind of Venable will bring the audience up to date on governmental issues that continue to face the industry across the U.S., and will also provide an update on the progress of the PARTS Act of 2017 in the new Congress.
REGISTER NOW!
Don’t miss this terrific opportunity to improve your business by enhancing your knowledge of industry trends and best practices, while making valuable connections to other aftermarket parts industry leaders. Register today by clicking here while you can still take advantage of our “early bird” discounts, which end February 28.
