NEW to Convention Agenda!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Throughout the day, attendees will be able to attend a variety of open sessions focusing on specific industry issues and map out a schedule that best suits their business needs. Attendees are invited to attend any of the sessions below, in which they have an interest.

Industry Impact: A Focus on Automotive Service - Morning Sessions

Advanced Technology Powertrains - Electric, Hybrid, and Fuel Cell Systems: The Impact on the Automotive Aftermarket
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Presented by Dr. Mark Quarto, Manager of Global Aftersales Powertrain, General Motors

Hybrid and electric vehicle technology continues to grow, becoming more mainstream with each passing model year. With estimates that most automotive manufacturers will be using 85 percent to 100 percent hybrid or electric propulsion systems by 2020, it is imperative that automotive technicians fully understand the impact of this technology and begin to embrace its market emergence. This presentation will review current and future electric propulsion and energy systems, and how the aftermarket can reinvent its business model to capture segments of this new technology in this emerging market.

ASA Mechanical Division Update
11:15 a.m. - Noon
Presenters: Rolf Werner, AAM, ASA Mechanical Division Director, Werner's MasterTek Auto Repair; Robbie Addison, ASA Mechanical Division Manager

Join your ASA Mechanical Division director and manager as they share with you the projects your operations committee is working on, on your behalf, to better the industry and increase opportunities for ASA members. Take the time to sit in on this presentation and learn what steps your volunteer leadership is taking, and what issues they are tackling, to keep ASA in the forefront of industry involvement.

Industry Impact: A Focus on Collision Repair - Morning Sessions

Waterborne Paint Panel Discussion
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Moderated by Denise Caspersen, ASA Collision Division Manager
Panelists: Diane Rodenhouse, Rodenhouse Body Shop, Inc.; and Jerry Burns, AAM, Automotive Impressions

Two keys to successfully making the changeover to waterborne products are planning and preparation. This panel of your peers will offer insight on making a smooth transition to waterborne paint by preparing your facility and staff. Hearing about the process from collision owners like yourself promises to take you beyond the information provided by paint product and equipment vendors.

Crash Parts - "What I Need, When I Need It ... Will It Work?"
10:45 a.m. - Noon
Presented by Ron Nagy, AAM, Nagy's Collision Center

Knowing the parts you need, when you need them, and how to efficiently get them, are tools in the collision repair business you cannot survive without in today's constrained market. The ability of your business to deliver a quality product on time is more important than ever. This presentation will look at parts procurement practices and procedures, as well as parts quality issues. Make sure you have the right part for the right job, and attend this powerful session.

Industry Impact: A Focus on Automotive Service - Afternoon Sessions

Parts Quality Panel Discussion
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

You're invited to join in on the discussion, as representatives of the repair community - two shop owners with very different business models, a parts jobber store representative and a warehouse distributor - offer their perspective on the challenges to understand "What's in the box?" Don't miss this rare opportunity to get directly involved, because the continued effort of ASA's Mechanical Division in addressing and improving parts quality requires your input and participation.

The Future of Telematics and Independent Service Shops
3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Presented by Ben Johnson, Delphi Product and Service Solutions

Have you ever wondered if your business has a role in telematics? Be sure to attend this presentation to review trends in telematics and explore how you and the aftermarket could be well-positioned to benefit from these technologies.

Industry Impact: A Focus on Collision Repair - Afternoon Sessions

ASA Collision Division Update
2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Presenters: Darrell Amberson, AAM, ASA Collision Division Director, Lehman's Garage; and Denise Caspersen, ASA Collision Division Manager

Join your ASA Collision Division director and manager as they share with you the projects your operations committee is working on, on your behalf, to better the industry and increase opportunities for ASA members. Take the time to sit in on this presentation and learn what steps your volunteer leadership is taking, and what issues they are tackling, to keep ASA on the forefront of industry involvement.

SEO and Internet Marketing for the Collision Repair Facility
2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Presented by Angie Kilbourne, ASA Web Operations Manager

When someone is searching online for a body shop in your area, where do you want your shop's Web site to appear on the search engine results? The very top spot, of course! But just how do you get your name in front of customers searching for collision repair? You'll find the answer to this question and more as this session examines search engine optimization (SEO) and looks at tips, tricks and additional resources to ensure your Web site is in tip-top shape.

High-Strength Steels and Alternative Metals
3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Presented by Bob Keith, CARSTAR

Higher fuel economy demands and more stringent safety requirements continue to drive changes in the design and materials of today's vehicles. If gone unnoticed, these changes can create large profit losses, lost work hours, unsafe working conditions, faulty repairs and additional problems for repairers and insurers. Learn about materials that are in the market today and find out what trends are likely in the future, from a repairer's perspective.