What is Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week?

Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week was developed by the industry's leading trade associations and marketing groups to create the most important and valuable event in the history of the heavy duty aftermarket by combining several events currently on the industry calendar. The intention of HDAW is to provide a forum that highlights the best elements of each of the association and marketing group's individual value propositions. To register, or for more information visit www.hdaw.org , or contact William T. Glasgow, Inc. at 708-226-1300.

Conference Format

HDAW will provide a variety of business, educational and social events for heavy duty manufacturers, distributors and truck fleet/heavy duty specialists, by featuring:

• An aftermarket-focused trade show
• Comprehensive technical and business education sessions
• Individual association meetings
• One-on-One Business Meetings
• Social and networking functions

You won't want to miss the inaugural event that will change the way the heavy duty aftermarket industry conducts business. 

All of the elements of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week are held in carefully planned time slots; no events compete for the attendees' time.

• HDAW will offer pre-scheduled One-on-One Business Meetings between manufacturers and distributors. Manufacturer participation will be limited to members of the sponsoring organizations that are also exhibiting. Distributor participation will be limited to companies who are members of the sponsoring organizations. An additional registration fee applies to One-on-One Business Meetings.
• Industry-wide trade show featuring the latest products and technology used in the heavy duty aftermarket. This entire event is designed for distributors; there is no additional "traffic" to compete for your time.
• Education sessions are being planned by a committee of suppliers, distributors, educators, trade press editors and technical associations. These sessions will be held at various times throughout the conference. All are designed to improve the distributor's knowledge base. Multi-track sessions on best practices and a business/technical theater, with five sessions on the trade show floor, will make education a major part of the conference.
• Networking opportunities during the conference are considered to be one of the main benefits behind the consolidated event. An opening reception on the trade show floor will kick off the week. Individual organizations and associations will hold social events after the day's schedule.

HDDA Leaders Pleased with Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week

Leaders of the Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA), a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), report positive feedback from attendees at the second annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) – held Jan. 22-25 at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

"At the close of the second successful Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, I am more convinced than ever that the HDAW format will only continue in value as our industry's annual meeting place," said Dave Engstrom, HDDA board member, HDAW chair and president, Mutual Wheel Company. "The ideas shared, the technology and the trends we learned about are actionable items to help my business and my business relationships in 2007 and beyond."

"HDAW 2007 proved to be even better than the inaugural year from my perspective," said John Flad, HDDA chair and vice president of aftermarket sales, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. "The educational program was thought provoking, as well as relevant to our everyday business. Attendance was up, and the venue was convenient."

"No other industry event can bring together as many independent aftermarket distributors," said Dave Scheer, HDDA immediate past chair and president, Inland Truck Parts. "Not only does HDAW attract a large number of high-quality distributor companies, but those who attend are the decision makers."

Expanding on last year's successful HDAW conference, a number of dynamic educational sessions were held including the Aftermarket Forum, the value-added selling seminar and the Business and Technical Theaters. The conference also offered one-on-one business meetings between distributors and suppliers, as well as a world-class product expo and valuable networking opportunities. 

HDAW event organizers are the Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA) and the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA). For more information, visit www.hdaw.org. For information about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities in 2007, contact W.T. Glasgow, HDAW show management, at 708-226-1300 or e-mail info@hdaw.org.

Source: AAIA News Release, January 26, 2007