Delving into the minds of up and coming aftermarket professionals will be the focus of a GAAS 2013 session titled: "Future Leaders Speak Out." This uniquely designed, interactive panel discussion is being presented for the first time with automotive educators along with current and recent graduates, including recipients of a Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship. GAAS 2013, "Driving Change," will be held May 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago.
"This segment highlights the expected and not-so-expected views of current students including GAAS scholarship recipients," explained Larry Silvey, assistant professor and chair, aftermarket management, Northwood University. "If you’re looking to find out what these students and new grads think about some of the longstanding problems that industry veterans have struggled with for years, this is a must-see session."
Serving as moderator for the panel, Silvey says the session will demonstrate the passion that young people have for the automotive aftermarket, along with the challenges that they face in an industry of this size. "In fact, it is those challenges that seem to engage and drive them in their quest to excel in the industry. They want to help by offering some fresh, unhampered ideas, perhaps even solutions that only a generation brought up on the Internet and technology could offer."
In addition to Silvey, representing the academic community is Tom Grothous, academic dean at the University of Northwestern Ohio, College of Applied Technologies. Speaking for former students and GAAS scholarship recipients are Chuck Grospitch, technical sales/inside sales, Hawk Performance and Jim Lucas, director of new product development, Dorman Products. Current student representatives from Northwood University are Alex DeYoung, a junior, and Victor George, a graduating senior.
New features at GAAS 2013 include four breakout sessions and co-locating with the Aftermarket eForum, May 22-23. Attendees of both GAAS and Aftermarket eForum save $250 off the regular price of the two. The discounted group hotel rate at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare of $177 per night (single or double) plus tax is guaranteed through Friday, April 19, 2013.
Each year the net proceeds of GAAS are invested in the organization’s scholarship fund to help students get their automotive aftermarket career started. Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. To date GAAS, has awarded scholarships to more than 1,600 students representing $1.6 million in aid.
To register for GAAS 2013, visit www.globalsymposium.org or phone 301-654-6664. You can also connect with GAAS through Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.