The automotive specialty equipment market and its expanding partnership with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers will be the subject of the session "Profitable Personalization: OEM-Aftermarket Collaboration" at this year's Management Briefing Seminars on Aug. 12. The specialty equipment industry has experienced increased visibility and growth in recent years — both of which have not gone unnoticed by leading industry stakeholders. Many within the automotive industry are creating partnerships with specialty equipment companies as an opportunity for growth and survival in today's ever-changing automotive climate. "The specialty equipment sector, made up of a remarkably diverse group of companies, offers a creative way for vehicle manufacturers to meet consumer's customization needs," says Brett Smith, co-chair of the session, and assistant director of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology group at the Center for Automotive Research, host of the traditional summer event. "Our session will focus on how the specialty equipment market is working with the auto industry, highlighting collaboration with vehicle manufacturers. In the summer of 2008 both the auto industry and specialty equipment market face difficult economic conditions, the time is right to forge creative design, engineering and marketing partnerships between the two. The personalization session, offered in collaboration with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is co-chaired by John Waraniak, SEMA's vice president of vehicle technology. Featured speakers include Myles Kovacs, president and co-Founder, DUB Magazine, and Elaine Matsuda, vice president of corporate accessories, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. To round out the panel, they will be joined by Scott Ulnick, managing partner, Ducker Worldwide, who will share insights on how vehicle manufacturers and specialty suppliers can effectively co-brand their products. In addition, several vehicles fitted with the latest equipment from SEMA member companies will be on display at an evening reception sponsored by both SEMA and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Aug. 12. The overall conference theme of the Management Briefing Seminars: "Transcending Turbulence" will be addressed by leaders from manufacturers, suppliers and other key stakeholders at the annual industry event Aug. 11-15 near Traverse City, Mich. at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The seminars attract more than 1,000 attendees who participate in targeted sessions, senior-level executive panels and highly valued networking opportunities. Also on Aug. 12, the "Connected Vehicles in a Changing World" session will discuss collaboration required with the aftermarket as well as other factors facing the unfolding realm of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure connections. Featured speakers include: Paul Brubaker, administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation; Jim Buczkowski, director, Electrical/Electronic Systems Engineering, Ford Motor Company; Adam Drobot, president, Advanced Technology Solutions, chief technology officer, Telcordia Technologies, Inc.; Kirk Steudle, director, Michigan Department of Transportation; and John Waraniak, SEMA. Additional sessions take place throughout the week. For an up-to-date listing of speakers and sessions, or to register visit mbs.cargroup.org or call (734) 662-1287. |
