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," explains 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,” says Silvey. “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.
To register for GAAS 2013, visit www.globalsymposium.org or call (301) 654-6664.
For more on GAAS see:
