All Delegates to the 61st Annual AWDA Business & Education Conference should hold decision-making positions for their respective companies. This conference is focused on distribution. Therefore, manufacturer delegates should be directly involved in that aspect of the business.

Distributors of automotive parts and supplies form the core of attendees. Collectively, these firms move billions of dollars in product annually. Distributor attendees must be qualified, dues-paying distributor members of AWDA or invited guests whose participation is specifically approved by the association.

The distributors are there to meet with senior executives from Manufacturing and Business Services firms. Manufacturers must be current, dues-paying members of AWDA and sell to or through traditional distribution channels as defined by AWDA criteria (sell direct to seven or more AWDA distributors). Business services must be current, dues-paying members of AWDA that currently sell to one or more AWDA distributors. Manufacturers and business services should contact AAIA/AWDA to confirm their qualifications.

Manufacturers who utilize the services of Manufacturers’ Representatives may include them in their private one-on-one meetings where appropriate. However, reps may only participate in the one-on-one meetings as agents for, and at the invitation of, those manufacturers. Participating Reps must be dues-paying members of AWDA. All participating reps must register to attend the conference and must wear their conference badges. Unregistered reps may not participate in one-on-one conferences and will be asked to leave the suites.

Spouse/Guest Attendance

Delegates' spouses are welcome at the conference and encouraged to participate in most AWDA/AAIA events. The $100 spouse registration includes: Sunday’s education events, the Opening General Session and Manufacturers’ Reception; breakfast and lunch on Monday; a badge to visit the AAPEX and SEMA shows and complimentary AAIA member events. Note: Spouse/guest registration does not include admittance to one-on-one meetings.

For more information, please contact rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org.