WORLDPAC delivers third Supplier & Training EXPO
WORLDPAC recently held its third Supplier & Training EXPO (STX) May 15 to 18 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando. The event was initially created in 2009 as WORLDPAC’s vision to help customers better succeed in the changing aftermarket environment. It has since grown into an eagerly anticipated biennial opportunity for WORLDPAC customers to learn the latest in advanced vehicle technology, as well as critical business skills needed to take an independent repair business to the next level of service profitability. Attendees also enjoy peer-to-peer networking and an exclusive opportunity to discuss products with premier suppliers and manufacturers at the evening EXPOs.
During the four day event, more than 1200 elite independent repair professionals from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico experienced nearly 500 total hours of advanced-technical and business training presented by more than 50 of the industry’s most respected instructors including several who travelled from the United Kingdom and Germany. Each full day of training was followed by an evening EXPO and tools and equipment show featuring over 100 suppliers.
“WORLDPAC is dedicated to providing our customers the very best training in our industry,” said Bob Cushing, WORLDPAC President and CEO. “We created the WORLDPAC Training Institute (WTI) over 10 years ago and had our first Supplier and Training Expo in 2009, the largest automotive training event held. We take great pride in continuing to offer training curriculum designed to meet the demands of growing the independent repair professionals business in a challenging environment, and now our world-class STX event is consistently a part of that. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this event, only possible due to the tremendous support of our training partners, suppliers and customers, and we look forward to continuing it in the future.”
WORLDPAC guest attendees were equally impressed with the event. “Thanks to you and your team at WTI for continuing to have the energy and foresight to make educating our technicians a priority,” said Debbie Stuart of Sayther Auto in Austin, TX. “Several of our techs said this EXPO was the largest training gathering they’ve ever attended and an amazing organizational feat. Undoubtedly you have already begun planning the next one, and your dedication makes a huge difference to all of us here in the field. You and your team make a contribution to our industry that is unparalleled. We would be so much the poorer without your help.”
Over 120 exclusive advanced-level technical and business classes were developed by the WORLDPAC Training Institute (WTI) in collaboration with WTI partner suppliers including Autologic, BOSCH, Delphi, Denso and ZF who, along with many others, also participated in the EXPO.
Additional event highlights include: Bob Cushing’s presentation Innovating to Succeed in a Changing Market, Certified Tribologist Lake Speed discussing specialized oils and fluids, special tool and equipment show discounts, and a raffle featuring over $150,000 worth of valuable prizes such as a fully equipped Autologic diagnostic tool, lifts, tire balancers, gift cards and more.
WORLDPAC’s inaugural Supplier & Training EXPO (STX) event was held October 2009 in Orlando, FL, followed by their second STX event held January 2012 in Anaheim, CA.
WORLDPAC imports and distributes OE and quality aftermarket replacement parts to independent import and domestic service centers in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. SpeedDIAL, WORLDPAC’s exclusive online catalog and fulfillment ordering software, contains more than 7 million import and domestic, multiple brand applications for virtually ‘All Makes, All Models’. The company also offers extensive customer services including their highly praised WTI technical & business training and targeted customer marketing solutions.
To become a WORLDPAC customer contact (800) 888-9982 ext. 5470 or visit www.worldpac.com.
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