The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. convened its largest Winter Shareholder Meeting to date, drawing over 500 industry professionals to the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry from Sunday through Tuesday.
Meeting Highlights
"The Alliance Winter Shareholder Meeting is an essential event for bringing together the best in the aftermarket auto parts industry," said JC Washbish, president of the Alliance. "It's a time to reflect on the successes of the past year while planning for the future."
The three-day event featured:
- Departmental committee meetings
- Specialized industry sessions
- Comprehensive general sessions
- Interactive networking opportunities
- Channel Partner Awards Banquet
Key Events and Insights
Sunday's agenda focused on committee meetings, including Category Management, Information Technology, Warehouse Operations, and Sales & Marketing. Specialized roundtables covered National Account, Certified Service Center, Heavy-Duty, and Store Operations.
Monday's general session provided shareholders with critical updates on membership, category management, IT, and sales. The day's highlight was the "Social Showcase," an interactive networking mixer designed to strengthen industry partnerships.
"The Winter Meeting is the most important meeting of the year!" said Todd Leimenstoll, CEO and president of Auto-Wares. "Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited to continue working closely with our partners to ensure shared success across the entire industry."
Awards and Recognition
The event culminated Tuesday evening with the Channel Partner Awards Banquet, celebrating industry excellence.
"The Channel Partner Awards Banquet is more than just a ceremony—it's a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and teamwork that make this industry thrive," noted Justin Hebert, vice president of Category Management at the Alliance.
The Alliance will announce its Channel Partner of the Year Award and recognize outstanding supplier achievements for 2024 during the banquet.
Accompanying the formal sessions were leisure activities including golf, fishing, and poker, providing additional networking opportunities for attendees.
