The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada has announced that registrations are now open for the National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM).

AIA Canada’s AGM and National Conference will take place on April 28 and 29 at the Delta Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. The registration fee for members of the association is $199 (plus taxes) per person. The fee for non-members is $249 (plus taxes) per person.

According to the program, AIA Canada’s Board of Directors and Division Chairs meeting will take place on April 28, followed by a welcome reception in the evening.

The second day of the conference is packed with informative sessions. Keynote speaker Tony Chapman will talk to attendees about 2020s – A Decade of Disruption.

Georgian College Automotive Business Program Students will also be present at the event to speak on the topic “The Sustainable Future of the Automotive Aftermarket”. The discussion will dwell on several issues such as the environment; recycling; going green; how the automotive aftermarket can react and remain sustainable in the eyes of future generations; and how small actions can bring about significant results.

A presentation on Right-to-Repair and Access to Vehicle Data has been added to the program as well. The focus during the session will be on whether the aftermarket will be able to compete if automakers maintain their control of and access to vehicle communication loop and wireless vehicle data in an era of connected vehicles.

A panel discussion will take place on the subject “Labour and Workforce Development”. The focus will be on addressing talent shortages and skills gap faced by the aftermarket today. Some of the questions to be addressed during the session include: Are there enough trained technicians to go around? Will aftermarket businesses be able to attract the high-tech employees they need? Will the aftermarket be able to retrain the staff that currently work on the cars of tomorrow? The session will also look into how the automotive aftermarket industry can build the workforce for the future.