Dan Ricci, Global Automotive Leader with IBM Cognitive Solutions, will headline the event on July 26-27, with a discussion on big data and analytics impacting the automotive sector.

Additionally, Dan Hearsch, Director with Financial Firm AlixPartners, will speak to economic trends impacting the automotive aftermarket. The two-day conference also will feature:

• A panel discussion focused on telematics and in-vehicle connectivity moderated by Greg Potter, executive manager and COO with the Equipment and Tool Institute
• A peek at key legislative issues, “How Capitol Hill is impacting your business?” from Bob Redding, Washington D.C. representative with the Automotive Service Association (ASA)
• A regulatory session, “Staying Compliant: Helping Shops and Distributors Avoid Costly Violations,” presented by Charles Ayers, president of the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair.

“The Business Outlook Conference was developed to help attendees better understand the future of automotive. We hear a lot about connected vehicles, new fleet technology and crash avoidance systems,” said Michael Willins, UBM Automotive Group Content Director and Conference Coordinator.

“The technological revolution we are witnessing will change how parts are delivered, what parts are needed for vehicle repairs, the repair services that shops offer and the overall repair process. Rather than being fearful of what’s coming, we think this creates a lot of opportunities for forward thinkers, and that’s the goal of the Business Outlook Conference—to get them thinking about what’s possible.”

The conference will also showcase a special presentation from Mike Jones, President of Discover Leadership, who will help attendees “Win the Moment” personally and professionally. Mike will show attendees the value of being outcome focused in life and business.

The conference is one of many events taking place at NACE Automechanika Chicago designed to benefit automotive parts distributors and suppliers interested in working more closely with shop customers. The event provides matchmaking and concierge-serviced meeting times and spaces during the show in an effort to help attendees build business relationships. Rather than scheduling multiple trips for a sales force, distributors simply can complete a matchmaking profile and watch their schedule grow with valuable customer meetings. The service opens in May, and anyone registering for NACE Automechanika can indicate their interest in participating.