Uni-Select and Bumper to Bumper network member representatives met at the Manoir Richelieu on September 8 for their first annual convention in Quebec since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The network’s 400 shops and stores were impatiently awaiting the return of the convention, which hadn’t taken place since the start of confinement in 2019. Now that the event has come and gone, one thing’s for sure: the Bumper to Bumper team answered the call brilliantly.

The event was hosted in the Charlevoix region this year, and guests had nothing but praise for the venue. The network chose the sumptuous Manoir Richelieu to welcome its numerous members. Happy hours took place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Saint Lawrence River.

Drinks weren’t the only thing on the menu, however! The Bumper to Bumper Convention also provided an occasion for members to network with over 60 suppliers with a view to building new business relationships and opportunities.

“The ties that we’re forging here aren’t simply transactional, they’re fundamental to our collective strength,” explained Émilie Gaudet, President and Chief Operating Officer.

Guests were also provided with the occasion to attend over 30 conferences on such topics as international recruitment, employee retention and electric vehicles and got the opportunity to seriously upgrade their knowledge base!

“We tried to address the most relevant topics for workshop and parts store owners,” stated Bumper to Bumper Vice-President of Marketing, Zineb Ahnou Ghouila. “We hope that the concepts introduced here prove useful to them in their daily lives.”

Constantly striving to organize the best possible convention

For this comeback convention, Bumper to Bumper implemented several new features. They notably chose to invite more members from Eastern Canada.

Bumper to Bumper also sought to broaden vendor booth exposure with greater emphasis on training.

“We’d noticed that it was occasionally difficult for guests to connect with suppliers at their booths,” explains Sébastien Lachapelle, Vice-President of Sales for Eastern Canada. “We decided to offer suppliers the freedom to also present their know-how to network members.”

There were also two awards presentations which took place during the Friday and Saturday evening meals. On Friday, Bumper to Bumper recognized suppliers who stood out the most this year:

• Mevotech (Best line producer)
• Driv (Best trainer)
• SureWrex (Mention of excellence – Machinery)
• Dorman (Mention of excellence – Automotive parts)
• SKF (Michel Labonté – Best sales representative)
• Recochem (Mention of excellence – Auto maintenance)
• 3M (“Gold” partner)
• Milwaukee (“Diamond” partner)

On Saturday, Bumper to Bumper recognized member workshop and store dedication and thanked them for their trust. The workshops and stores who stood out the most were:

• Fafard Alignement (30 years)
• Garage Simon Vaillancourt (30 years)
• Centre Mécanique, M.B. (20 years)
• Auto-Technic M.M.B. (20 years)
• Mécanique Auto Viens (15 years)
• Garage Gingras et Fils (15 years)
• Garage Généreux 2013 (10 years)
• Garage DS de la Malbaie (5 years)