Join members of the auto care sector for the AIA Canada National Conference taking place on April 23 and 24 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre.
There will be a cocktail reception April 23 in the evening, followed by a full day of conference programming on April 24 that focuses on hot topics in the auto care sector, industry trends, and the state of the auto care sector (also known as the aftermarket).
Networking reception: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Conference: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*Schedule is subject to change.
Early bird rate – available until March 20, 2024*
*Group discounts are only available on early bird rates.
Regular rate $325.00 per person
Register now
All registration fees are subject to 13% HST.
| 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Registration opens
Location: International Foyer |
| 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Networking reception
Location: International C |
| 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Registration opens
Location: International Foyer |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Location: International Foyer |
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Opening remarks
Location: International C
Speaker: Shannon Spano, Vice President, Sales, Wakefield Canada and Outgoing Chair, AIA Canada |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Driving innovation: The here, now, and next of Canada’s auto care sector with AIA Canada
Location: International C
The opening session of AIA Canada’s National Conference, presented by Jean-Francois Champagne, CAE, president and CEO of AIA Canada, will provide attendees with insight on who AIA Canada is, and how our initiatives and advocacy aim to ensure the longevity and success of the auto care industry. Speaker: Jean-François Champagne, CAE, President and CEO, AIA Canada |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Overcoming labour market challenges in the industry: Current and future opportunities
Location: International C
AIA Canada and Ernst & Young (EY) have partnered to address the ongoing labour market challenges within the auto care industry. This session will leverage insights from various industry sectors to encourage thoughtful debates and to explore effective strategies to overcome challenges that span the entire industry. Together, we can shape the future of the auto care sector and drive success in the face of workforce complexities. Moderator: James Channer, Chief Operating Officer, In Motion Brands Panelists: Alan McClelland, RSE, Dean School of Transportation, Centennial College Sylvain Seguin, President, Fix Auto Canada Shannon Spano, Vice President, Sales, Wakefield Canada Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College Dr. Mauricio Zelaya, EY Canada Partner & National Economics Leader, EY Canada |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Networking break
Location: International Foyer |
| 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Transition |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Concurrent sessions
These sessions will be taking place simultaneously in separate rooms. All attendees are welcome to attend the session of their choice. Please note, these sessions will be offered again at 11:15 a.m. Women in the Auto care sector Location: International A
Creating an inclusive industry for women in the auto care sector Although women make up nearly half of the total labour force, there is still a significant gender imbalance as they only comprise about a quarter of the automotive workforce. While there is a positive shift happening and women are demonstrating the value they bring to the industry, this disparity continues. A Deloitte study revealed that almost 50 per cent of surveyed women would opt for a different industry if given the chance—one of the primary reasons being due to the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Companies need to take responsibility for diversifying their workforce and actively addressing how they can attract more women to the industry and retain their talent. Pulling insights from the MOTOR white paper created in collaboration with Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association, Stacey will demonstrate the importance of gender diversity in the automotive industry and how to achieve it. Learn actionable keys to attract and retain women in the auto care sector by focusing on women’s priorities and experiences, ranging from work-life balance, human resources (HR) policies, to leadership diversity and opportunities. Speaker: Stacey Miller, Vice President Communications, Auto Care Association
Young Professionals in the Auto care sector Location: Paris
Shift happens: Mastering change in Canada’s auto care sector Learn how to navigate and seize opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of Canada’s auto care sector with Daryl Benton, a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of driving transformational strategies. Attendees will gain valuable insights on how to lead change in the automotive aftermarket by understanding the intricacies of change dynamics, overcoming resistance, and gaining a blueprint on how to become a driving force of positive change within their organizations. Through sharing practical strategies, leadership principles, and real-world examples, Daryl aims to inspire and empower young professionals in the auto care sector. Speaker: Daryl Benton, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Automotive Aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL Market research and data Location: International B
The impact of the evolving vehicle fleet on vehicles in operation and vehicle kilometres travelled With the ongoing advent of alternative propulsion, increasing vehicle technology, and the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the vehicle fleet is undergoing significant changes on a daily basis. In the Canadian marketplace, the volume of vehicles continues to climb—as well as the age of the vehicles. While these are positive indicators for the aftermarket, one factor to note is that vehicle milage has gone through a period of flux over the past several years. This session, hosted by Todd Campau, aftermarket practice lead at S&P Global Mobility, will provide attendees with insight on how the vehicle fleet is evolving, and how the confluence of these factors will impact businesses in coming years. Speaker: Todd Campau, MAAP, ACP, Aftermarket Product Lead, S&P Global Mobility |
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Transition |
| 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Concurrent sessions
These sessions will be taking place simultaneously in separate rooms. All attendees are welcome to attend the session of their choice. Women in the Auto care sector Location: International A
Creating an inclusive industry for women in the auto care sector Although women make up nearly half of the total labour force, there is still a significant gender imbalance as they only comprise about a quarter of the automotive workforce. While there is a positive shift happening and women are demonstrating the value they bring to the industry, this disparity continues. A Deloitte study revealed that almost 50 per cent of surveyed women would opt for a different industry if given the chance—one of the primary reasons being due to the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Companies need to take responsibility for diversifying their workforce and actively addressing how they can attract more women to the industry and retain their talent. Pulling insights from the MOTOR white paper created in collaboration with Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association, Stacey will demonstrate the importance of gender diversity in the automotive industry and how to achieve it. Learn actionable keys to attract and retain women in the auto care sector by focusing on women’s priorities and experiences, ranging from work-life balance, human resources (HR) policies, to leadership diversity and opportunities. Speaker: Stacey Miller, Vice President Communications, Auto Care Association
Young Professionals in the Auto care sector Location: Paris
Shift happens: Mastering change in Canada’s auto care sector Learn how to navigate and seize opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of Canada’s auto care sector with Daryl Benton, a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of driving transformational strategies. Attendees will gain valuable insights on how to lead change in the automotive aftermarket by understanding the intricacies of change dynamics, overcoming resistance, and gaining a blueprint on how to become a driving force of positive change within their organizations. Through sharing practical strategies, leadership principles, and real-world examples, Daryl aims to inspire and empower young professionals in the auto care sector. Speaker: Daryl Benton, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Automotive Aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL
Market research and data Location: International B
The impact of the evolving vehicle fleet on vehicles in operation and vehicle kilometres travelled With the ongoing advent of alternative propulsion, increasing vehicle technology, and the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the vehicle fleet is undergoing significant changes on a daily basis. In the Canadian marketplace, the volume of vehicles continues to climb—as well as the age of the vehicles. While these are positive indicators for the aftermarket, one factor to note is that vehicle milage has gone through a period of flux over the past several years. This session, hosted by Todd Campau, aftermarket practice lead at S&P Global Mobility, will provide attendees with insight on how the vehicle fleet is evolving, and how the confluence of these factors will impact businesses in coming years. Speaker: Todd Campau, MAAP, ACP Aftermarket Product Lead, S&P Global Mobility |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Transition |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Networking luncheon and awards presentation
Location: International C
Presenting the: · 2024 AIA Canada Distinguished Service Award to Bill Hay · 2024 Young Leader of the Year Award to Patrick Verriet |
| 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Transition |
| 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | The road ahead: Top trends in the auto care sector
Location: International C
Join us for a live session of AIA Canada’s vodcast, Curbside Chat where we discuss real issues with the professionals who drive the auto care sector. Host: Lorraine Sommerfeld Speakers: Paul McCarthy, President and CEO, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Sabrina Thring, Brand President, Collision Group, Driven Brands Chris Kinghorn, Vice President Strategy and Growth, UAP Inc. |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | How auto service retailers can win the AI revolution and why human creativity is the key
Location: International C In a future where AI becomes central to almost every major retail enterprise, how will any business develop significant competitive advantage? If a brand has dominated primarily by making faster and more accurate operational decisions than their competitors, how will they fare when all their competitors are using artificial intelligence to guide and speed skillful decision-making? If another organization has dominated by controlling efficiencies in their supply chains, how will they compete when all retailers possess the same capability via AI? Join world renowned retail futurist Doug Stephens as he provides a unique view of:
Doug Stephens is the Founder of the global consultancy Retail Prophet and the author of three international bestselling books on the future of retail. He has been called “the futurist that other futurists follow”. Speaker: Doug Stephens, Founder and CEO, Retail Prophet |
| 3:00 p.m. | Closing remarks
Location: International C Speaker: Ryan Bruno, President & CEO, CSN Collision and Incoming Chair, AIA Canada |
Jean-François Champagne, CAE, President and CEO, Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada)
Jean-François (JF) Champagne is the president and chief executive officer of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), a non-profit organization that is the voice and resource of a $37.8 billion industry with thousands of professional members from coast to coast. Under JF’s leadership, AIA Canada brings together the entire auto care supply and service chain and equips its members with the tools, skills, profile, and knowledge they need to succeed in a fast-paced, competitive landscape. Since joining AIA Canada in 2015, JF has focused his efforts on helping guide members and the sector overall on a variety of issues, including electric vehicles (EV), labour sustainability and digital transformation.
As a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a technology visionary, JF leads with a focus on ensuring organizations thrive in the digital age. He is a regular speaker at automotive industry and association-management conferences, where he shares his expertise on the integration of technology in strategic planning to help shape better and stronger organizations. JF Champagne currently serves as the Chair of the Canadian Automobile Service Information Standard (CASIS), as the Vice-Chair of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and as a board member of the Automotive Business School of Canada (ASBC). He is also a representative on the Canadian Automobile Partnership Council (CAPC).
James Channer, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, In Motion Brands
James has been creating value for hundreds of businesses in a variety of industries for the past 25 years. As Co-founder of In Motion Brands, a leading service organization delivering technology and digital marketing solutions to companies from 1 location to 100’s of locations across North America & Internationally.
James sits on the Automotive Industry Association of Canada Board of Directors and is the first Black Canadian to do so. He’s a founding member of a leading community Not for Profit for Canadian African Men called The Lions Circle. James is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences.
Alan McClelland, RSE, Dean, School of Transportation, Centennial College
Alan McClelland holds trade qualifications for Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician and Truck and Coach Technician. During his 35-year career in the transportation sector, Alan has enjoyed a broad range of experiences that began as a technician and progressed to training and management opportunities in the private and public sectors. This includes a variety of roles with automotive manufacturers including Ford and Nissan, as well as experience in the college systems in British Columbia and Ontario. In addition to working throughout Canada, Alan’s work has taken him to the United States, Japan, China and Papua New Guinea.
Alan joined Centennial College in 2007 as the chair of truck/coach, heavy duty and modified apprenticeship programs, and stepped into the role of dean in 2011. He has sat on the Colleges Ontario Heads of Apprenticeship Training Committee since 2010 and is currently the chair for this provincial committee. He loves keeping abreast of new technologies and changes within the transportation sector and is proud of the role that public colleges play in Canada’s Red Seal apprenticeship training system.
Shannon Spano, Vice President, Sales, Wakefield Canada
Shannon joined Wakefield Canada, the Canadian Distributor of Castrol lubricants and SuperClean cleaner/degreasers in 2006 and leads the Sales organization in her role as Vice President of Sales. She has held progressive positions within the organization, including Category Management, National Account Management, Retail Sales Manager and Vice President of Consumer Sales. Shannon was recognized in 2018 as the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) Young Leader of the Year, for strong leadership and contributions to the automotive industry. In 2024, she was recognized as a Notable Champion of Diversity by Automotive News and Accelerate Auto for outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and wider communities.
Shannon joined the AIA Canada Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) in 2014 and has also served on the Ontario Division before joining the Board of Directors in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the AIA Canada Board of Directors with a passion for engaging members, listening to their unique voices and diverse perspectives, and mobilizing change and advocacy to support a sustainable and inspiring future for our industry.
Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College
Kevin has called Georgian College home since 2014. He started as Dean of Technology and Visual Arts and made an impact with increasing responsibility as Vice President, International, Workforce Development and Partnerships, and Vice President, Academic. He became President and CEO on June 20, 2022. Known for his collaborative approach, Kevin has built and strengthened employer, industry, government and global partnerships. Kevin holds a Master of Science in GIS/Spatial Modeling, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Geography, and a postgraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems.
Dr. Mauricio Zelaya, Partner & National Economics Leader | PhD, EY
Dr. Zelaya is an accomplished economist with extensive experience in econometrics and statistical modelling for both private and public sector clients. He specializes in economics of innovation, industrial organization, and more generally, the application of economic theory to real business issues. His work in this area spans across numerous industries, from oil & gas, mining to finance, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Dr. Zelaya has regularly conducted automotive economic research. He has led several projects with automotive sector analyses for clients such as Toronto Global, Waterloo EDC, and Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network.
Daryl Benton, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Automotive Aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL
Daryl Benton is the vice president of sales and marketing for the automotive aftermarket with MANN+HUMMEL in North America including the US, Canada, and Mexico. Benton joined MANN+HUMMEL in 2020. Prior to joining MANN+HUMMEL, he delivered strong results in a variety of marketing and sales roles with well-known businesses like Castrol Lubricants, Mars Chocolate, Diageo, and Frito-Lay. Benton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and he started his professional career in manufacturing. Following the completion of his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in marketing and finance, Benton’s demand driving career began. In addition, he teaches Business Communications & Leadership at the Zicklin School of Business and Brand Development & Communications in the Digital Age at the Rutgers Business School Executive MBA program.
Todd Campau, MAAP, ACP Aftermarket Product Lead, S&P Global Mobility
Todd Campau has over 20 years of experience in the Aftermarket Industry. In his role at S&P Global, he is responsible for the development of insights and new product concepts for the aftermarket globally. Prior to S&P Global, Todd spent three years as a Catalog Manager at Gates Corporation and over seven years in Data Management at MAHLE Aftermarket.
Todd has served for several years with the Auto Care Association as a volunteer leader on various committees including the Technology Standards Committee and the Market Intelligence Committee. Over the years, Todd has been involved in shaping the Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES), Product Information Standard (PIES), as well as being a contributor in the production of the Auto Care Factbook. Todd received his AAP (Automotive Aftermarket Professional) Designation in 2012, his ACP (Aftermarket Catalog Professional) Designation in 2013, and his MAAP (Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional) in 2014. Todd was recognized with the Auto Care Impact Award in 2013.
Stacey Miller, Vice President Communications, Auto Care Association
With over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, Stacey Miller currently leads the marketing and communications efforts at the Auto Care Association. Together, her team is responsible for expanding the influence of the Association and its members through various digital and traditional marketing and communications channels. A passionate DIY automotive enthusiast and right to repair advocate, she actively participates in numerous automotive aftermarket organizations and has been recognized as an influential figure in the industry, including being named a “Woman at the Wheel” by AftermarketNews and receiving multiple nominations for prestigious awards. Before her tenure at the Auto Care Association, Miller was the global head of corporate communications at category-leading software company Cision, where she was known for known for leading M&A, pioneering influencer marketing and data-driven PR strategies.
Lorraine Sommerfeld, Curbside Chat vodcast host
Lorraine Sommerfeld is an esteemed automotive journalist, having received numerous awards and a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) since 2013. After beginning her career in writing with The Motherlode **column in the Hamilton Spectator in 2003, Loraine only continued to add to her automotive journalism portfolio with work in The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail. Since 2014, Lorraine has been writing with Driving.ca and hosting The Driving Podcast **in 2021, and now writes as a consumer advocate. In 2023, Sommerfeld published her debut novel, A Face in the Window, and started as a host for AIA Canada’s Curbside Chat, diving into the ins and outs of the auto care sector with key stakeholders.
Paul McCarthy, President and CEO, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers
McCarthy leads the organization that champions the aftermarket industry and advances the business interests of MEMA’s members, working toward supporting a growing, profitable, innovative, and influential aftermarket supplier industry. MEMA Aftermarket represents automotive, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing suppliers that provide the parts, tool, chemicals, diagnostics, and technologies that keep vehicles running safely and affordably throughout their lifecycle.
McCarthy has served in other leadership roles with MEMA, including president and chief executive officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA’s former light vehicle aftermarket division; and senior vice president of strategy for all of MEMA, overseeing board management and strategic initiatives.
McCarthy has more than a quarter century of experience in the automotive industry. Before joining MEMA, Paul led the Automotive and Industrial Products Strategy Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). In this role, he led projects supporting major business decisions at dozens of automotive suppliers, eight of the top ten global automakers, and financial institutions. His past leadership roles include heading PwC Germany’s Automotive Strategy advisory practice and leading global forecasting and analysis for a prominent vehicle forecast organization. He has conducted business in 18 countries and traveled to over 60 countries.
He has an MBA from Duke University, where he was awarded the Fuqua Scholar designation. He has been presented with the Northwood Education Award and the AWDA Outstanding Leadership Award.
Doug Stephens, Founder and CEO, Retail Prophet
Doug Stephens is one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists. His intellectual work and creativity have influenced many of the most widely known international retailers, agencies and brands including Walmart, Google, L’Oréal, BMW, and Louis Vuitton. Prior to founding the consultancy Retail Prophet, Doug spent over 20 years in the retail industry, holding senior international leadership roles.
Doug is the author of three internationally bestselling books: Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post Pandemic World (2021), Reengineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World (2017) and The Retail Revival: Re-Imagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism (2013). He sits on multiple corporate and academic advisory boards.
His unique perspectives on retailing, business, and consumer behavior have been featured in many of the world’s leading publications and media outlets including The New York Times, BBC, TechCrunch, The Wall Street Journal and Fast Company.
AIA Canada is pleased to offer special rates starting at $195.00 plus tax at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre.
To book a hotel room, please contact:
Phone: 1-416-244-1711 or 1-888-236-2427
Block name: AIA Canada National Conference
Rates are eligible until Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Guestrooms will be subject to availability on a first come, first served basis. Book now!
Book online at www.aircanada.com and enter promotion code FYRUJ9J1 to receive a 10 percent discount on eligible fares*. The travel period begins Tuesday, April 16, 2024 and ends Wednesday, May 01, 2024. *5 percent discounts will apply to standard fares, 10 percent flex fares and up for North American travel.
Book online at www.westjet.com/conventions and enter promotion code 8G1C4KX to receive a 5 percent discount off Econo, 10 percent discount off EconoFlex and Premium base fares for guests travelling to Toronto, ON only. The travel period begins Tuesday, April 16, 2024 and ends Wednesday, May 01, 2024. No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings. Travel Agents GDS promotion code: YBF26.
AIA Canada Events
Email: events@aiacanada.com
PO Box 11356 STN H
Nepean, ON K2H 7V1
Canada
Toll Free: 800.808.2920
Telephone: 613.728-5821
General Inquiries
info@aiacanada.com
Media Inquiries
communications@aiacanada.com
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