Preliminary Seminar Agenda for CFS Executive Conference
The Council of Fleet Specialists has unveiled a preliminary schedule featuring 15 seminars and panel discussions for the CFS Executive Conference, taking place from April 17-20 in Kansas City. Here’s what to expect:
Sunday, April 17
- Boosting Distributor Profits with Light Truck Accessories: John Minor from Midwest Wheel shares insights on how his company benefited from adding light truck accessories. Joining him are Ron Shivers, president of DeeZee, and John Schultzenberger, president of Luverne Truck Equipment.
- Pitfalls of Profitability in Heavy-Duty Distribution: Al Bates, president of Profit Planning Group, will highlight margin challenges faced by distributors today.
- Gary Meteer from R.L. Polk’s Commercial Vehicle Group will introduce a novel method for improving inventory efficiency.
- Discussion Groups with Presenters: Attendees can engage with presenters, panelists, and peers to adapt new ideas to their specific situations.
- Vendor Networking Opportunity: Distributors and manufacturers can connect with leading suppliers providing marketing solutions, logistics, and related services.
Monday, April 18
- Heavy-Duty Legislative Insight: Mike Conlon, a Washington attorney and head of the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Group, will provide insights into legislative issues impacting the heavy-duty sector.
- Truck Parts & Service Industry Panel: Publisher Jim Moss will moderate a panel featuring Tom Gosnell, senior vice president of ArvinMeritor, discussing current industry challenges.
- Group Meetings for Marketing Associations: Members of Vipar, HDA, TruckPride, and Power HD will convene in their respective conferences.
Tuesday, April 19
- Status of Entrepreneurial Education in the U.S.: Dr. Timothy Nash from Northwood University will discuss the unique bachelor’s program in Aftermarket Management they offer.
- Heavy Duty Trucking Panel Discussion: Newport editor Steve Sturgess will interview leading fleet executives.
- Challenges in the Trucking Sector: A keynote from Gov. Bill Graves, representing the American Trucking Associations, will provide an honest examination of the current trucking landscape.
- Compensation Strategies for Small Businesses: Jim Juengling from Juengling & Associates will discuss effective key man compensation strategies.
- Insurance Risks for Distributors: Michael Kelly from Lamb, Little & Co. will cover important property and casualty pitfalls for distributors.
- Creating Impactful Distributor Websites: Greg Petry from NetSource Technologies will offer insights on building effective websites for small businesses.
- Trends in Distribution: Bill Wade from Wade & Partners will analyze recent NAW research highlighting critical trends for suppliers.
Participants can also sign up for up to 15 individual meetings between manufacturers and distributors. Registration includes invitations to three evening receptions, two luncheons, and three breakfast sessions. Notably, Truck Parts & Service magazine will present the Distributor of the Year reception, recognizing all award nominees for 2005.
On Tuesday night, attendees can partake in the CFS 18 Wheel Pinewood Challenge, a more sophisticated version of a Cub Scout favorite (detailed rules are available on the cfshq website). To register, contact Doug Dresslaer at 816-801-7964 or visit www.cfshq.com.
