2002 E+/A.E.R.A.C. Show Plans Unfold By Polly J. Shea EDITOR/PUBLISHER The past three years have brought many changes in my business and yours—most of them probably not so good. But we have chosen to accentuate the positive, and one of our positives is joining periodically with the Automotive Electrical Rebuilders Association of Canada (A.E.R.A.C.) to put on the biggest all-electrical event in the world. The 2000 E+/A.E.R.A.C. Show proved to be a winning combination of suppliers and rebuilders from both sides of the border, and if the show planning meeting held in Detroit on August 11 was any indication, the April 2002 show should be a bigger success. Rebuilding 2002 “The Sky’s the Limit” is the theme for the show, which will be held April 26 through 28 in Niagara Falls, Canada at the Skylon Tower—a great facility with a breath- taking view of the falls. Besides myself, A.E.R.A.C. president Jeff Reynolds and vice president John Jervelund, the show advisory board includes: Ronnie Charnes, ACC Rebuilders; Joe Davis, Joe Davis Enterprises; Alan Melton, Northwest Regulator Supply; Norby Prez, Norby Prez Sales; Tom Reusser, R&R Regulator; Richard Vensel, Vensel Enterprises; and Bob Wagner, Wagner Alternators & Supplies. The planning meeting was a produc- tive day of valuable feedback about last year’s E+ Show, as well as the 2000 joint show, which was put to work to make 2002 the best yet. Prez commented that it was the most “professional, relaxed” gathering he’d ever attended. Many of the show’s pillars will still be in place, including a full day of supplier exhibits; roundtable discus- sions; Joe Davis and his indispensable presentation; and the hands-on training stations which debuted at the 1998 E+ Show. Rebuilders are also in for a few new and slightly familiar sights, such as: ¢ an Electrical Rebuilder’s Exchange Network (EREN) web site demon- stration; * another appearance by the JIMCO Gossamer 4 tester (repeated throughout the day with improved audio/visual over last year); *an opportunity to participate in the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA) Certification Program with Mohammad Samii; ea brand-new, all-day interactive workshop entitled “Staying Alive” created and presented by John Jervelund; ¢ a technical booklet available to each attendee consisting of one “how to” flyer from each exhibitor, and; «Alan Melton with an update on 42-volt systems. Although attendance at both shows has dropped steadily as the industry has experienced its recent challenges, the consensus was that there is still great benefit both to the attendees and hosts in meeting and networking on a technical, business and even personal level. Therefore, we’ve adopted the following Statement of Purpose: Far beyond attendance numbers in importance at our industry’ trade shows is their ability to bring rebuilder and supplier, buyer and seller together. No amount of electronic technology can begin to replace the humanness of an old-fashioned trade show and our need for the personal contact it allows, or the “hands-on” benefit of the training stations and one-on-one communica- tion. Some things simply cannot be learned or shared in any other way but by being there. The fellowship expe- rienced by Canadians and Americans at Niagara Falls in 2000 was testimony to that…we can offer the same to rebuilders again and much more! Here’s a peek at the tentative schedule: Friday, April 26 8 am to 4 pm: Staying Alive “save your business” interactive workshop. Survival strategies for the small rebuilder—recommended for one-to five-man shops. Workshop will cover parts, purchasing, cores, costs, pricing, production, advertising, marketing, watranty, training, and equipment. Trainer: John Jervelund. 8 am to 4 pm: APRA Electrical Certification program conducted by Mohammad Samii. (There will be no plant tour, but a tour of the historical Niagara area will be available during the day.) 6:30 pm to 7 pm: ERE Board of Advisers meeting 7 pm to 9 pm: AERAC Meeting/ Roundtable (open to all) AERAC meeting begins at 7 pm; Alan Melton will speak on the 42-volt applications from 7:15 to 8:00; roundtable dis- cussion begins at 8. Bring your technical questions. Saturday, April 27 9 am to 4 pm: Show Floor open 8 am to 10 am/3 pm to 5 pm: Training Stations open. Stations include Dan Marinucci (using the JIMCO Gossamer 4), soldering, rectifiers, batter- ies, generators, and financial consulting. 7:30 pm to 10 pm: Reception at the top of the Skylon Tower. Sunday, April 28 8 am to 2:30 pm: Joe Davis, Keeping Current, courtesy of APRA. 3 pm to 4 pm: Post-show discussion A tour of area wineries will also be available during the day. So start making plans today to join us in Niagara Falls, where “The Sky’s the Limit!”