Seattle-The 59th Vehicle Maintenance Management Conference (VMMC) will be held on the main campus of the University of Washington on March 22-24.
The annual conference, with a 2010 theme Rolling Along: The VMMC in a Changing World, draws hundreds of fleet professionals from the United States, Canada, and other parts of the globe to the extensive training venue.
Staged in two buildings on the university campus, VMMC offers more than 40 technical and management sessions for repair shop owners, technicians, private and government fleet specialists, automotive and heavy-duty trainers and educators, manufacturer representatives, and others involved in all phases of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty fleet service.
Sessions for 2010 will cover subjects ranging from hybrid technology to fuel-savings techniques, environmental fleet management to diagnosing battery, electrical, and charging systems. Diesel engine technology, tires and wheels, chassis and suspension, OBD II no code, power systems, and other topics will be included in the class offerings as well.
In addition, there will be an opening session each morning with keynote speakers, a technical roundtable forum, and a Tech-Challenge in which technicians can show off their talents.
A two-day indoor product exhibit on Tuesday and Wednesday will offer attendees an opportunity to view fleet parts and products, equipment, and tools. On Tuesday, an outdoor equipment exhibit will provide a view of the latest in truck and utility equipment.
“At the VMMC, participants will meet technicians, fleet managers, shop supervisors, independent shop owners that service fleets, and manufacturers who gather to exchange ideas, get answers to daily challenges, and learn new technologies,” said Sara Kellman, VMMC conference program manager.
“Attendees have the opportunity to network with peers and attend educational seminars that are presented by people who work in the field,” Kellman said. “New for 2010 is a three-day schedule where participants have a choice of more than 42 technical and supervisory sessions, as well as the indoor and outdoor exhibits and keynote speakers every day.”
“The 2010 VMMC has many new features that include a new and improved schedule,” said Kerry Swayne of the Washington State Department of Ecology and conference chairman. “We have more classes to choose from with more variety of topics, added time with vendors, and more prizes for the technician challenge.”
Because VMMC is a nonprofit conference presented by the University of Washington, a flat-fee cost of $495 (before March 1; $595 thereafter) covers registration, participation in all classes offered over three days, all course materials, several meals, and entry to all exhibits. Special hotel rates in Seattle’s University District are also available.
VMMC is coordinated by a University of Washington Educational Outreach team with the affairs of the conference managed by an executive board, steering committee, and a board of trustees consisting of more than 50 industry, government, and education representatives who meet throughout the year to plan timely training sessions and select top industry trainers to provide instruction at VMMC.
Attendees at VMMC can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participation at VMMC.
For complete 2010 session offerings, registration forms, and other information, visit www.uw-vmmc.org, or call 866-791-1275.
