Scott Luckett, vice president for technology standards and solutions at AAIA, will provide an explanation of the conference theme during his keynote address.  Scheduled for July 15, during the general session portion of the 2008 eForum, Luckett will offer a high-level overview of the standards, best practices, and emerging developments that will define the future of e-business for the industry.

"It's understandable that the topic of standards and best practices tends to put some people to sleep. That is not my objective at the eForum," he said.  "So, I intend to take a completely different approach in explaining the good work that is going on in information technology.  I plan to talk about money."

Luckett, chairman of the eForum, said the reason why attendees should care about ACES, PIES, IPO, XML, and SOA is because of money.  Widespread adoption of standards-based technology has three principal impacts on aftermarket businesses, including increased sales, reduced returns ,and improved profit margins through increased efficiency.

"I realized we were going about it all wrong--trying to explain the benefits of technology by talking about schemas and data synchronization.  Those in the audience of the eForum who practice IT everyday already understand the advantage of industry standards--they don't have to be told," Luckett said. "Our purpose is to break it down into terms and messages that nontechnical decision makers can understand, apply to their own business, and convert into action."

The 2008 event will begin on July 14, with three track sessions.  New to the eForum this year, these practical, hands-on sessions will include demonstrations of the latest technologies for data synchronization, PIM, electronic ordering, and supply-chain connectivity.

A full day of general sessions on July 15 will include the results of a new telematics study, a panel of shop owners, a panel of leading innovators in distribution, and a look at managing intellectual property and brands in an online world. The 2008 eForum will conclude with three breakout sessions on July 16.

For more information on the 2008 Aftermarket eForum, visit www.AftermarketeForum.com or contact Barbara Clark of AAIA at 301-654-6664.