Seattle-For more than 50 years, the Engineering Professional Programs department at the University of Washington has been presenting the annual Vehicle Maintenance Management Conference (VMMC). Staged at Kane Hall on the main campus during spring break, the VMMC offers one of the most extensive array of technical and management training courses for fleets and those who serve fleet accounts in North America.
The 2008 VMMC will feature more than 40 technical and supervisory sessions for technicians, independent repairers, fleet managers, and others involved with servicing private-sector and governmental fleets and utility vehicles of all varieties.
Training sessions begin after an opening session on March 24 and generally run 1.5 hours each for three days. Sessions have a moderator and panel presenters and allow questions from those attending. For 2008, subjects to be covered at VMMC include electric and hybrid technologies, filtration systems, Ford Power Stroke diagnosis, steering/axles/suspension systems, braking systems, and electrical repair among other offerings.
Several management-oriented sessions will be presented, including a session titled "Optimizing Shop and Parts Functions." In addition, there are technical and management roundtable forums that provide participants an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences, as well as an Air Brake Adjustment Certification program.
Included at VMMC are two days of an indoor exhibit with various product and equipment manufacturers, as well as a one-day outdoor exhibit where manufacturers and equipment distributors display the latest in truck products, equipment, and accessories.
On Thursday, March 27, VMMC offers a free tour of Seattle's B&G Machine Inc., one of the nation's most respected machine shop facilities and a former recipient of the Seattle mayor's Small Business Award. A tour to the Kenworth Truck Co. main factory in Renton is also available to attendees.
For one registration fee ($420 before March 3; $520 after) registrants can attend as many classes as desired. Also included are lunches for three days, access to exhibits, and all training materials. Participants can also earn CEU and ASE credits.
For further information and registration, visit www.engr.washington.edu/epp/vmmc or call 866-781-1275.