The 2022 “End of Summer” Powertrain Expo is a wrap. It was held in Las Vegas at the Caesars Forum. What a magnificent facility this is – in beauty, functionality, and expansiveness. Everyone got their “steps” in every day.
Despite bumping up against the Labor Day Weekend, EXPO attendance was larger than expected, and it was a tremendous success for all who took part. Show attendees and vendors alike brought great attitudes and were serious about why they were there – to learn, share ideas, and make new acquaintances. This was ATRA’s longest EXPO. Your ATRA and GEARS team pulled out all the stops to produce five days of memories and profit-building presentations. The frosting on the cake was the other added events, amenities, and surprises.
We had over twenty-five technical seminars presented by nearly twenty tech trainers from within ATRA and the industry at large. They included: Randall Schroeder, Seth Thorson, Dan Marinucci, Bill Brayton, Bob White, Glenn Troub, Scott Shatton, Sean Boyle, Eric Zieglar, Alan McAvoy, John Kelly, John Parmenter, Bob Warnke, Mark Puccinelli, and Keith Clark.
To recap each session would consume more than the space allocated for this article. The seminars covered a range of topics – building specific transmissions, diagnostic issues, and the introduction to OEM-level technology. Also presenting a Spanish Tech Seminar Track were Pepe Torres, Robert Bateman, and Francisco Moreno. As a bonus, our new Tech Director, Keith Clark, presented the full-day ATRA 2022 Technical Seminar.
Twelve informative management sessions inspired and motivated attendees. The speakers included popular returning presenters Rodger Bland, Dennis Madden, Maryann Croce, Maylan Newton, Ted Janusz, and Thom Tschetter. But this year, we introduced five new speakers: Tony Kuczynski, Carl Borsani, Tiffany Scherado, Fanny Hanono, and Bruce Kneeland.
Rodger Bland kicked things off with a session that addressed the question, “Which is better, motivation or inspiration?” Next, Dennis Madden answered Rodger’s question by sharing excerpts from his new book, “Hi-Rev.” The rest of the management sessions addressed hot topics like marketing and website strategies, social networking, effective communications, attracting and retaining employees, work/life balance, and making your business more valuable when you want to sell it.
The audience members were receptive and eager to participate with questions and comments. The enthusiasm was contagious and steadily grew as the Expo progressed. It culminated with a lively shop owner Q&A session moderated by Thom Tschetter with the owner panel of CJ Hicks, Mike Pfeiffer, and Ron Lingenfelter.
Friday’s ATRA luncheon was phenomenal – not your typical convention lunch. Retiring ATRA Board members Ed Doyle, Jimmy Rodd, and Lee Williams were honored. Lifetime Training Commitment Awards were also presented to Maylan Newton and Thom Tschetter for Management, John Parmenter, Dan Marinucci, and Bob Warnke for Technical. Special mention awards were given to Leonel Albornoz and Scottie South for lifetime support and commitment to ATRA and the industry.
The luncheon’s highlight honored retiring CEO Dennis Madden’s 30+ years with ATRA. Close friends and relatives had a “Career Highlights Reception” ceremony for Dennis the previous evening where he was thoroughly roasted, toasted, and praised, but the luncheon allowed everyone to wish him well in his wellearned retirement as Lance Wiggins has officially assumed the Executive Director position.
Also honored was Vanessa Velasquez for her years with ATRA. Having been a big part of ATRA’s success and the heart of ATRA’s team, She has moved on to another position with Maritz Global Events. We are so proud of her!
The Capital Core Reception on Friday night was remarkable! The food quality, service, and excellent beverage choices made a hit with all who came. It was a terrific time!
The tradeshow floor was well-attended, with vendors reporting success. Suppliers are already lining up for booths at next year’s EXPO in Nashville.
Laura Wilson won the “Gamifi cation Game” part of the EXPO News Feed App. But in a show of sportsmanship, she passed the prize, a $500 Amazon Gift Card, to Shaun Coombs, who was on the top of the leaderboard the previous two days. Shaun is a longtime ATRA supporter and traveled from Barbados to attend the EXPO. Very classy, Laura!
We appreciate everyone who attended the ATRA Member Townhall Meeting. Members provided ATRA’s leadership with ideas to help us better meet your needs and desires as we lean into the future.
Thanks to all of you who participated in the 2022 ATRA POWERTRAIN EXPO. We look forward with excitement to next year’s EXPO in Nashville.
