7 Things We Learned at the ADS International Convention
One of our much-anticipated summer traditions is the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) International Convention and Tradeshow.
Every year, the team suits up—Gord Reid from NW Fuel Injection and Island Diesel’s Grant Williamson attended—and makes the trip down to Las Vegas for the four-day convention, excited to exchange ideas and passions with like-minded people in the business.
This year was no exception—down to the theme-appropriate shirts for the entertaining wrap-up party.
What made the ADS International Convention even more special was that our own Gord was asked to speak on a panel about remaining competitive in today’s drive-in service world.
It couldn’t have gone better. We were very pleased with the stimulating conversation, exchange of ideas and hearing all about the different methods, processes, and viewpoints people brought to the table. Though we had 45 minutes, we could have talked for four or five hours!
Like previous trips to the ADS Convention, we returned to our respective shops full of information and eager to put it to practice.
Here’s a breakdown of the seven most valuable lessons we received.
1. Bosch’s technical seminar helped us better help you
Anything that helps us better serve our customers is invaluable, and Bosch’s Bob Pattengale’s seminar did just that. Titled, “Why Do New Parts Fail?” the seminar was extremely helpful in better diagnosing engine problems for our customers. We left it with ideas and a deeper understanding that we can’t wait to apply.
2. How to better explain diesel exhaust after-treatment systems
Although slated for the unfortunate 8 a.m. timeslot, this training seminar was stellar. One of the main problems we face when working in such a technical sector is how to best communicate this technical jargon to our customers. Presenter Michael Oliveros gave us some tools and analogies to achieve more effective communication. Ultimately, we want to make sure that it all makes sense to the person with his hand on the wheel and foot on the pedal.
3. Why business owners need support too
The private meeting for business owners was a great forum to discuss and problem-solve typical issues business owners tend to face. It was great to hear different ideas. Networking with people who do exactly what you do is very useful.
4. E-Commerce: Opportunity or Headache?
Learning about e-commerce during a business seminar hosted by Danny Sanchez from Autoshop Solutions was particularly timely for us—we’re about half-way through implementing our own e-commerce site. Our takeaway? It’s an opportunity. And we can’t wait to launch it soon to better serve our customers.
5. Delphi’s new diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning machines
It was very exciting to see Delphi unveil their new DPF cleaning machines. We can certainly see that forming some of our offerings in the future!
6. EPA crackdowns
The deletion of after-treatment systems is a common, but ill-advised practice. We were interested to hear that south of the border, the EPA is starting to crack down on this practice, and we’re sure Canada will soon follow suit.
7. The changing diesel marketplace
We thoroughly enjoyed the keynote speech delivered by Rich Ferguson of Ferguson Partners LLC. Titled, “Changes Impacting the Diesel Marketplace”, it was a very useful reminder that things are changing quickly and you have to change with them.
We find this promise of a dynamic future very exciting! We enjoy rising to the challenge to remain at the forefront of our field and to better serve our customers.
For more information on this year’s annual ADS International Convention and Tradeshow, visit http://diesel.org/convention.
