Register on-site, or call 800-331-0329
Online registration is closed, but you can still attend the fast-lube industry’s showcase event!

Online registration has closed for IFLEX 2010, but that doesn’t mean you can’t attend the fast-lube industry’s showcase event, which will take place from Saturday, April 24 through Wednesday, April 28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Las Vegas Hilton.

To register, you can call AOCA at 800-331-0329; or register on-site at iFLEX headquarters beginning Friday, April 23, at 1 p.m. Other registration times are Saturday, April 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or Monday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rooms are still available at iFLEX headquarters, the Las Vegas Hilton. You can make hotel reservations online at www.lvhilton.com, or by calling 800-732-7117.

In addition to being one of the more famous properties in Las Vegas, the Hilton has numerous advantages as your iFLEX home. It is adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, which will host iFLEX educational sessions as well as the trade show. It is easily accessible to entertainment opportunities along the Strip, with a monorail terminal right outside the door. And by staying at the iFLEX headquarters hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to network and socialize with your peers at a moment’s notice.

What’s in it for you?

What used to be known as the “AOCA Annual Convention and Trade Show” has been transformed into a dynamic conference dedicated entirely to the fast-lube industry. This is the only event solely dedicated to your business and your industry. What you learn from vendors on the show floor, from experts in educational sessions, and from each other at networking events, will pay dividends for your company. This is YOUR event, brought to you by YOUR industry’s association. We are definitely “Driven to Win in 2010,” and want you to be too!

For automotive maintenance professionals, there is no better opportunity to:

• View products and services from fast-lube industry providers during a state-of-the-art trade show.
• Discover new ways to add or maximize current services, as well as generate revenue and improve efficiency.
• Learn about new products and services.
• Relax and talk shop with hundreds of your peers.
• Have a great time.

Come early, stay for everything

iFLEX includes two “optional” events that give attendees a reason to come to the conference early, and stay all the way until the end. It’s “96 Hours in Vegas,” so make every second count!

The first day of iFLEX, April 24, is highlighted by an optional daylong “New Owners Boot Camp.” For newcomers to AOCA, or to the fast-lube industry, it’s a great way to learn about best practices and keys to success. Fast-lube industry veterans share their knowledge for anyone who wants to shorten the “learning curve” about starting a business, or maximizing their current operations.

The cost is $100 per person, for members and non-members. The session lasts from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and includes lunch. That evening, there will be a “first-timers” reception, open to all attendees who arrive on Saturday, allowing those who are new to the business to network with industry veterans. Be sure to indicate on the registration form that you (or others from your business) would like to participate.

The conference concludes with an optional closing party celebration – a “Night of Stars” – on Wednesday evening, April 28. Tickets for the event are $25 for members and non-members. Attendees or exhibitors who wish to purchase five or more tickets will receive a 10 percent discount. If tickets are still available on the day of the event, they may be purchased on-site for $35. It’s great entertainment at a great price, and a fabulous bargain for a final chance to connect with your friends and colleagues.

Multiple sessions, valuable information

In addition to the expansive trade show, there will be more than 30 educational opportunities. Many of the topics have multiple sessions, allowing attendees to choose a time that is convenient.

“Green” will be a recurring theme during iFLEX, as subject matter experts provide the latest information about environmentally friendly technologies and practices. Learn more about electric vehicles, smart cars and hybrids, and the role they’ll play in the future of your business. You’ll also learn more about the regulatory side of environmental safety, including compliance with the most recent regulations and requirements.

As always, marketing is a hot topic. Several educational sessions directly address best practices and new opportunities for marketing, as well as other ways to increase ticket average and profit margins. Businesses that have been reluctant to take the plunge into online sales and marketing will learn more about internet technologies and opportunities. Also, expanded services and vertical expansion can produce additional sources of revenue and growth for fast-lube operators.

Other topics include:

• Generational differences among employees and customers. How do you motivate employees of all ages who may have different goals and expectations for their workplace environment? And how do you address needs of customers who are used to traditional methods of fast-lube service, while providing top notch service to those who increasingly call for “green” solutions?
• Security measures that can be taken to reduce risk and improve management at fast-lube facilities.
• Best practices for handling fleet business, including how to effectively manage those relationships without sacrificing your profits and internal efficiencies.
• An in-depth look at vehicle inspection procedures, giving providers a chance to not only identify service opportunities, but also play an important role in promoting vehicle safety and reliability.
• How to achieve success with combination car wash / fast lube businesses.
• The latest information about compliance for new industry-wide regulatory policies.
• An overview of new lubrication products, including a close examination of specifications and standards.

Time for networking – and relaxing!

Of course, valuable information is also shared outside of the educational sessions, and there’s plenty of time for networking and socializing. AOCA members are known for their willingness to share information, and to welcome new members. It’s a point of pride among AOCA members that “there are no strangers” at any group event. There will be numerous opportunities that will allow newcomers to mix with longtime AOCA members and learn more about the organization, including a Welcome Reception on Sunday, April 25.

For questions or requests e-mail: info@aoca.org