A In Tuneuto Recycling W

Over 1,000 Auto Recyclers gather in Nashville to discuss the state of auto recycling, learn new ways to do business, and network with experts.

BY MICHELLE KEADLE-TAYLOR

hat makes a memorable convention? For those recyclers who have been attending every convention for years, even decades, the reasons vary. It may be a great trade show, talking one-on-one with a session presenter, meeting new friends, or after-hours get togethers with long-time friends, and the list goes on.

Yet, one thing remains the same. Each convention has its own distinct feel. This year ARA’s 71st Annual Convention and Exposition, which was held in Nashville, Tennessee from October 22-25 will be remembered by some firsts for attendees. It broke the attendance record set last year in Phoenix, with over 1,000 attendees and 100 exhibitors. It had the largest international represen- tation with participants from UK, Spain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, and Estonia. It marked the first time in the history of ARA con- ventions that the Award Dinner and Gavel passing was a themed experience.

Exhibitors experienced some firsts as well. Dimitri Geronitis of Crush U Pull It Software, a long time ARA exhibitor, says he was extremely pleased with the results from this year’s trade show. “It was the first time that we’ve signed a client after having one meeting,” said Geronitis. “They signed on the spot. Usually, at a trade show, we get leads that require many follow-up phone calls.”

32 Automotive Recycling | January-February 2015

Wayne Lu, Junk-Cars.com, was ecstatic with the tremendous success their company experienced at the expo. “We’re first-time exhibitors and we were grateful to be squeezed in at the last minute,” said Lu. “Our company offers recyclers an opportunity to get more vehicles because it operates a little like AAA but with junk cars. Let’s say you break down in your car and the garage you tow it to says it’s not worth fix- ing. You can call a toll-free number and a Junk- Cars.com member yard will come and pick it up for you and take it to its salvage yard to dispose of it.” Junk-Cars.com attracted a lot of interest from ARA members, with 20 new members signing up on the first day alone. “Each of them had between five to seven different counties to include in their member- ship,” said Lu. “More keep signing up and I expect we will have about 30-40 new members by the end of the convention.”

“I think the trade show was fantastic,” said attendee Steve Kosiski, Kosiski Auto Parts. “I love the direction ARA is taking.”

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