ACC Annual Meeting 2024: Backstage Pass
This year, the Automotive Communications Council (ACC) is thrilled to invite you to our annual meeting in the vibrant city of Cleveland, Ohio. Themed “Backstage Pass,” this event promises to take you behind the scenes of the automotive aftermarket industry, showcasing the latest innovations, strategies, and insights from leading experts in the field.
Location: Cleveland, OH
Venue: Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade
Dates: May 21-23, 2024
Why Attend?
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with marketing and communications professionals from across the automotive industry.
- Innovative Sessions: Attend workshops and sessions led by industry experts, designed to inspire and educate.
- Exclusive Insights: Gain behind-the-scenes access to the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of automotive communications.
- Explore Cleveland: Discover the city’s rich musical heritage and visit iconic locations like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Conference Highlights
- Keynote Speakers: Hear from influential leaders in the automotive and communications industries.
- Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions that will enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Networking Events: Build valuable connections at our various networking events and social gatherings.
ACC Backstage Pass '24 Annual Conference - Register for the Conference
Register for ACC Backstage Pass '24 Now!Early bird registration is available through March 15, 2024. The earlier you register, the more you save!
Save $100
Through March 15, 2024
$800.00
$700.00
$1,050.00 – $4,250.00
Main Event for Tuesday, May 21, 2024
| Time | Artist | Location | Set List |
| 3:00 P.M. | Hotel Check-in | Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade | |
| 6:00 P.M. | VIP Pre-Party Welcome Reception | Euclid Rotunda in the Arcade |
Main Event for Wednesday, May 22, 2024
| Time | Artist | Organization | Set list |
| 8:00 A.M. | Shawn Collins, ACC President | EXTEND GROUP | President’s Breakfast: Recognizing Past ACC Presidents |
| 9:00 A.M. | Shawn Collins, ACC President | EXTEND GROUP | Sound Check: Welcome to ACC Backstage Pass ’24 |
| 9:10 A.M. | Patrick Cronin, ACC Vice President | NTN Bearing Corporation | Backstage Pass: ACC Rock & Roll Mix Tape |
| 9:20 A.M. | Shawn Collins, ACC President Patrick Cronin, ACC Vice President |
How’s Business? Rocking and Rolling with Transformative Change | |
| 10:00 A.M. | Break | ||
| 10:10 A.M. | Mark Phillips, Editor and Video Host | Aftermarket Intel |
Navigating The World Stage: A Journalist’s Backstage Pass To International Aftermarket Shows Join Mark Phillips, editor and video host of Aftermarket Intel, for an insightful journey as an independent journalist covering major international trade shows in the automotive aftermarket. From the bustling halls of Shanghai and Taipei to the historic venues of Frankfurt and Bologna, this presentation will take you backstage to uncover the unique challenges and exhilarating experiences encountered behind the scenes. |
| 11:00 A.M. | Stacey Miller, Vice President of Communications | AutoCare Association | Backstage Pass: Success in Automotive Communications |
| NOON | Out to Lunch | ||
| 1:00 P.M. | Matt Buchholz, Chief Executive Officer | MotoRad | C-Suite Perspective on Marketing |
| 2:00 P.M. | Break | ||
| 2:10 P.M. |
Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer |
RepairPal | C-Suite Perspective: Partner / Shop initiatives & Team Building |
| 3:10 P.M. | Chris Reynolds, Professor of Automotive Technology | Lewis & Clark Community College | Backstage Pass: Training / Technician Education / Shop Perspective |
| 4:10 P.M | Patrick Cronin, ACC Vice President | NTN Bearing Corporation | Curtain Call: Close-out Day 1 |
| Break before activity | |||
| 5:30 P.M. | TBD | Afterparty: Activity/Dinner to be announced |
Main Event for Thursday, May 23, 2024
| Time | Artist | Organization | Set List |
| 7:00 A.M. | Networking Breakfast | ||
| 8:00 A.M. | Shawn Collins, Current ACC President | EXTEND GROUP | Sound Check: What’s New with ACC |
| 8:30 A.M. |
Shawn Collins, ACC President |
ACC |
Bridge: ACC Impact Award Presentation |
| 8:40 A.M. | Patrick Cronin, ACC Vice President | NTN Bearing Corporation | Interlude: Locks and Keys |
| 8:50 A.M. | Lauren McCullough, Founder & CEO | Tromml |
Overdrive: Understand the Impact of AI on Automotive Marketing This interactive presentation will help demystify AI and its importance for marketing and communication professionals in the automotive industry. Discover how AI and machine learning can transform marketing strategies, including enhancing supporting content creation, improving customer interactions, and unlocking valuable insights. This session will also introduce discussion into the impacts of Search Generated Experiences (SGE) on SEO and SEM. |
| 9:50 A.M. | Break | ||
| 10:00 A.M. | Jacki Lutz, Director of Content | AutoCare Association |
In the Groove: Personal Branding and Employee Advocacy as a Marketing Tool In today’s competitive landscape, personal branding and employee advocacy have emerged as powerful strategies for enhancing company reputation and reaching target audiences more effectively. This session explores how individuals can cultivate their personal brand to align with corporate values and how companies can leverage their employees’ networks and credibility as a potent marketing tool. Session Objectives:
|
| 11:00 A.M. | Chris Messer Peter Bulmer |
Endeavor Business Media Turn Key Media |
Medley: Automotive Media Publisher Panel |
| 12:00 P.M. | Out to Lunch | ||
| 1:00 P.M. | Intro: Jim Merle, Vice President CoModerator: Jim Merle and Doug Kaufman Show Owners: Andy Fiffick, President/CEO Complete Car Care, Bob Stout, Owner Johnny Weber, Owner |
Babcox Media RadAir |
Jam Session: Automotive Shop Owner Panel |
| 2:30 P.M. | Break | ||
| 2:40 P.M. | Catherine Wasner | The Next Page |
On Tour: What’s the Plan? Setting (and Achieving) Goals You can’t reach your goals if you don’t set reasonable goals. Some goals are small and some goals take many steps to achieve, this session will walk through the process of achieving goals, both simple and complex. Continual progress checks and goal adaptation are part of the road to achieving goals, don’t let the bumps distract you. Doing something someday is not a plan, setting long-term goals and monitoring progress will help you get there. |
ACC Backstage Pass '24 Annual Conference - Conference Accommodations
Stay in the Heart of Rock & Roll
Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of Cleveland by staying at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade, a hotel that harmoniously blends historic charm with modern luxury. Just as a backstage pass grants exclusive access to the world behind the curtains, our chosen venue provides a unique gateway to the city’s vibrant energy and musical legacy. Nestled in the iconic Arcade, the hotel is a masterpiece of architecture with a stunning skylight and intricate ironwork, reminiscent of the grandeur of rock & roll’s golden age. Each room is a haven of comfort, ensuring you are well-rested and ready to rock each day of the conference. With top-notch amenities and a prime location, you are steps away from Cleveland’s famous attractions, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Embrace the spirit of the city and the theme of our gathering by making your stay at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade a central part of your ACC Annual Meeting experience. Book your room now and secure your spot in the heart of the action!
Event Lodging Summary:
- Event: Automotive Communication Council Annual Conference 2024
- Dates: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, through Friday, May 24, 2024
- Last Day to Book: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
- Address: 420 Superior Avenue East Cleveland, Ohio, 44114 United States
The Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade is offering a special ACC Annual Conference rate of $160 USD per night.
ACC Backstage Pass '24 Annual Conference Sponsors
Thank you to our '24 Sponsors!Platinum Sponsor
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to become the Platinum Sponsor of the ACC Mixed Tape ’23 Conference! Your company will receive prominent logo placement, be the only sponsor mentioned in all conference press releases, and host the official conference reception. Register below today to secure your Platinum ACC Mix Tape ’23 Sponsorship!
Silver Sponsors
Become a Silver Sponsor of the ACC Mixed Tape ’23 Conference and increase your brand visibility through website placement, promotional emails, and social media promotion. Showcase your company’s generosity by providing a giveaway valued at $250 to be drawn during the conference. Secure your Silver Sponsorship today and make a lasting impression at the premier training and networking event for marketing and communication professionals in the automotive aftermarket.
ACC Backstage Pass '24 Annual Conference - Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a Backstage Pass Sponsor Today!Sponsor the 2024 ACC conference to connect with and promote your brand to our dynamic membership of marketing and communications professionals representing automotive aftermarket suppliers, distributors, retailers, and service providers.
Your participation as a sponsor also supports ACC’s efforts to provide a unique learning and professional development forum to ensure our industry’s continued growth.
Silver
- Six Silver sponsorship opportunities are available.
- Your company logo & website link are showcased on the ACC website, in social media, and promotional email blasts.
- In-kind sponsorship of $250 and provide a giveaway valued at $250. Your company rep will draw the winner during the conference as part of a 2-minute presentation at the podium.
- Logo displayed at ACC annual conference (tables, signage, PPT).
Gold
SOLD OUT- Four Gold Sponsorship opportunities are available.
- Your company logo and website link are showcased on the 2023 ACC Conference landing page, social media, and promotional emails.
- Promotional individual e-blast featuring your sponsorship.
- Logo displayed at ACC Annual Conference (tables, signage, PPT).
- Placement of your company’s promotional items (pens, notepads, etc.) in goodie bags given to conference attendees (sponsor to provide).
- Annual membership fee discount for one ACC membership at half off.
- Conference registration discount of half-off one attendee registration.
Platinum
- One Platinum Sponsorship opportunity is available.
- Prominent logo placement on all conference materials and on the ACC Backstage Pass ’24 landing page.
- The only sponsor on the conference agenda; mentioned in all conference press releases.
- Official conference reception sponsor (signage on-site, mentioned in printed agenda).
- Your company logo & website link are showcased on the ACC Annual Conference landing page, in social media, and in promotional emails.
- Logo displayed at ACC annual conference (tables, signage, PPT).
- Placement of your company’s promotional items (pens, notepads, etc.) in goodie bags given to conference attendees (sponsor to provide).
- One FREE ACC annual membership.
- One FREE ACC Conference registration.
- Ten-minute Fast Track speaker spotlight (educational topic).
Join ACC
Join ACC
Welcome to the Automotive Communications Council (ACC), a forum for learning and professional development focused on current and emerging marketing practices, and the longest-running organization in the auto care industry. Along with the opportunities and benefits that membership provides, we believe you will find the programs and activities innovative and a reflection of the shared interests and ideas of the membership.
Questions About Joining ACC?