ACC 2025 Annual Conference: Headwaters
Where Ideas Begin and Innovation Flows
Welcome to the ACC 2025 Annual Conference, where we gather at the source of inspiration, knowledge, and industry transformation. Just as the Mississippi River begins its journey at Minnesota’s headwaters, our time together will spark fresh ideas that ripple through our daily work. Join us in Minneapolis, MN, June 3-5, for three days of immersive learning, networking, and growth at the Hyatt Centric Downtown.
From the Source to the Future
An Exclusive Gathering for Automotive Aftermarket Professionals
ACC’s Annual Conference is where the automotive aftermarket’s top minds come together to exchange knowledge, uncover trends, and build lasting connections. This year’s theme, Headwaters, represents the starting point of new ideas—where the flow of innovation begins. Over three dynamic days, attendees will gain actionable insights, collaborate with industry peers, and explore strategies that will shape the future of our profession.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Venue: Hyatt Centric Downtown
Dates: June 3-5, 2025
Why Attend?
A Conference Designed for Impact
- Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships with industry leaders, peers, and innovators who share your passion for advancing the automotive aftermarket.
- Innovative Sessions: Participate in hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, and expert-led panels that provide fresh perspectives and practical solutions.
- Exclusive Insights: Gain access to the latest research, data-driven trends, and forward-thinking strategies that will shape your business success.
- Explore Minneapolis: From scenic riverfront views to vibrant cultural attractions, experience the energy of one of America’s most dynamic cities.
Conference Highlights
Three Days of Inspiration, Learning & Connection
- Welcome Reception: Kick off the conference with networking and an evening of conversation.
- Two Full Days of Educational Workshops: Engage with industry leaders in interactive, high-value sessions.
- ACC Night Out (Educational Experience & Dinner): Experience an unforgettable evening at a surprise local destination.
- IMPACT Award Presentation – Celebrate outstanding contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Keynote Speakers – Hear from inspiring thought leaders shaping the future of our industry.
- Networking Events – Exchange ideas and build relationships that last beyond the conference
ACC '25 Headwaters Conference Registration
Register for ACC Headwater '25 Now!Register Now!
Conference Registration Open Through June 1, 2025
$799.00
$699.00
If you prefer to avoid the 3% credit card processing fee, a check made payable to Automotive Communications Council can be mailed to: Automotive Communications Council | P.O. Box 4459 | Washington DC 20017. Please include your Name, Phone#, and Email address with your payment.
ACC '25 Headwaters Conference Agenda
Your Roadmap to a Transformative Experience!Our agenda is designed to inspire, educate, and empower professionals in the automotive aftermarket. Expect engaging keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities that will leave a lasting impact on your career and business.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
| Time | Guide | Location | Description |
| 3:00 P.M. | Hotel Check-in | Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis | |
| 6:00 P.M. | Welcome Reception | TBD |
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
| Time | Guide | Organization | Description |
| 8:00 A.M. | Shawn Collins, ACC Past President | EXTEND GROUP | President’s Breakfast: Recognizing Past ACC Presidents |
| 9:00 A.M. | Patrick Cronin, ACC President | NTN Bearing Corporation | Welcome to ACC Headwaters ’25 |
| 9:10 A.M. | Mike Jones, Founder and President | Discover Leadership Training | MIND YOUR BUSINESS Mike Jones is the founder and president of Discover Leadership Training, a next level leadership development solutions company in Houston, Texas. Mr. Jones has inspired millions to Create a Better Version of Themselves™ by using his gifts and expertise to develop programs where he helps people realize their untapped potential. |
| 10:00 A.M. | Break | ||
| 10:10 A.M. | Adam Smith, Founder and CEO | Sound Press, Digital Growth Agency |
Adam is called on as a guest speaker to business leadership groups presenting on the changing landscape of marketing technology. Sound Press is known for creating brands and brand strategy, digital strategy & advertising, e-commerce strategy in B2B and B2C, marketing campaigns, responsive websites, and web application development, As an entrepreneur, he is a consultant to start-ups and accelerators. |
| 11:00 A.M. | Break | ||
| 11:10 A.M. | Jason Morgan, Director of Content | Babcox Media | The Power of AI in Media AI is revolutionizing the media industry by enhancing content creation, distribution, and consumption. Babcox Media explores how AI-driven tools are transforming media landscapes. |
| NOON | Lunch | ||
| 1:00 P.M. | 3M Skills Development Center Tour | 3M | Join us for a tour of 3M’s new 3M™ Skills Development Center, a 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 3M Skills Development Center is dedicated to educating and upskilling technicians across all experience levels on the most updated automotive collision repair and refinishing processes through intensive, hands-on training. |
| 4:15 P.M. | Transition to Dinner | ||
| 4:30 P.M. | Dinner | TBD | |
| 5:45 P.M | ACC on the Town Group Activity | TBD |
Thursday, June 5, 2025
| Time | Guide | Organization | Description |
| 7:00 A.M. | Networking Breakfast | ||
| 8:00 A.M. | Patrick Cronin, Current ACC President | NTN Bearing Corporation | What’s New with ACC |
| 8:30 A.M. |
Shawn Collins, ACC Past President |
EXTEND GROUP | ACC Impact Award Presentation |
| 8:40 A.M. | Aaron Komo, Director of Growth | The Social Lights |
Social Media 2025: Adapt or Be Left Behind |
| 9:50 A.M. | Break | ||
| 10:00 A.M. | Sarah Kalhorn, EVP, Growth | Hotwire Global |
Why you need to know what GenAI thinks about your brand GenAI isn’t just transforming the future of how we work, but how people are finding and deciding on what to buy, where to work and more. In this session, hear from Hotwire Global on how leading brands are thinking about GenAI bots as a new customer channel, how they’re getting visibility into them and what this means for their marketing and comms strategies. Join us to hear about their learnings and how you could apply their approach to your programs. |
| 11:00 A.M. | Cathy Heying, Founder and Executive Director | The Lift Garage |
Driving Change: The Lift Garage’s Journey and Industry Collaborations
|
| 12:00 P.M. | Lunch | ||
| 1:00 P.M. | Pam Kermisch, Chief Customer Growth Officer | POLARIS | The Human Element: Making Purchasing Easier for Our Consumers |
| 2:00 P.M. | Break | ||
| 2:10 P.M | Michael Abata, Chewy Vet Care Marketing & Community Engagement; Brand Marketing, Partnerships & Licensing Consultant | Chewy; Anahata Consulting |
Driving Retail Innovation: Exploring |
| 3:10 P.M. | Leyla Saad, ACC Vice President | ZF Group | Conference Thank You & Next Stops |
ACC '25 Headwaters - Conference Accommodations
Your Stay at the Heart of Minneapolis
Hyatt Centric Downtown
Nestled in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the Hyatt Centric Downtown offers modern comfort and premium amenities designed for business travelers. Enjoy stylish accommodations, onsite dining, and easy access to conference events and city attractions.
Event Lodging Summary:
- Conference Rates Available: Monday, June 2, through Friday, June 6, 2025
- Last Day to Book: Tuesday, May 15, 2025
- Address: 615 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
The Hyatt Centric is offering a special ACC Annual Conference rate of $199 USD per night.
ACC '25 Headwaters - Conference Sponsors
Thank you to our '25 Sponsors!Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
ACC '25 Headwaters - Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a Headwaters Sponsor Today!Sponsor the 2025 ACC Annual 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 sponsorship also supports ACC’s efforts to provide a unique learning and professional development forum to ensure the continued growth of our industry.
Silver
- Six Silver sponsorship opportunities are available.
- Your company logo & website link are showcased on the ACC website, in social media, and in 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 the ACC Annual Conference (tables, signage, PPT).
Gold
- Four Gold Sponsorship opportunities are available.
- Your company logo and website link are showcased on the ACC Annual 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 Annual Conference 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).
- Place your company’s promotional items (pens, notepads, etc.) in goodie bags and give them to conference attendees (sponsor to provide).
- FREE ACC annual membership.
- One FREE ACC Conference registration.
- Ten-minute Fast Track speaker spotlight (educational topic).
Become A Sponsor
To pay by credit card, add to cart below. If you prefer to avoid the 3% credit card processing fee, a check made payable to Automotive Communications Council can be mailed to: Automotive Communications Council | P.O. Box 4459 | Washington DC 20017. Please include your Name, Phone#, and Email address with your payment.
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.
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