AEM Sets Annual Customer Support Seminar

The 2007 Customer Support Seminar of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will offer product support professionals from off-road machinery manufacturing companies the latest strategies to better serve customers and gain a competitive advantage.

The seminar will be held Oct. 7-10 at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel in San Antonio.

With a theme of “Growing Profits in a Shrinking World,” this year’s seminar includes a special focus on technology advances related to product support. Special segments will also examine U.S. Tier 4 engine emissions regulations and legislative issues impacting off-road equipment product support. A total of 17 seminar sessions, delivered by 25 presenters, will be offered over two and a half days.

Featured presenters include management consultant Jim Weber discussing business models to increase distribution development and profitability, Ken Feldman of the Ford Motor Co. sharing lessons learned from the automotive industry related to aftermarket parts and Dr. Joseph Michelli, author of “The Starbucks Experience,” outlining techniques to create ultimate customer experiences.

Seminar attendees will also get a preview of results from the AEM’s 2007 survey of industry warranty policies and procedures. This biennial association survey helps manufacturers compare and benchmark their own warranty terms, costs and effectiveness against their peers and competitors.

The AEM’s annual customer support seminars are designed by off-road equipment manufacturing parts, service, training and warranty managers to provide attendees with a variety of perspectives from industry peers as well as consumer/business companies. The seminars feature panel presentations, case studies, interactive technology displays and networking exchanges.

More information is available at www.aem.org.