2014 Washington Auto Show Preview Days coming into focus
Industry/Media Preview, Jan. 21-22; Public Days Jan. 23- Feb. 2
With 2014 and the Auto Show in Washington coming up next month, WANADA dealers, OEM executives, U.S. lawmakers and the press are looking ahead to Industry/Media Days that will be a week and a day earlier than in 2013. What follows is an outline of whats on tap, especially for the information of WANADA dealers, with more in the pipeline to be reported shortly.
Industry/Media Days
Dealers and their guests will be able to attend a variety of events during the Industry/Media Days, or Public Policy Days as theyre known for Washingtons Auto Show, Jan. 21-22.
The first Industry/Media Day on Tues., Jan. 21 occurs on Capitol Hill from 1:30-3:30 pm in the historic Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building where the famed Charlie Cook, who edits and publishes The Cook Political Report, will present his unique brand of commentary on the direction of Washington politics as it impacts the U.S. presence in the world and the global auto industry here and abroad.
Cooks Capitol Hill presentation– principally for members of Congress and their senior staff– is put on by the National Journal and The Washington Auto Show with its stakeholder organizations, The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Global Automakers, NADA, AIADA and NAMAD.
Does the partisan squabbling between Democrats and Republicans that has characterized Washington politics in recent years and its relationship to the upcoming 2014 mid-term elections have a bearing on American public policy affecting the auto industry? You bet, and Cook will explain why and how by applying his seven metrics to watch and House and Senate math and by analyzing the likely infighting between the Parties over the federal budget.
The Industry/Media Day onsite starts early Wed., Jan. 22, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with the Newsmaker Breakfast featuring Mark Fields, chief operating officer of Ford Motor Co. Fields is credited with the transformation of the companys North American operations and its record profitability. He will talk about Fords recent success and plans for the future. The Newsmaker Breakfast is jointly sponsored by the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) and the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA).
Following the breakfast will be a full day of press conferences by automakers, lawmakers and notables from the Obama Administration. Additionally, there will be high level representatives from government agencies who will discuss policy initiatives, in keeping with the Washington Auto Shows status as the Public Policy Show. A full listing of speakers and presenation times is coming togther and will be published shortly. The SAE International Government/Industry Conference Plenary Session will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Sneak Peek Preview and WANADA Member Reception
A highlight of the Industry/Media Day onsite, Jan 22, is the Sneak Peek Preview Reception from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Sneak Peek Reception provides an excellent networking opportunity, with thousands of high level federal officials, members of Congress, diplomats, OEM executives and media expected.
Also, its a chance to get a close look at the impressive new models that will be featured at the show. Several models will be introduced in the region for the first time: Audi RS 7, Buick Regal, Cadillac ELR, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe, Ford Edge, GMC Sierra HD and Honda Hybrid Accord. WANADA will again host its Dealer Member Reception in conjuntion with Comcast Spotlight and Manheim Pennsylvannia Auto Auction. The reception within the reception of the Sneak Peek Preview will start at 6:15 p.m. in the WANADA VIP hospitality suite that will be available exclusively to dealers starting at 4:30 p.m. for coat checks and guest rendezvous. WANADA members who purchase tickets to the WANADA Reception for $125pp, F.B.O. ADEI, may attend the Keith Crain/AN/ Lifetime Achievment Award Dinner at no extra charge (see below). To register please click here.
Keith Crain/AN/Lifetime Achievement Dinner honoring Rick Hendrick
The Keith Crain Awards Dinner, from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., will honor Rick Hendrick, founder of the large, multistate dealer group that bears his name and, reportedly, the most successful NASCAR owner in modern times.
Hendrick is chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, the nations second largest privately held auto dealer goup and sixth largest overall. The group operates 87 dealerships and employs more than 9,000 people. Hendrick is also head of Hendrick Motorsports, winner of 11 NASCAR owners championships.
Worth noting again: All WANADA members who purchase a ticket to attend the WANADA Reception at $125pp can attend the Keith Crain/AN/LAA Dinner for no additional charge. The regular ticket price is $250. To register please click here
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