Northwood University is bringing together automotive industry leaders and experts for a one-day automotive summit featuring insightful discussions and networking opportunities on Oct. 3 in Midland, Michigan.
Organized by the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS) at Northwood University, the CAMS Industry Summit will cover a range of key topics facing the automotive industry today, including retail trends, dealer relations, F&I, compliance and regulations, and the state of the automotive aftermarket sector.
“The CAMS industry Summit is a unique opportunity for industry professionals and future leaders to come together and explore the dynamics shaping the automotive landscape,” stated Dr. Matthew Bennett, Vice President of Strategic Alliances and CAMS. “Northwood University is committed to fostering meaningful dialogue that drives innovation and growth in this critical sector.”
The CAMS Industry Summit will kick off at 8 a.m. Oct. 3 with networking and coffee, followed by a series of sessions featuring prominent industry figures, including:
- Jeff Beals, Senior Vice President, Professional Services, CDK Global
- Brian Benstock, General Manager and Vice President, Paragon Honda & Acura
- Mike Cavanaugh, Regional Vice President, of Lithia and Driveway
- Rebecca Chernek, Vice President, Strategic Client Relations, Agora Data
- Eric Flow, President of Management Services at Flow Automotive Companies
- Adam Genei, Owner of Mobsteel/Detroit Steel Wheel Co.
- Don Hall, CEO & President of Virginia Automobile Dealers
- Grace Huang, President, Inventory Solutions, Cox Automotive
- Ted Hughes, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors (AWDA) Executive Director and Senior Director of Community Engagement for the Auto Care Association
- Ted Ings, Ted Ings’ Fixed Ops Roundtable
- David Jett, Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
- Tom Kline, Founder, Better Vantage Point
- Bob Kron, President and Chief Operating Officer for The Rydell Company
- Shawn Leibold, Director of Industry Relations, Reynolds and Reynolds
- Shannon Robertson, Executive Vice President, Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP)
Summit attendees will gain insights from panel discussions on various subjects, including “Current Trends in Automotive Retail,” “F&I, Compliance & Regulations,” “Current Trends in Automotive Aftermarket,” and “Dealer Relationships & The Customer Experience.”
“This summit not only provides an invaluable platform for industry insights but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia and industry,” stated Dr. Dave Oventhal, Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy.
“Our goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster new relationships, and bring leaders who are shaping the future of automotive and mobility to campus,” added Elgie Bright, who chairs Northwood’s Automotive Marketing and Management degree program.
A highlight of the event will be a fireside chat with Thomas Doll, former President and CEO of Subaru of America. That presentation, which will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m., can be watched virtually here.
To register for the CAMS Industry Summit, please visit https://forms.northwood.edu/cams-industry-summit/
