The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the 2008 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) today announced that Darrell Amberson, the current ASA Collision Division Director, has once again accepted the appointment as the 2008 Event Chairman, which includes serving as chairman of the 20-plus member NACE Attendee Advisory Council.
Returning as the exhibitor advisory council chairman is Katie Henwood, marketing communications manager for Standox, a DuPont Performance Coatings brand. This year represents the second consecutive year that both Amberson and Henwood will serve in these capacities.
Amberson is president of Lehman’s Garage in Bloomington, Minn. A 37-year veteran of the industry, Amberson’s career began in the dealership sector of the business where he worked 22 years before moving to an independent shop, primarily as the body shop manager. With the exception of a two-year tour as a professional drag racer (Nitro funny cars) – finishing third in the International Hot Rod Association’s World Championship Points Race in 1989 – he has worked in and supported the collision repair industry. In addition to his ASA Collision Division directorship, Amberson currently serves on a number of industry-wide committees including the CIC Database Task Force (joint effort of ASA, SCRS and AASP), the URG Advisory Committee, the CCC/Motor Industry Forum Group and the AASP-MN Workforce Task Group and Government Affairs Committee (chairman).
Since joining DuPont five years ago, Henwood has worked in the Marketing Services Group. Currently, she’s responsible for the development, implementation and management of marketing, branding, communications and loyalty program initiatives for Standox. She also manages all NACE participation and sponsorship activities for DuPont Performance Coatings. Henwood has been an active member of Women in the Industry (WIN) for two years and is currently pursuing an MBA at Eastern Michigan University.
NACE 2008 will be held November 5-8 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The educational conference will begin Nov. 5 (Wednesday) and run through Saturday, Nov. 8. The Exposition will take place November 6-8 (Thursday-Saturday). The event takes place within the recently created Automotive Repair & Service Week, and is co-located with CARS (Congress of Automotive Repair & Service – serving the mechanical segment of the industry). Both events also take place during the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), taking place that same week in Las Vegas.
NACE annually draws an estimated attendance of 25,000-plus industry professionals from around the globe, featuring a comprehensive educational Conference and Exposition of 450-plus exhibiting companies. To exhibit at NACE 2008, call (888) 529-1641 or (972) 536-6444. For more NACE information, visit www.NACEexpo.com.
