President's Message
In many past years, December meant a time for slowing down for the holidays, looking back over the past year and planning for the year ahead. This December is quite different, however, as it seems everyone in the industry is as busy as they ever have been. It seems there just aren’t enough hours in some days.
The SAA is also busy planning for our annual “Super Bowl” event of the year – the 24th Annual Automotive Outlook Conference, which we think will be the biggest and best one yet. The Outlook, which will take place Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, will help kick off the North American International Auto Show. The event has become so popular that we moved to the spacious Michigan Hall in Cobo Center to accommodate more people. Additionally, the finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards will be on display for attendees to view.
The SAA Event Committee has put an amazing speaker line-up together. Where else can you hear from leading analysts predict what to expect in 2012 and hear from industry leaders like NHTSA Administrator David Strickland and Ludwig Willisch, the new President and CEO of BMW North America? Please see our website for the full speaker line-up and registration information. The event also includes a networking reception and a dinner featuring Phil LeBeau, CNBC’s automotive reporter. Attendees also receive an Analyst Pass to NAIAS which grants admission to the show on press preview day on Tuesday, January 10.
Outlook is an event you won’t want to miss! Early-bird rates end December 16 so sign up soon as seating is limited. This event sold out last year so please register today. This year we are also offering table sponsorships at discounted prices so you can use the conference to entertain clients and colleagues, ensure you have preferential seating, and reap the benefits of SAA membership.
One more note about Outlook: Please help us promote the event by mentioning Outlook on your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. The more people that attend will result in greater networking opportunities and a stronger organization.
2011 has been a good year for SAA and I am proud of what our members and our leadership team have accomplished. We have grown our membership which opens many new doors for you. Check out our member directory on www.SAAautoleaders.org and take advantage of the growing network of industry professionals being developed.
Another accomplishment has been that we have also improved the quality of our events and have increased exposure of the organization in New York and Los Angeles. On November 15, SAA held its first ever event on the West Coast – our Technology Outlook Conference. Please review the presentations and links to speaker videos on the SAA website under the Members Section. The SAA Board is exploring strategies on how to keep the momentum going on the two coasts.
Finally, don’t forget that as part of SAA membership, you can now obtain free access to the AutoBeat Group of publications: AutoBeat Daily, AutoTech Daily, AutoBeat Asia and AutoBeat Europe. This is a $300 value that now comes with SAA membership. If you weren’t already a believer that your membership pays for itself, this should sway you.
If you are not an SAA member, what are you waiting for? By registering for Outlook, you can save $50 off of our normal annual membership rate. This is a great deal that you should take advantage of today. Register by clicking here.
I am excited to announce that the SAA will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012. We are busy planning numerous outstanding events to meet our member’s needs. As the SAA continues to evolve and grow I would like to encourage you to get engaged. If you have any questions, suggestions or want to get more involved please don’t hesitate to contact me at the SAA (info@SAAautoleaders.org). And if you would like to become a member and join our network of automotive thought leaders, you can become a member by clicking here.
Thank you for your time and investment in the SAA. I look forward to seeing you at the Outlook Conference and I wish you success and happiness in 2012.
Happy Holidays!
Respectfully yours,
Anthony Pratt
SAA President
Anthony_pratt@polk.com
