DATE:
MARCH 26, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
T0103-01

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
MONICA BUCHHOLZ�
(877) 550-4286

www.iatn.net

2001 iATN CONVENTION SLATED FOR OCTOBER IN DETROIT

Brea, CA — Automotive service professionals from across the United States and around the world will attend the 2001 International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN) Convention in the U.S. car capital , Detroit, MI.

The Convention, which is jointly sponsored by ASE  and NAPA, will be held Oct. 5 -7, 2001, at the Marriott Dearborn Inn (800-228-9290).

iATN (www.iatn.net) is the world's largest network of automotive service professionals. Its membership of more than 34,000 automotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied service professionals regularly use the iATN website as a networking, technical training and business development tool. As with past iATN Conventions, this year's event will offer attending iATN members the opportunity to meet other automotive service professionals "off-line" and attend top-notch technical and business management seminars hosted by a number of industry experts.

"We are very excited about this year's conference," said iATN Founder Brent Black. "It's still early and we already have registrants from across North America and around the world."

"And since iATN is truly an international network, with more than 34,000 active members from 113 countries, our members develop some important and lasting business and personal relationships across wide geographic areas," explained Black. "The iATN Convention provides a forum at which these members can meet face-to-face, while at the same time honing valuable business and technical skills. The convention is really just an extension of the iATN web site."

While the iATN Convention's traditionally casual format allows for plenty of these important networking opportunities with other iATN members, the Convention will offer several special sessions that will cover a wide range of technical and business management topics. An open technical discussion session will be hosted on Friday, Oct. 5, and additional in-depth technical and business training seminars will be held the following day, Saturday, Oct. 6. Member networking opportunities will be available throughout the Convention, and the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village  is within walking distance of the hotel.

The iATN Convention routinely sells out and participants are encouraged to register early. iATN members may register online at: (http://members.iatn.net/meetings/fall2001/).

Black cautions that since there will be no on-site registration, each iATN member must register online in advance. Regular Registration for the Convention is $159 per person (through July 1) and includes the Friday reception, Saturday Luncheon, Saturday evening Dinner/Reception, and your choice of available training sessions. After July 1, the fee will be $179 per person.  

�iATN conventions and meetings have grown in popularity, size and scope at various locations around the United States, and the 2001 Convention promises to be the largest and most comprehensive iATN Convention to date.

For additional information about iATN, including the latest membership statistics,visit iATN at www.iatn.net.

iATN is supported by the automotive industry's top manufacturers, information providers, suppliers, associations and publications. These industry sponsors, along with sponsoring shop and technician members, make the iATN possible.

The iATN Mission of Excellence: To promote the continued growth, success and image of the professional automotive technician by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of education, professionalism and integrity.