Stu MacKay, president of MacKay and Co., will kick off a series of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) educational offerings led by speakers addressing important issues for the independent heavy-duty aftermarket.

HDAW '08 is slated for Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24, at The Mirage, Las Vegas. Immediately following the HDAW '08 Conference opening, MacKay will host this year's edition of the highly popular HD Aftermarket Forum.
"MacKay and Co. remains one of the most respected names in commercial vehicle industry market research," said Jerry Weis, 2007 HDAW chairman and president of Ott's Friction. "The HD Aftermarket Forum will undoubtedly provide attendees with real market data and insights into the heavy duty industry," he continued.
The HD Aftermarket Forum is a highly-interactive, two-hour session on heavy-duty industry conditions, trends and forecasts. Forum organizers ensure a high quality discussion by allowing audience questions and comments through the use of wireless microphones. This year's event will also include classroom-style seating for more than 1,000 attendees.
MacKay will open the session with his thoughts and observations on the industry. He will then turn the stage over to Dr. Bob Dieli, president of RDLB Inc., a noted economist specializing in the commercial vehicle industry and returning presenter from HDAW '07. Known in the industry as "Dr. Bob," Dieli will provide an economic outlook for the industry for the next few years and delve into an industry measurement called "Truckable Economic Activity," or TEA, and other industry related issues.
David Fulghum, vice president, MacKay and Co., will discuss market and channel shifts and trends and dynamics in heavy-duty parts. Fulghum's segment will address findings in the firm's DataMac report on the future of distribution, trends in service and market strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
HDAW is presented by a joint operating committee comprised of industry leaders from American Council of Frame and Alignment Specialists (ACOFAS), Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network, (CVSN), Heavy Duty America (HDA), Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Group (HDRG), International Truck Parts Association (ITPA), Overseas Automotive Council (OAC), Power Heavy Duty, Service Specialists Association (SSA), Truck Pride and VIPAR HD Parts.
For more information on exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities at HDAW 2008, contact Bill Glasgow Sr., conference manager, at (708) 226-1300 or e-mail info@hdaw.org.