The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) will hold its next Roundtable Conference january 21 in Las Vegas, in conjunction with CAR 2004 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. About 150 attendees are expected to jion in discussions on the most pertinent issues facing remarketers today.

IARA, formed in April 2001, addresses the importance of the remarketing segment in the automotive industry. The annual economic value of this segment is estimated at $5-$6 billion. IARA's primary mission is to act as a forum for all companies involved in remarketing to educate, assist, and share knowledge with on eanother and industry partners.

"This organization empowers each member to achieve the fullest efficiency and the most continued improvement attainable in teh commerce of selling vehicles through the market place," says Matt Marks, executive director of IARA.

2003 Roundtables Facilitated Industry Knowledge Sharing

IARA holds two roundtable conferences each year. In 2003, roundtables were held in Tampa and Chicago.

"The feedback we recieved from the 100 participants was excellent," says Marks. "Attendees told us that IARA is a very worthwhile organization, well on its way to having a positive impact on the remarketing industry, and they hoped for continued IARA Roundtables."

Layne Weber, vice president of vehicle remarketing for Donlen Corp. and an IARA member, attended the association's July 2003 roundtable in Chicago. "IARA has experts in the industry from all different fields, including manufacturers, rental agencies, transportaton companies, remarketers, suppliers, and vendors. Each conference and meeting gives you networking access and a forum to exchange ideas with peers from different industries," he says.

Weber also values IARA's educational opportunities. "Their meetings present pertinent industry topics. For example, at te last meeting, representatives from CARFAX and Experion talked about their reporting capabilities, which affect vehicle resellers. The meetings provide a unique opportunity to expand your industry knowledge."

Weber also looks forward to participating in IARA's certification program for remarketers, which is under development and should debut within the next 12 months.

For more information on IARA, visit www.iaraonline.org.