ISELIN, NJ – The National Association of Fleet Administrators’ (NAFA) Atlanta Chapter will host a fleet industry symposium at Manheim’s DRIVE Center Sept. 19-21, co-hosted by NAFA and DRIVE at the Marriott Atlanta Airport. The two-day session is designed to help fleet managers better understand the entire remarketing process, including channel selection, performance benchmarking, accountability, and process improvement/optimization. Additional breakout sessions will provide insight on current fleet topics such as the use of guidebooks, the value of reconditioning, and projected residual values. The second day will consist of an optional ride & drive followed by a recreational afternoon session. Key presenters include:

• Maryann Keller on the state of the auto industry and outlook for 2007 and beyond.
  

• Manheim Chief Economist Tom Webb on the state of the economy and how key metrics will impact both residuals in the future and used-car prices in the near term.
  

• Jonathan Banks of ALG on the ALG Commercial Fleet Residual Projection Guide.
  

• Sean McAlinden, VP of research and chief economist for CAR (Center for Automotive Research) in Ann Arbor, Mich., on fuel efficiency/"green" vehicles and where the Big 3 domestic OEMs stand in the overall industry outlook. Registration can be completed online at www.manheimdrive.com. Registration fee is $175. To reserve a hotel room, call (800) 228-9290 and ask for the Manheim-NAFA room block. Transportation will be provided to and from the hotel to DRIVE and dress is business casual. Agenda:Tuesday, September 19 Arrivals during afternoon.
  6 – 8 PM: Reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres at the DRIVE Center.

  Wednesday, September 20

  8 AM: Arrive at DRIVE – breakfast served

  8:45 AM: Symposium kickoff – NAFA Welcome

  9 – 9:30 AM: Remarketing 101: Erik Kibler (Manheim)
  

• Review of the entire vehicle lifecycle, emphasizing the value different parties bring to the remarketing relationship.

  9:30 – 11 AM: Macro Factors Impacting Your Portfolio: Maryann Keller (Maryann Keller & Associates)/Tom Webb (Manheim)
  

• Review the recent past and upcoming trends that will impact the commercial fleet industry. Specifically, how the new car market will impact residual values and “effective” depreciation.

  11 AM – 12 PM: Industry Panel. Theme: Vehicle Remarketing: Challenges & Opportunities, moderated by Julie Andersen (Emercent Solutions)

  Panelists:
  

• Darrin Aiken (Wheels)
  

• Bill Cieslak (PHH)
  

• Howard Graus (ARI)
  

• Jack Pierce (LeasePlan)
  

• Paul Seger (GE Remarketing)
  

• Jeff Bescher (Emkay)
  

• Layne Weber (Donlen)

  12 – 1 PM – Lunch

  1 – 1:30 PM: Value of Reconditioning: David Munnikhuysen (Manheim)
  

• Discussion of the value of reconditioning, and an opportunity to see cutting-edge reconditioning technology applied in a laboratory environment.

  1:30 – 2 PM: Internet Remarketing: Jim McKnight (Online Vehicle Exchange)
  

• Selling vehicles through alternative channels.

  2 – 2:15 PM: Mock auction
  

• Witness the latest Internet bidding technology by participating in a real auction.

  2:15 – 3 PM: Residual Values: Jonathan Banks (ALG)
  

• Discussion of the ALG Commercial Fleet Residual Projection Guide.

  3 – 4 PM: Fuel Efficiency/”Green” Vehicles: Sean McAlinden (Center for Automotive Research)
  

• Revealing the truth about Fuel Efficient/”Green” vehicles.

  4 – 5 PM: “Hot Topic” Sessions:
  

• Attendees will participate in two separate 30-minute sessions, moderated by industry experts, the subject of which will be issues specific to the commercial fleet industry.

  Topics include:
  

• Fuel Efficiency/”Green” Vehicles (Moderator: Sean McAlinden)
  

• Residual Value (Moderator: Jonathan Banks)

  5 PM: Reception and dinner, hosted at DRIVE

  Thursday, September 21

  9 – 10 AM: Manufacturer Product Review
  

• Representatives from automotive manufacturers review the latest product features.

  10 AM – 12 PM: Ride & Drive at DRIVE

  12 – 12:45 PM: Lunch at DRIVE

  12:45 PM: Afternoon activities
  

• Golf outing – Eagles Landing
  

• Atlanta Aquarium