The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced that the MSO Symposium will still run from 9 to 13 November, but will now take place online. The event will contain the same style sessions as previous years but will be delivered in single-session instalments over five days, with each running between 60 to 90 minutes.
“We’re just going to do it virtually and at no cost for attendees,” said Ray Fisher, President and Executive Director, ASA. “The advisory board and past attendees definitively stated that this event is critical to the MSO sector and should not skip a year or postpone. ASA leadership took that under advisement and continued plans for the 9th annual event. While we will miss the dynamics and networking of the live event, we are excited about this virtual platform as it creates the opportunity to enhance the already great content that our advisory board has been developing.”
Fisher says ASA had been preparing for a virtual event since late May in case changes had to be made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The symposium online programme will be open to the entire industry and allow attendees that may not usually attend to learn about the MSO market.
“I think everyone will be very pleased with this year’s programme. We are currently finalising the sessions, which will include a look into the future as well as a review of this year and how companies have responded.”
Fisher said that this year has been challenging to navigate through the pandemic, but ASA’s foremost priority is the safety and health of its industry and the people who serve it.
“We will definitely miss the in-person networking, but we were prepared for this and we are confident it is the right decision for the right reasons,” Fisher said. “This has been one of the most challenging years in the history of our industry and the MSO Symposium will provide information that will be helpful in moving the market forward. Make plans to participate this November, and we look forward to returning to a live event next year.”