IMDA is keeping it real at this year’s convention by delivering real solutions to your everyday challenges.  The 2010 IMDA Convention will be packed with Information that may change the way you approach and track your business.  Check out some of the highlights:

• John Dedels will show you how to double your profits and provide you with strategies to improve margins, increase efficiency, improve communications, customer relations and more.  
• Our interactive breakout sessions will be led by real Midas dealers who will present best practices from some of the top performing shops from North America on local marketing, compensation plans and profitability. 
• The breakfast roundtable discussions will offer you the chance to meet with other dealers from your region to discuss and find solutions to issues unique to your area.  

We’ve got fun things planned too that include IMDA’s very own casino with real gambling and fake money!  And, an always popular and fun event, the IMDA tradeshow will have vendors who are ready to offer you real savings on products and services!

Are you looking for real solutions to your every day issues?  Do you want to learn techniques from other successful dealers that you can use in your own shop to increase your bottom line?

In a recent convention survey you told us what we could do to improve the convention and IMDA is determined to deliver what you’ve asked of us.  What is that exactly?

Marketing was at the top of the list!  Dealers want to know what’s working for other dealers from North America and how to maximize results with Catalina, CRM, CSI, Print, Radio, Local TV and community involvement efforts (food bank, blood drive, etc.). Our breakout session will offer ideas and tips that have impact and have been proven successful in shops just like yours. And, this interactive session is sure to spur new ideas!

Profitability is always top of mind, but it is increasingly critical in the current economic climate.  Learn how to get the most out of your POS system and the other technology tools available to you.  Find out how you should financially track your business and how to put that information to use to improve your gross profit margin. 

Compensation and Pay Plans can be confusing and hard to understand.  At this breakout session, you will get exposure to the most popular pay plans used in shops throughout North America.  You can ask questions and gain insight so you can determine which compensation plan works best for your managers, techs, general service techs and managers.     

Vendors have also expressed interest in offering non-technical training to improve profitability and maximize your bottom line. 

Cost to attend the convention is a top concern.  Dealers indicated that we should choose less expensive hotels located in a city that’s easily accessible.  We’ve selected the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis at a room rate of $179 per night.  St. Louis is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the country and prices in the Midwest for meals and entertainment are much more palatable than those on either coast.

Time away from your shop is especially challenging for one-shop owners who can’t afford to be away for extended amounts of time.  We’ve tightened up the schedule to lessen the amount of time you have to be away.  This year’s convention will begin with the tradeshow on Wednesday, Oct. 6 and will end the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 8.

We’ve also made time for fun and networking.  We’re doing away with the award’s banquet, but instead will hold a Monte Carlo night on Thursday evening.  Watch your mail & email for more information as the convention progresses.  We will see you in St. Louis in October! 

Registration Fees
$250 – IMDA Members
$350 – Non-IMDA Members
$150 – Spouses & Guests

Download Brochure

Download Registration Form

Click here to register now!

The regular meeting registration fee includes all scheduled food and beverage functions, including the Welcome Reception and Monte Carlo Night, the IMDA Tradeshow as well as all the business seminars and handout materials. The meeting registration fee does not cover your hotel or travel expenses.

Cancellation/Dispute/Refund Policy
Refunds for cancellation will be granted, provided IMDA is notified in writing by August 6, 2010. Cancellations received from August 6 – August 20, 2010, will result in a 50 percent refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after August 21, 2010.  For more information contact us at 877.543.6203.

Recommended Attire
Business casual attire is the recommended dress for the tradeshow and general meeting sessions. The Monte Carlo Night will be decorated in a James Bond theme and we encourage attendees to dress up in James Bond type of attire.  Alternatively, semi-formal attire is also welcomed at the Monte Carlo Night.  

Weather
You can’t beat October weather in St. Louis! Plenty of sunshine, warm but comfortable days and crisp cool nights make getting outdoors a must.  Average temperatures in St. Louis in October range from highs of around 74° to lows of around 49°.

Companies that service the Automotive Aftermarket Industry cannot afford to miss the IMDA 2010 Convention and Tradeshow! We expect an increased number of dealers at this year’s convention because we are going back to the basics and KEEPING IT REAL. 

Click here to view this year's floorplan

Besides the primary benefit of being in front of hundreds of Midas owners and managers, exhibitors also enjoy these valuable benefits. 

• An electronic list of potential attendees and managers delivered one month prior to the tradeshow so you can premarket your products or services and increase your onsite recognition and booth traffic
• Free publicity for any special discounts offered to dealers
• Recognition in the pre and post issues of IMDA’s electronic newsletter, Franchise Focus
• A special link to your company’s Web site on the IMDA Web site
• Special e-blasts to our dealers highlighting exhibiting companies
• Opportunity to drive traffic to your booth with prize giveaways. Prizewinners will be announced over the tradeshow PA system from your booth. This is always a big draw!!
• A final electronic list of registered dealers and managers delivered within four weeks after the show to follow-up on leads throughout 2010 and 2011.  (Note: You must complete exhibitor evaluation to receive this list.)

Check out what last year’s exhibitors reported in the 2009 IMDA Tradeshow evaluation!

• 100% reported that the show provided good business leads.
  
  
• 99% responded that they would participate in the 2010 IMDA Tradeshow.
  
  

Single           10’ x 10’        $2,100  ($2,250 After July 16, 2010)
Double          10’ x 20’        $3,600  ($3,850 After July 16, 2010)
Quad            20’ x 20’        $6,200  ($6,600 After July 16, 2010)

The registration fee for a single or a double booth includes two (2) booth personnel; and four (4) booth personnel for a quad booth. The fee for each additional booth personnel will be $150.

• Pipe and drape (8’ high back drape, 3’ high draped side rails)
• Two complimentary booth personnel with a single or double booth; four complimentary booth personnel with a quad booth
• One 7” x 44” booth sign bearing your company’s name and booth number
• 24-hour perimeter security
• Carpeted tradeshow floor
• Wednesday evening Dealer/Exhibitor/Sponsor Lawn Party
• Wednesday – breaks and lunch provided on the tradeshow floor

EXHIBIT SPACE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Click here for printable pdf

Booths: The exposition will be located in the Grand Ballroom on the fourth floor of the hotel. A standard size booth will be 10' x 10' with an 8’-high back draping and 3’-high sidewall draping. A 7” x 44” booth sign bearing your company’s name and booth number will be provided. No part of a booth may obstruct an adjacent booth nor can any booth be taller than the 8’-backing wall without the expressed permission of IMDA.

Exhibit Fees: The early bird exhibit registration fee to exhibit is $2,100 for a single booth (10' x 10'), $3,600 for a double booth (10’ x 20’) and $6,200 for a quad booth (20’ x 20’) if received by July 15, 2010. The standard exhibit registration fee to exhibit is $2,250 for a single booth (10' x 10'), $3,850 for a double booth (10’ x 20’) and $6,600 for a quad booth (20’ x 20’)…if received after July 15, 2010 (Note: If electricity or any other services/equipment are needed (including a table for your booth), additional charges will apply. And, these services must be ordered through our official exposition decorating company, Hargrove.

Booth Personnel: IMDA welcomes booth personnel to help present your products and services to the dealers and managers. However, all personnel must register using the official Booth Personnel Registration Form. This form will be mailed to the attention of the person named on the contract. The registration fee for a single or a double booth includes two (2) booth personnel; and four (4) booth personnel for a quad booth. The fee for each additional booth personnel will be $150.

Assignment of Space: Because space will be limited, it will be assigned on a “first-come, first-served” basis, along with payment and signed contract. IMDA assigns booth space, so please specify any company that you do not wish to be next to and a best effort will be made to comply with your request.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: A 50% Refund will be made if notice of cancellation is received in writing to IMDA headquarters by July 15, 2010. No refund will be made if notice of cancellation is received after July 15, 2010. No transfer of fees will be made to other IMDA meetings.

Liability Policy: The exhibitor indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless IMDA, Hargrove, Hyatt Regency at the Arch and all of their officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any actions, losses, costs, damages, claims and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from damage to property or bodily injury to exhibitor, agents, representatives or employees by reason of the exhibitors occupancy or use of the exhibitor facilities.

Distribution of Printed Matter/Solicitation: Distribution of advertising materials, samples, souvenirs, publications or printed material of any sort shall be restricted to the exhibitor’s rented exhibit booth. Distribution of materials outside of the exposition area must be approved by IMDA.

Installation and Dismantling: All displays must be set up by 8:30 a.m. on the official opening of the show on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. Space not occupied or set up by this time may be reassigned for other purposes. Exhibitors may not change the assigned space. Exhibitors may not break down their booths prior to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. IMDA reserves the right to substitute comparable exhibit space due to unforeseen circumstances.

Insurance: Exhibitor shall carry its own insurance at its own expense. International Midas Dealers Association, Hargrove and Hyatt Regency at the Arch assume no responsibility for the safety of the property of the exhibitors. IMDA will exercise reasonable care in safeguarding exhibitors’ property; however, exhibitors should insure their own exhibit materials, especially during the period while materials remain in the exposition hall, covering all risks (liability, fire, theft, damage, etc.)

Subletting of Space: IMDA will not allow any exhibitor to assign or sublet space or any part thereof allotted to them nor to display products or services other than those normally sold by them unless prior written approval is obtained from IMDA. Exhibitors may not share a booth; each exhibiting company must contract for a minimum of one single booth.

Protection of the Exhibit Facility: Nothing shall be posted, tacked, nailed, screwed or otherwise attached to columns, walls, floors or other parts of the exposition area without permission from IMDA. Packing, unpacking and assembly of exhibits shall be done only in designated areas and at times designated by IMDA, Hargrove and Hyatt Regency at the Arch.

Shipping Information: IMDA is utilizing Hargrove as the official shipping company. Once registration has been received by IMDA, Hargrove will send a complete exhibitor package to the primary contact outlining details, including shipping information, additional services and costs.

Increase your company’s brand awareness and let Midas dealers know you support them through a sponsorship at the 2010 IMDA Convention and Tradeshow.  The return on your sponsorship is many times the actual cost and our dealers definitely notice and appreciate your support!

• Your company logo: Prominently displayed at the event(s) you sponsored, Published in the convention program guide, On the entrance unit of the exhibit hall
• Company name with Web site link in the registration confirmation e-mails sent to every registered attendee
• Recognition in the pre and post Issues of our electronic newsletter, Franchise Focus
• 12-month listing in a special vendor section of IMDA’s Web site
• Link to your company’s Web site from the IMDA Web site from a special Sponsor Section.
• Recognition at the convention over the PA system.
• Some sponsored events offer additional recognition opportunities.  (See individual listings below.)

Tradeshow Morning Break   -  Sold to Raytheon Professional Services
Support an early-morning eye-opener by sponsoring the coffee and soda break. Sponsorship includes disposable cups displaying your logo. 

Tradeshow Lunch  -  Sold to Midas Corporate
Provide conference attendees with a box lunch and keep them going for the rest of the day! Additional recognition includes an insulated lunch bag with your logo.  Also included with this sponsorship is a room drop of your choosing and a 30 second commercial spot on one of the hotel’s open TV channels that will be shown in the attendees’ rooms the entire week.  See descriptions for Room Drop and Hotel Channel Commercial sponsorships listed below for more information.

Tradeshow Sweet and Savory Afternoon Break  - Sold to AutoZone and ALLDATA
www.autozone.com | www.alldata.com
Keep attendees on the tradeshow floor by satisfying their afternoon snack attacks.  Snack bag with your logo and ice cream bars along with other treats will be provided. 

Welcome Reception   -  Sold to Bridgestone/Firestone
Help dealers reconnect with each other over drinks and appetizers at the first networking event of the 2010 Convention.  Sponsorship includes bars topped with your logo and other additions for the event.  Also included with this sponsorship is a room drop of your choosing and a 30 second commercial spot on one of the hotel’s open TV channels that will be shown in the attendees’ rooms the entire week.  See descriptions for Room Drop and Hotel Channel Commercials listed below for more information.

Registration Bags/Binder  -   Sold to Interstate Batteries
This sponsorship will have your company name and logo displayed by everyone at the convention. This functional giveaway can also be put to use back at their shops.  Bag/binder sponsorship includes your company logo along with IMDA’s on the official show bag/binder given to all attendees at registration.

Lanyards  -   Sold to Bridgestone/Firestone
Want to grab everyone by the neck?  Sponsor the lanyards (name badge neck cords) and your company name will worn by all attendees throughout the convention.

Hotel Key Cards  -   Sold to National Pronto Association
Meet attendees coming and going with your message on hotel key cards. This is a unique opportunity to promote your company and products to attendees as they check into the hotel and every time they enter their room.  Hurry, this opportunity is limited to one sponsor.  Sponsor must provide design and artwork.

Hotel Channel Commercials  -  $800
You provide the video content and we will arrange to have it shown one of the hotel’s open TV channels that will be shown in the attendees’ rooms the entire week. This is a unique way to reach the dealers while they are relaxing in their rooms.  Multiple ads available.  All Ads will be run on the same channel in a consecutive loop. 

Keep an eye out for the following Hotel Channel Commercials:
CARQUEST - www.carquest.com

Room Drop  -   $800
Have your message waiting for attendees when they return to their room at the end of the day. You create the message that you want delivered and we take care of the rest.  Sponsorship price is based on a flyer being provided by you.  Contact headquarters for other room drop options.  

Keep an eye out for your room drop from:
CARQUEST - www.carquest.com

Buffet Breakfast Roundtables, Thursday or Friday  -   $6,000
Get attendees started on the right foot each morning by sponsoring this delicious buffet breakfast. Roundtable topic sign with your logo displayed at each breakfast table will increases exposure for your company. Sponsor will be given one table with their company as the topic of discussion. 

Morning Break, Thursday - Sold to Shell Oil Products
Help attendees “wake-up” in the morning with coffee, tea and sodas. Attendees will be grateful to whoever helps them get their morning caffeine fix. Sponsorship includes disposable cups displaying your company logo.

Morning Break, Friday  -   $3,500
Help attendees “wake-up” in the morning with coffee, tea and sodas. Attendees will be grateful to whoever helps them get their morning caffeine fix. Sponsorship includes disposable cups displaying your company logo.

Afternoon Break, Wednesday or Thursday  -   $3,500
Attendees welcome a little “pick-me-up” in the afternoon and your company can be the one to give it to them. Afternoon breaks will include light snacks and drinks.

Monte Carlo Night  -   Sold to NAPA
Hedge your bets by providing attendees with a night of gambling, drinks and appetizers.  You will hit the jackpot by giving dealers the chance to win big.  Sponsorship includes your logo on the play money attendees will receive to start the night off right and the chips and cards to keep the night rolling.  Also included with this sponsorship is a room drop of your choosing and a 30 second commercial spot on one of the hotel’s open TV channels that will be shown in the attendees’ rooms the entire week.  See descriptions for Room Drop and Hotel Channel Commercials listed below for more information.

Patron Sponsorships*
Platinum                               $2,000
Gold                                     $1,500
Silver                                    $1,000
Bronze                                 $500

Thank you to our current Parton Sponsors:

Mighty Auto Parts - www.mightyautoparts.com

John Dedels

Would you like to make $100 more tomorrow than you did today? How about $2,500 more next month and $30,000 next year? 

John Dedels will tell you how at the 2010 IMDA Convention in St. Louis.  The tools and techniques Dedels will provide you to increase your bottom line will more than pay for the cost for you to attend the convention. 

As a founding partner of Horizon Training & Management Group, John has dedicated the last 15 years to developing and delivering effective systems for the automotive aftermarket.  Recognized as one of North America’s leading repair industry trainers and consultants, John has helped thousands of repair shop owners, including many Midas dealers, to increase their sales and profits and achieve their business and personal objectives. 

Dealers typically pay Dedels thousands of dollars for his expertise, but you will gain his valuable insight as part of your convention registration fee.  You can’t afford to miss this presentation! 

Local Marketing: Learn how to maximize results with Catalina, CRM, CSI, Print, Radio, Local TV and community involvement efforts (food bank, blood drive, etc.). Our breakout session will offer ideas and tips that have impact and have been proven successful in shops just like yours.

Compensation/Pay Plans:  Gain exposure to the most popular pay plans used in shops throughout North America.  You can ask questions and gain insight so you can determine which compensation plan works best for your managers, techs and general service techs.  You will also be provided with a thumb drive or disc that contains the pay plans discussed at the breakout for easy implementation once you return to your shop.   

Profitability:  Learn how to use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and increase the profitability of your business. This session will offer you the opportunity to delve deeper into the techniques Dedels will present during the general session and give you hands-on guidance with applying these practices in your own shops. 

POS: Representatives from each of the POS providers (RO Writer, Vast and Enterprise) will demonstrate how to use their system to obtain the reports you need to track your shop profitability.  During the convention, John Dedels will speak about what you should be tracking and why, but the POS breakout session will show you how.  You won’t want to miss this final piece to the puzzle!   

This year’s breakfast roundtable discussions will offer you the chance to meet with other Midas dealers from your region to discuss and find solutions to issues unique to your area. Your region’s breakfast roundtable will be lead by the Director who represents your voice and interest on the IMDA Board Directors. This format will not only provide you with the opportunity to draw from the collective knowledge of the dealers from your region, it will also give you a chance to get familiar with the board member elected to represent your interests. 

Monte Carlo Night – Sponsored by NAPA
The company will be real, the drinks and the prizes will be real, but the money will be fake!  That’s right, real gambling with fake money.  We’ll transform an elegant room that overlooks the city into our own personal casino with black jack; roulette, craps and Texas hold ‘em.  You can use the fake money winnings to bid on prizes auctioned off at the end of the night.  The room will be decorated in a James Bond theme and if you want to have fun with the theme, come dressed in James Bond type costumes or attire.

The Annual IMDA Tradeshow is by far the best tradeshow you will attend this year!  The companies that exhibit at our tradeshow are focused on providing you, the Midas dealer, with the products and services you need to run a more profitable business.  And, don’t forget, many exhibiting companies offer special discounts on their products and services at the tradeshow and give away fantastic door prizes.  Last year, dealers won flat screen televisions, iPods, shop equipment and much more.  You have to be there to win big!

Hyatt Regency at the Arch | Book Now
315 Chestnut Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
314.655.1234



IMDA has negotiated a special room rate of $179 per night if you book your room by Sep. 6, 2010. 

There are two ways you can book rooms:

1. You can book now online by clicking the following link.  We do not have an access code therefore choose “general block” from the drop down menu.
   Click here for reservations

2. You can also call the hotel directly at 314.655.1234 to book rooms.  Be sure to mention you are attending the IMDA Convention to receive the special rate.

Experience the NEW Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch. Fresh from a $63 million renovation, our St. Louis hotel is now better than ever. Enjoy sparkling new dining outlets, including the world-famous Ruth’s Chris steakhouse. Prefer a more casual dining experience? Enjoy Red Kitchen & Bar or Brewhouse. If you’re on the run, pick up a latte and freshly-made pastry at our on-site Starbucks. Visit the famed Gateway Arch, just steps from our front door. Tour the Anheuser Busch Brewery. Take in a baseball game at Busch Stadium.

When you return to your rooms, expect Hyatt’s signature hospitality and stylishly modern guestrooms, including amenities like 37" flat screen TV's, sumptuous Grand beds, iHome stereos, WiFi and high-speed internet access. Our goal is to ensure that your experience is pleasurable. We invite you to experience our welcoming St. Louis hospitality and signature "Hyatt Touch" during your next stay at our unforgettable St. Louis Missouri hotel.

St. Louis is a fantastic destination city that’s easily accessible from almost anywhere in North America, making it the perfect host city for this year’s convention.  St. Louis offers something for everyone including a short airplane ride home if your primary concern is returning home quickly to your business and family. 

The convention hotel is only steps away from the famed Gateway Arch, where you can take a tram ride to the top of the 630 foot Arch or visit the Underground Visitor Center, which offers fascinating galleries depicting a 100-year span of the westward expansion.  Purchase your tickets at the hotel front desk, $14 for adults and $7 for children. Be sure to make reservations in advance… tram rides fill up quickly!

The Gateway Arch also offers riverboat cruises down the Mississippi on a 19th century replica steamboat. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher combine the charm of the 1800s with modern conveniences of today. There are a variety of cruises to choose from.  Call 877-982-1410 or 314-621-4040 for more information or to make a reservation. 

You can also have a night of fun at one of the area’s five casinos.  The Lumière Place Casino is within five mintues of the Hyatt Regency at the Arch and not only offers approximately 2,000 slot machines, 55 tables and a dedicated 13-table poker room, it is also considered a dining and entertainment hot spot featuring intimate show in the Lumière Theatre and over seven restaurants and bars that offer anything from casual to contemporary to fine dining.    

If you are on a budget, St. Louis offers these world-class free attractions: the Art Museum, Zoo, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Grant’s Farm, and the Missouri History. 

The hotel offers E-Concierge, an interactive online service that allows you to plan an array of hotel activities and services prior to your arrival at https://stlouisriverfront.hyatte-concierge.com/Login.aspx.  For personal assistance, call the hotel at 314.655.1234 and ask for concierge. 

Visit http://www.explorestlouis.com/ for a comprehensive list of things to do in St. Louis. 

Air
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) is the main airport for St. Louis. STL is located 14 miles from the Hyatt Regency at the Arch and services most major airlines.

Local Ground Transportation from Airport
Airport Taxi Service
You can grab a taxi at the airport through the following exits:

Terminal: 1 Exit Door MT 14 – to Main Garage Yellow Level
Terminal: 2 Exit Door ET 12

Exact fares depend on you final destination. Each taxi will have an Airport Use Fee of $3.00 per pickup.

Shared Shuttle Service
Go Best Express services the airport and the hotel and round trip tickets to and from the airport run around $37 per person.  Find out more or book your reservation by visiting http://gobestexpress.com/ or calling 314-222-5300.

Rental Car
IMDA has secured a discounted rate for 2010 IMDA Convention with Avis. Follow the following link to reserve your rental car at the discounted rate: Click here