The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is planning an all-member convention to be held in spring 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will be an expansion of the association's annual business meeting and will include ASA's Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony. The Celebration of Excellence event will again host the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony, which was previously held during NACE and CARS. 

"ASA is very pleased to announce the new all-member meeting format that will debut in the spring of '07. A convention format will combine the association's required governance functions with new networking and educational offerings highlighted by ASA's annual Celebration of Excellence," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive.

"Members have demonstrated a keen desire to combine these elements to enhance the value of the meeting experience, and our volunteer leadership has responded to those wishes."

Still in the planning stages, the ASA convention will be held May 3-5, 2007, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, and promises an education-and activity-packed agenda. Golf tee times are among the optional activities being arranged.

"We want to provide a place and atmosphere that our members can bring their family to enjoy some time away from work and have fun, while networking with other automotive professionals and sharpening their skills at the same time," said Charlie Elder, AAM, ASA chairman and owner of Ray Gordon Brake Service, Tallahassee, Florida.