Auto repair shop owners across the nation will get the latest information and ideas to rev up their marketing strategies at the upcoming High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference to be held Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 2023, at the Atlanta Airport Marriott. Presented by Leads Near Me®, a digital marketing agency for auto repair shops and a 2023 Google Premier Partner, the conference will  focus on branding, acquiring new customers and retaining customers ― three critical components of transforming auto repair shops into effective lead-generating, relationship-building businesses that keep customers coming back.

“This conference is like a maintenance check on marketing,” said Ryan Burton, owner of Leads Near Me. “It gives shop owners the opportunity to commit even more deeply to themselves, and the future of their businesses, by learning how the key skills of digital media, direct mail, networking and more can lead them to be the high-trust, high-visibility local brand that customers know by name.”

Conference speakers, who come from the TV, music, radio and digital media industries, will provide auto repair shops with practical marketing knowledge to successfully increase car counts and their 2024 revenues. Four confirmed keynote speakers are:

• Steve Jones is a renowned music industry veteran and author of “Brand Like a Rock Star” and “Start You Up.” Jones is a dynamic speaker who draws on his extensive experience in the music industry to provide invaluable insights on building a stronger and more successful business. With a captivating presentation style enriched by great music and entertaining stories, Jones takes audiences backstage to reveal the core strategies of legendary rock bands such as AC/DC, Bob Marley, U2, Fleetwood Mac and Run DMC. By exploring the lessons learned from these iconic performers, he demonstrates how applying rock ’n’ roll principles to the business world works. Jones is based in Toronto, Canada, where he oversees brands and content for Stingray Radio, a global music, media and technology company with more than 100 radio stations in Canada. 

• Brooke Henderson is a digital marketing pioneer and current regional vice president of strategic partnerships at YEXT, a leading provider of digital knowledge management solutions, empowering businesses to control and optimize their online presence. She has played a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions that empower businesses to harness the power of local search, knowledge management and customer experience. Henderson’s unique blend of strategic thinking, deep industry knowledge and passion for helping small businesses thrive has made her a sought-after speaker and adviser.

• Wendy Kinney is founder of PowerCore, the highly effective and esteemed Atlanta-based referral networking group she opened in 1995. Her unwavering passion for referral marketing stems from her deep-rooted belief in its proven efficacy. She knows firsthand that the approach yields tangible results, and she is dedicated to sharing this knowledge to empower others. Kinney has a profound passion for reading, having read more than 700 books. She is a gifted synthesizer of information and an exceptional teacher who shares her expertise, shows others how to leverage the power of words and gives entrepreneurs the essential tools to grow their businesses through referral-based marketing.

• Aaron Stokes is a shop owner and the founder of Shop Fix Academy, an organization that is passionate about helping the lives of independent repair shop owners. Stokes has been in the automotive industry since 1999 and owns nine thriving repair shops in Middle Tennessee. After encountering an unexpected and extremely challenging obstacle, he founded Shop Fix Academy to provide more value to the industry and to transform how automotive repair is done. 

The agenda for the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference includes:

• Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023: 6 – 9 p.m. Welcome Reception

• Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Check-in, Speakers, Breakout Sessions, Panels and Workshops; 7 – 9 p.m. Networking and Entertainment

• Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 - 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Speakers, Breakout Sessions, Panels and Workshops

“Our aim is for auto repair shop leaders to leave the conference with actionable ideas that help them make decisions with their chosen marketing companies, and that enhance and better execute their current marketing efforts,” added Burton. “Every day, we see the commitment shop owners have for their employees and customers, as well as our industry. We look forward to giving back to them through this event — which will be packed with networking, camaraderie and success strategies for those who attend.”

To learn more, register and book a hotel room, visit highgearconference.com. The cost to attend all days of the conference is $399 plus taxes and fees. To become an exhibitor, view details here.