Biggest Auto Conference Of The Year About To Unfold In Traverse City

By Jeff Gilbert

In good times and bad, leaders in the auto industry follow something that's become a late-summer tradition, heading north to Traverse City for one of the biggest auto conferences of the year.

"This is never an industry that gets mundane or monotonous," said Jay Baron, CEO of the Center For Auto Research.  CAR, as it is referred to in the industry puts on the annual Management Briefing Seminars conference.  This year the event will run from August 1st through the 4th at the Grand Traverse Resort.

"It seems like this year we have an awful lot of impact around regulations," said Baron.  "So, that's going to be a big topic this year."

Speakers will include government regulators, as well as major execs from auto companies.  NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind is among those scheduled to speak.

Other top-of-mind issues include the industry's interest in partnering with the tech industry, and car makers efforts to transform themselves into mobility companies.

As always, Baron says, the move toward connectivity and self-driving vehicles will be a prime topic of discussion.

"Where's the research going to take place.  Is it going to take place in Michigan, or somewhere else?"

The first two days of the conference typically focus on manufacturing.   Wednesday typically focuses on the top executives in the auto industry, along with an opening address from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.

Attendance has grown in recent years.  Baron expects about 900 people to register for this year's event.

"We will have over 400 organizations represented throughout the week.  We have enormous amount of breadth coming from various automakers."