Top Automotive Tech Influencers Headline LA Auto Show's Connected Car Expo

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- No trend in the auto industry is more topical than advanced technology platforms. To underscore that fact, the LA Auto Show confirmed today that two dozen automotive technology experts from companies such as Aha Radio, Auto Alliance, BMW, Delphi, Ford, Gracenote, Hughes Telematics, INRIX, J.D. Power & Associates, Kia, Livio, Pandora, QNX, Sprint Velocity, Strategy Analytics and others, have signed on to participate in the 2013 Connected Car Expo (CCE).

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and J.D. Power & Associates, as part of its Western Automotive Conference, have also joined forces with CCE. Together they will address the increasingly important role the dealer plays when training, selling and servicing technology with the end user.

The CCE is designed to be the automotive industry's most comprehensive showcase of the new mobility solutions currently transforming the driving experience. The Expo kicks off November 19, 2013 and continues in conjunction with the 2013 LA Auto Show® Press Days (Nov. 20 & 21).

While the advancements and issues shaping the connected car landscape will hold the spotlight, the CCE is also equally focused on connecting key industry players such as automakers, analysts, suppliers and A-list media in order to create an environment that fosters new opportunities and partnerships.

CCE organizers have designed a variety of expo elements, such as small break-out group discussions and fast-pitch sessions with venture capitalists, which will encourage peer exchange and promote cross-industry collaboration. For example, CCE's opening day lunch will serve as an intimate networking session that allows attendees to participate in six 20-minute modules, each featuring industry leaders representing a mix of automakers and technology experts. Every session will enable one-on-one interactions and be open for questions and an exchange of ideas in a small group format. After 20 minutes, attendees will advance to explore a new topic with a different featured expert and other attendees.

To date, some of the industry leaders participating in the event include:

• Robert Acker, General Manager, Aha Radio
• Mitch Bainwol, CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
• John Absmeier, Director, Delphi Labs @ Silicon Valley
• Ty Roberts, Founder and CTO, Gracenote
• Kevin Link, Senior Vice President, Hughes Telematics
• Bryan Mistele, President and CEO, INRIX
• Mike VanNieuwkuyk, Executive Director, Global Automotive, J.D. Power and Associates.
• Henry Bzeih, Kia's Chief Technology Strategist, Connected Car
• Jake Segal, President of Livio
• George Lynch, Pandora's Vice President Automotive Business Development
• Derek Kuhn, VP Sales and Marketing, QNX
• Roger Lancot, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics

"The traditional trade conference is typically heavy on panel discussions and any networking is usually an informal part of the event," said Lisa Kaz, President of ANSA Productions, producers of the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Connected Car Expo.  "The CCE will ensure the conference delivers the coveted one-to-one relationships that are so valuable in today's fast-paced business environment."

In addition to the luncheon there will be a keynote address, several panels and other interactive thought leadership events slated for day one of CCE, Nov.19.  The remaining two days will include exhibits from leading technology suppliers as well as various activities including tours of the show floor led by knowledgeable car technology journalists and exclusive Ride & Drive opportunities designed to put CCE attendees behind the wheel for a hands-on look at the latest connected car technologies.

"The conversations and questions raised at the conference will no doubt be the ones sparking new ideas and concepts in the days ahead, further advancing this quickly evolving sector of the automotive and technology industries," said conference chair and a leading automotive technology expert Doug Newcomb.

For more information, including details on how to participate and an updated list of panelists, visit ConnectedCarExpo.com and Facebook.com/ConnectedCarExpo.

About the Connected Car Expo 

Designed to be the automotive industry's most comprehensive showcase of new mobility solutions, the Connected Car Expo (CCE) will debut on November 19, 2013 and continue in conjunction with the 2013 LA Auto Show® Press Days on Nov. 20 and 21. The Connected Car Expo represents a singular environment in which the companies, key players and media involved in the connected car space can exchange ideas, develop solutions and create the business opportunities that will shape the future of transportation.  Produced by the LA Auto Show parent company ANSA Productions and chaired by automotive technology expert Doug Newcomb, the CCE is purpose-built as a thought leadership forum, technology showcase and industry exchange hosted in the innovation capital of Los Angeles. For more information, please visit http://www.connectedcarexpo.com.

SOURCE Connected Car Expo; Los Angeles Auto Show