Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2023 62 T he United Appliance Servicers Association is eagerly and diligently planning the 2024 Annual Service Training Institute (ASTI), which will take place in Las Vegas, NV, February 25-29th, 2024 at the newly renovated and rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas, formerly Bally's. In addition to a multitude of training classes, ASTI offers independent servicers numerous networking opportunities, and the chance to connect with various people in the industry such as peers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Attendees report that they leave the convention each year feeling confident and armed with the knowledge to run a more effective and productive business. In addition to the highly beneficial networking, the business classes help attendees grow their business and become more efficient and profitable. ASTI also offers numerous technical classes to give attendees the opportunity to learn the latest techniques to repair ever-evolving high-tech appliances. Trade associations such as United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) were created to fill the need for training when manufacturers cut their budgets. In cutting their budgets, the manufacturers cut their OEM factory training opportunities as well. ASTI is the leading training event in the appliance service industry, offering over 800 attendees technical and business training by manufacturers and industry leaders. ASTI is known for presenting an extremely impressive lineup of more than 200 classes that offer attendees intensive training by vendors. Hands-on factory training on current and new models and technologies is presented in a single location. The classes will begin bright and early on Sunday morning, February 25. In addition to the wide variety of technical training classes, numerous exciting new business management classes will also be offered. For example, various software classes and user meetings will accompany the Basic and Advanced courses. Attending these classes at ASTI can save you the hundreds or even thousands of dollars it would cost if you were to sign up for them individually or send an employee to attend them elsewhere. The classes provide a training curriculum that is geared toward owners, service managers, customer service representatives, and technicians. Above and beyond the technical, business, and software classes, there's also a large trade show with more than 70 key vendors that servicers do business with every day. You can meet with the manufacturer representatives and parts distributors and others, and watch demonstrations on the latest software systems to help you run your business more efficiently and proficiently. You'll network with successful servicers from all over the country who have goals and businesses like yours. Each year we hear how much people love attending ASTI, how much they appreciate the classes and training, and how much they enjoy reuniting with the friends they've made over the years, and how much they look forward to the new relationships they'll build year after year. Many servicers have formed peer groups based on these relationships to help each other thrive and grow not only as business owners but as individuals as well. ASTI provides a strong, compact lineup of training at a very reasonable price for UASA Members. It includes five full days of training classes, an Industry Trade Show, all breakfasts and lunches, a cocktail reception on the trade show floor on Friday evening, and a dinner banquet on Saturday evening, as well as multiple networking opportunities. Many attendees bring their families and extend their ASTI experience into a vacation. This unrivalled event is highly anticipated and offers you a great opportunity to improve every aspect of your business. Visit www.ASTI.us or www.UnitedServicers.com to find out more. Please email administration@UnitedServicers.com or call us at 800-683-2558 if you have questions about the upcoming ASTI. UASA is a nonprofit trade association established in 1993 by servicers, for servicers. It is North America's largest appliance repair association, created to provide members access to the resources, support, and strategies they need to run a more efficient and profitable business. The mission of UASA is to promote growth and trade development in the appliance service profession by mentoring and supporting businesses through management and technical training, industry relationships, and networking, while strengthening standards for all servicers to be professional, ethical, and profitable. We hope to see you at ASTI in February! Sarah Brown Executive Director United Appliance Servicers Association S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO THE UNITED APPLIANCE SERVICERS ASSOCIATION 2024 ANNUAL SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTE (ASTI) The United Appliance Servicers Association

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