The Equipment and Tool Institute continues to fine-tune its ToolTech event and, by all appearances, the work has paid off. MOTOR Magazine attended the third annual event, recently held in Carefree, AZ, and we were impressed by the level of participation.

ToolTech's unique concept combines a trade show-or Company Showcase, as ETI calls it-with presentations by industry leaders, as well as one-on-one sessions that can be scheduled with participants in advance in such a way that they don't interfere with other planned activities. The purpose of the event is to bring together representatives from companies who manufacture, distribute or buy automotive tools and equipment, including the all-important OEMs, who provide much of the information needed by aftermarket tool companies.

As was the case in 2006, ETI opened attendance and participation in the Company Showcase to non-ETI member companies. Marketing and technical reports delivered to attendees by ETI Marketing Manager Jessica Korosec and Executive Manager Charlie Gorman, respectively, show that the association has been very active in the past year:

*ETI has relocated its corporate office to Rochester, MI, a suburb of Detroit.

*Work on an antipiracy campaign continues.

*A new vertical group for Training is under consideration, as is the possible formation of a Scan Tool Group subcommittee for Service Telematics.

Additionally, the "vertical groups" regularly engage in work that benefits the aftermarket. For example, the Scan Tool Group recently delivered input to the EPA regarding reprogramming, and heavy-duty service information as well.

"The content of this year's ToolTech, including the always popular shop talks, the highly informative OE panel discussion and one-on-one meetings, reflects ETFs commitment to quality programs and events for our member companies," said Jessie Korosec, ETI marketing manager. "ToolTech continues to be a mustattend event that focuses exclusively on automotive tools and equipment."

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