BTC Think Tanks

The Business Technology Council (BTC) hosts Think Tanks on specific topics, bringing members together monthly to explore challenges, share ideas, and develop potential solutions. These collaborative discussions have already delivered significant value to participants. Think Tanks are an exclusive benefit for BTC members, who are encouraged to involve colleagues from their organizations.

The 2025 Think Tank topics are below. For more information or to join, please contact Sara Kaderly.

• AI Apps and Opportunities – Lauren McCullough, Tromml and Sam Russo, Pivotree

  Discover how AI is reshaping the automotive aftermarket industry. This Think Tank will explore real-world applications of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI, offering a street-level view of how your organization can start using these tools to improve efficiency, boost output, and solve complex challenges. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, join us to collaborate with industry leaders, uncover opportunities, navigate potential risks, and learn how to integrate AI into your operations for maximum impact. Meetings typically occur on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET.
   

• Cybersecurity in an AI World – Hemant Damani, Niterra North America, Inc.
  The Cybersecurity Think Tank concentrates on helping overcome typical security issues while considering the latest threats as technology and business scenarios evolve. An example would be the impact of AI on how we manage Cybersecurity. Our objective is to develop and exchange ideas, regardless of the topic—compliance, phishing schemes, user awareness, or technical controls. We'll concentrate on the main dangers to our companies and how best to address them. Meetings typically occur on the 4th Thursday of each month from 2:00- 3:00 p.m. ET.

   

• Repair Shop Automation: Driving Parts Sales – Don Landrum, Epicor Automotive
  Many new technologies promise to drive automation and innovation at the shop level, which can lead to more repairs and more parts sales. This new BTC Think Tank will explore automated scheduling, DVI, and other technologies and their impacts on the supply chain. Meetings typically occur every 2 weeks on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. ET.

Think Tanks compete against each other in presenting their findings and deliverables prior to the Technology Conference.

Previous Think Tank Winners

2024: Global e-Tailing - Press Release
2023: Emerging Vehicle Technologies- Press Release
2022: Emerging Vehicle Technologies - Press Release 
2021: eCommerce Readiness - Press Release