The 2024 Burson Store Managers and Sales Representatives Conference Delivers Impact with “Make it Happen, Make it Matter”

November 20th, 2024

Burson Auto Parts has once again demonstrated why it’s the go-to trade partner for the
Australian automotive industry.

The 2024 Burson Store Managers and Sales Representatives Conference, held in
Melbourne, was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 Burson team
members and 70 supplier partners to celebrate, learn, and strengthen the values that
have defined Burson for over 50 years.

This year’s theme, “Make it Happen, Make it Matter,” was brought to life across three
action-packed days of workshops, networking, and celebration, reinforcing Burson’s
commitment to supporting its customers and teams with solutions, expertise, and
innovation. From insightful keynote speaker, Michelle Payne (First female jockey to win
the Melbourne Cup,2015) to hands-on workshops, every moment of the event focused
on the people, partnerships, and processes that make Burson an industry leader.

And it wasn’t just about celebrating the present, it was about building for the future.
Burson Auto Parts new tagline which launched at this year’s conference “We’ll Get It
Sorted,” serves as the backbone of this year’s conference, a correlation aligning with
this year’s conference theme, reminding every attendee of Burson’s promise: no matter
the challenge, Burson is here to find solutions, support the trade, and drive the industry
forward.

A Record-Breaking Event
This year’s conference had record participation and engagement, underscoring the
strength of the Burson brand and its relationships with the trade. Some of the key
highlights included:

• Over 300 team members in attendance, representing Burson Store Managers,
Sales Representatives, Precision Equipment, and Support Office.
• A vibrant Tradeshow at Caribbean Gardens that featured over 70 supplier
exhibits and welcomed over 600 customers to connect with Burson’s product
and service offerings.
• 12 workshops and breakout sessions, providing team members with valuable
skills, industry insights, and tools to help elevate their customer service and
leadership.
• Celebrating excellence with the induction of two remarkable team members into
the Burson Hall of Fame: Mark Wright (Sales Representative) and Trudy
Anderson (Accounts Receivable Officer).

The conference showcased the shared commitment of Burson’s people, suppliers, and
customers to continue driving innovation and growth of the automotive aftermarket
industry.

A Celebration of Relationships
The Burson Conference is more than just a yearly gathering, it’s a celebration of the
relationships that are at the heart of the business. As Steve Drummy Burson’s Executive
General Manager, shared in his speech during the Gala Dinner:

“This isn’t just a business built on transactions; it’s built on relationships. Every part we
provide, every customer we serve, every relationship we build—it’s all part of a larger
mission to create value, connection, and a sense of belonging.”

That sentiment rang true throughout the conference, as attendees heard stories of
partnership, resilience, and innovation from across the business. Whether it was
celebrating the longevity and success of Hall of Fame inductees or learning from peers
in workshops, the conference reinforced Burson Auto Parts mission to go beyond simply
providing parts, it’s about making an impact, building trust, and being a partner that the
trade can always rely on.

The tagline, “We’ll Get It Sorted,” encapsulates this perfectly. Burson isn’t just about
solving problems; it’s about creating customer confidence and building relationships.
From sourcing the right part to providing on-time delivery and industry-leading support,
Burson continues to deliver on its promise to be the trade’s trusted partner.

What’s Next? Building on Success
As the conference wrapped up, Steve reminded attendees of their shared responsibility
to take the knowledge and energy from the event back to their teams and communities.
He urged everyone to carry forward the Burson spirit, to lead with purpose, and to
continue making things happen and making them matter.

Key takeaways from the workshops and sessions focused on leadership, customer
service, and growth strategies, with an emphasis on working together to overcome
challenges and embrace opportunities. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to
doing the right thing, fostering growth, and ensuring the safety of our team and those we
serve.

With renewed energy, let’s continue to make it happen and make it matter every single
day. Because when it comes to getting it sorted, we’re the ones people rely on.

Wrapping It All Together
The 2024 Burson Conference was a testament to the power of relationships—

Relationships with team members, suppliers, and customers. Through connection,
collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, Burson continues to raise the bar for
the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.

As Burson looks to the future, one thing remains clear: no matter the challenge, no
matter the goal, “We’ll Get It Sorted.”