Touting an expanded agenda and a host of educational sessions touching on the industry’s hot-button issues, the Vehicle Service Contract Administrators Conference (VSCAC) is coming to Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino next week, Sept. 14-15.

For the first time in its seven-year history, the conference will explore product categories outside of vehicle service contracts, providing attendees with insights into the industry’s newest vehicle protection products and services. Here’s a look at some of the other hot-button issues on this year’s agenda:

• The Danger Inside the Data: In this session, Tony Wanderon, president of Allstate Dealer Services, will look at how the last two years have impacted the data companies rely on to set their business strategies, and will answer and detail whether historical data can really predict the future..

• The New World of F&I: Today’s Realities and Tomorrow’s Promise: Forrest Heathcott, president of JM&A Group, will provide administrators with an overview of the F&I industry. He will talk about the role of technology and the opportunities available in today’s online marketplace. He also will how demographics shifts among buyers and new legislation could impact the industry.

• Dealership Reinsurance: Scott Allen, president and CEO of Oceanic International, will delve into the world of insurance litigation. He also will address the challenges and opportunities that lie in reinsurance, and will offer his take on how providers can make reinsurance an integral part of their offerings.

• A Customer’s Perspective from Service Directors: Administrators will hear from a select group of service directors and F&I managers on what they expect from providers. These dealer representatives also will provide feedback on what providers do well and where improvements are needed.

Also featured on this year’s agenda are two panel discussions on Web services and the economy’s impact on business. Attendees will hear from panelists about their experiences with Web services for real-time quoting, rating and contract generation, as well as gain insights from a team of experts on the economic downturn’s impact on cancellations and regulatory issues.

Workshops filling out this year’s agenda include: “The Importance of a ‘Bag’ of Products and What Constitutes a Full Bag?” “Controlling the Bad Guys: How to Deal with Players that Abuse the System,” and a limited warranties workshop that will focus on how companies are navigating the host of regulations governing that segment of the industry.

Attendees will also have access to an exhibit hall filled with F&I-related products and services. For more information or to register, visit www.VSCAC.com or call (800) 576-8788.