Last year's successful I-CARFEST was no fluke! The second annual Ft. Worth I-CARFEST, held March 12, proved to be a hit as well. The event, which combined an I-CAR class with a mini-trade show, was held on a Saturday this year to allow more technicians to attend. 

The hybrid vehicle class at the Ft. Worth I-CARFEST attracted technicians from body shops all over the area.

3M was one of the 35 vendors who exhibited at this spring's Ft. Worth I-CARFEST giving attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the people who provide them with products and equipment.

This year's class tackled an important issue in today's autobody technology - repairing new hybrid vehicles. A 2005 Honda Accord was brought in to give a close-up view of the type of vehicle that will be arriving for repair with a greater frequency in years to come.

Kunkel

Before the class and during breaks, the students visited the 35 booths that made up the trade show. Along with networking, attendees were also learning about some of the new products that are coming to the market. The show had vendors exhibiting frame equipment, paint companies, salvage yards, and other facets of the repair industry.

I-CAR's Mike Miller was on hand to keep things running smoothly. The Ft. Worth committee had eleven volunteers to work the registration booth and aid the vendors. These individuals registered 164 individuals for the hybrid class without having to delay the start of the 4-hour class.

In the end, the day was a great success as the students received valuable training about the cars of the future. The vendors got an opportunity to visit with some of the techs that regularly use their products and services. The insurance industry was also well represented and saw some different aspects of the repair industry that they are not normally exposed to.

Dave Gauthier, Ft. Worth I-CAR chairman, stated that this event was so well received that another will be held in October. These gatherings are a great way to train individuals on the proper methods of repair to avert a manpower shortage at the repair facility. The I-CARFEST helps to ensure the future of our industry is bright with well-trained estimators and technicians. The fact that they also get the opportunity to see and learn about the products that are on the market is an added benefit.

The I-CARFEST is a concept that is catching on around the country, so look for an event being held in your area.

Mike Kunkel is the general manager for American Auto Salvage in Fort Worth, Texas, and also a member of the national steering committee for the PRP program.