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Size really matters - and smaller is better! Continuing the trend toward smaller trade shows, the Fort Worth I-CAR committee held their first annual I-CAR Fest in April and, if attendance is an indicator of success, this event was a hit.
 | | Kunkel |
In addition to the exhibitors, the discussions centered around familiarizing participants with I-CAR's new career path approach to training that was rolled out at NACE. Among the attendees were students from the local vocational programs who were invited to learn about the opportunities available in the collision repair industry. Lead Regional Manager of North American Field Operations Jeff Peevy welcomed the 22 exhibitors, 74 registered guests, and 165 total attendees with a detailed explanation of the enhanced delivery program and career paths that have now been established. Core areas and hands-on classes I-CAR classes are now organized by task areas, to encourage individuals to select appropriate training for a specific area of expertise and eliminate redundancy. Core training programs are now grouped into five categories: non-structural, structural, refinishing, mechanical, and estimating, management and appraisal. Students set up a curriculum much in the same way as choosing a college major. 
| | Peevy |
Peevy was pleased with the accomplishments of the day. He stated that "the Fort Worth committee has always been a very good volunteer committee. They organized the first I-CAR Extreme - a presentation that has been successful all over the country. Once I saw how well planned the event was, I knew it would be a success. "In speaking with exhibitors, many indicated that they would participate in this kind of event again," Peevy continued. "It is an interesting format whereby the booth fees paid by the sponsors provide the opportunity for industry personnel to gather and receive information about I-CAR and collision repair training in general." Vendors like smaller settings Vendors seem to favor these smaller, less expensive events where they can interact with the participants on a more personal level, building good will along the way. While 200 hamburgers and 125 hot dogs were being consumed compliments of the vendors, I-CAR instructors Todd Ho ffman and Johnny Dickerson answered questions on some of the key points of classes and the overall value training has on the industry and the importance of quality repairs to every shop owner.
"In a production industry where technology is changing so fast, we need training to help us do our jobs better. Students can determine in which area to enhance their abilities."  | I-CAR Fest attendees listen intently to presentation.
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Vendors serve local industry Instructor Todd Hoffman echoed Dickerson's sentiments. "It was an excellent day for people to get together and learn about the direction in which I-CAR and the industry are going. Smaller events allow us to get more done. I would like to see these become semi-annual events where people have the opportunity to share ideas and communicate. Vendors can better serve the needs of the local industry in this type of setting." Joe Sanders, former I-CAR chairman, anchored the day with a brief discussion concerning the connection between training and the future of the repair industry. Sanders was invited to speak because of his past experience in the industry and I-CAR. He talked about the changes that have taken place since the early days of I-CAR. Sanders offered "Kudos to the local Fort Worth chapter for putting on such a wonderful event. Participation was great and I was pleased to be part of it." The exhibitors were pleased with their participation in the Fest. The Fest provided the opportunity for vendors to demonstrate their latest products and show support for the auto body industry. With this year's experience under its belt, the Ft. Worth committee intends to produce the Fest on a larger scale next year. Going into the event for the first time, the committee was concerned over a number of issues, most notably attendance. So in the days leading up to the Fest, an all-out effort was put forth by volunteers to contact potential participants with phone calls, e-mails, and a bulk fax. Event chairman Dave Gauthier extends thanks to everyone who participated in making the first annual Ft Worth I-CAR Fest such a success. Vale National Training Institute donated warehouse space for the meeting and I-CAR had a company come in to build the exhibit and classroom setting to hold the trade show. |
