A "high energy affair with a lot of productive business being done," said one trade show exhibitor, summing up the general consensus among attendees at NACE 2006 in Las Vegas. 

Kottschade

"With a great selection of multi-track sessions and key events including a Welcome Reception at Studio 54, an outstanding Opening General Session with Troy Aikman, OE Forum and Town Hall Break-fast, NACE 2006 was an incredible show," expressed Geralynn Kottschade, NACE 2006 chairman and vice-president of Jerry's Body Shop in Mankato, Minnesota. "Add the opportunity to walk and shop the Exposition, and there's no question - NACE is the resource we, as an industry, can rely on."

Attendees represented a mix of the collision industry: repairers, insurers, recyclers, OEMs and vendors. A strong international contingent lends credence to the increasing globalization of the collision industry.

"Our location this year is excellent with a lot of traffic flow and interest. The floor is busy and we are very happy with the way the show has gone for us," stated Joy Alcaro, Volvo Cars North America, regarding the world-class trade show.

The Exposition floor was enhanced with "Expo Extras," offering attendees a greater variety of hands-on demos, attractions and opportunities to see the newest products and learn the latest industry trends, tricks and techniques.

"We've been coming to NACE for over six years, and we had the best opening day since we've been doing the show. We've had a ton of interest in our product lines and our company," said Bruce Pohlig, president, Car Bench North America.

Hot rod heaven

A flashy addition this year was Auto & Cycle Alley. NACE delegates were invited to bring their personal show cars, trucks and motorcycles to be displayed at the Exposition and judged for five categories of awards. Autobody News technical writer Rich Evans, owner, Huntington Beach Bodyworks, received the

And the winner of the first Auto & Cycle Alley Best Truck - Rich Evans, Huntington Beach Bodyworks and a writer for Autobody News.

Best Truck award ($2,000) for his 1988 Chevy Sidestep with a bold patriotic theme.

Other winners included: Celebrity Pick ($3,000): Glen Kanos - 1955 Chevrolet Belair w/Posts; People's Choice ($3,000): Russ Taylor - 1969 Ford Mustang; Best Car ($2,000): Troy Summers - 1939 Chevrolet Roadster; and Best Bike ($2,000): Rocky Felix - 2003 Radical Class Prostreet Bike. The cash awards were sponsored by WIZARDS Products & CCC Information Services.

Long-time attendee Maria Lawrence commented, "The addition of Auto & Cycle Alley is great. It gives people a chance to look up close at techniques and treatments used on these unique vehicles. It's a great addition to the show."

A full slate

The Auto Glass Technician Olympics - a high-energy competition to determine the best windshield repair professional - brought a new dimension to this already diverse event, including the industry's most knowledgeable experts demonstrating the up-to-date auto glass technologies in a special live demo area free of charge. In conjunction with this, NACE also offered free educational sessions pertinent to the auto glass industry.

The impressive I-CAR Technology Showcase offered up free training tools and equipment on the NACE floor for the first time. Featured were eight total workshops including "New Construction Materials and Designs" and "Advanced Aluminum Structural Repair."

In fact, NACE offered something for everyone boasting "MORE Of Everything You Need To Grow Your Business." If anything, it was almost too much - information overload. The choices were so many, it was difficult to choose. All the educational programs were timely and relevant to today's collision industry - about 100 educational programs and 500 exhibitors - give or take a few. That did not include the all day IBIS Symposium, the Early Bird Roundtables or the multitude of corporate meetings and privately-hosted dinners and hospitality suites.

Educational programs covered the gamut - with intriguing titles such as "Working Safely with High Voltage Parts," "Direct Repair Programs - In Need of a Change," "This Ain't Your Daddy's Employee Handbook: Policies & Procedures to Take Back Control of Your Shop," and 'The Cost of Comebacks."