Published May 16, 2023
The Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show and Conference is this week in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS.
Mike Anderson, from Collision Advice, will kick things off at noon May 19 with his “Be Extraordinary” presentation. In today’s collision repair industry, it is no longer enough to just be average. You need to be extraordinary! Anderson’s message is hard hitting, timely and full of encouragement to “Be Extraordinary!”
Details may be found at the show’s website. Be sure to register in advance as time is running out.
Extraordinary, cutting-edge industry education follows Anderson’s lead.
May 19
EV Introduction
Participants will learn how to safely work on electric vehicles. The presentation will start with the vehicle intake process and how to make the vehicle safe before repairs. Recognition of a thermal runway will be discussed and how to react to this situation. EV diagnostic and measurement tools will be introduced. This class will help participants speak the language of EV’s and what is a KW/h and how long to recharge the vehicles and more.
Presenters include Dirk Fuchs, director of technical programs and services, I-CAR; and Jake Rodenroth, North American body repair program operations manager, Lucid Motors.
Not Your Grandfather’s Estimate
With advanced vehicle technology, repairers face a great challenge, starting with the repair planning process. Our industry experts Danny Gredinberg from Database Enhancement Gateway and Ron Reichen with Precision Body and Paint will help you boost your confidence in the way you research required operations and give you confidence in capturing billable operations.
Ladies and Gentlemen… Start Your Search Engines
Getting found online requires many different parts and pieces playing in concert with each other. Each plays an important role in helping a business maximize their local online visibility. Only then can you truly “start your search engines." Your overall web presence has one purpose---bringing potential customers to your door. That means having more than just a website. It requires a website well-designed to drive conversions, i.e. paying customers. It requires having search engine optimization (SEO) built in so the site has a chance to be found when people search for the services you provide. This workshop will cover what an effective website must look like, work like and how the other “parts," like properly managed social media accounts, directory listings and reputation management collectively play their roles to start those search engines and help your business be found online.
Presented by Mark Claypool, president and CEO, Optima Automotive.
ADAS and Calibration by OEM Calibration
This class provides knowledge and information about vehicle ADAS systems to help shops better understand vehicle system needs. Some key talking points will be vehicle teardown and things to look for. Vehicle assembly and inspections, work that affects ADAS systems, pre- and post-scans and more. Walk away from our ADAS educational program with a better understanding of how these systems work and what to look for when disassembling and reassembling a vehicle.
Presenters include James Rodis, process, procedure and training manager, Woodhouse Dealerships; and Andy Hipwell, OEM manager.
It’s Your Repair Information, Why Are You Letting Unauthorized Companies Sell it for Profit
Collision repairers are unknowingly having their customer information as well as their repair information copied from their computer systems. The installation of data pumps/software controls by multiple for profit companies in the collision repair industry nefariously copying each and every estimate and then selling the information to vehicle history reporting companies and other entities for an infinite number of reasons. There are also five states that have enacted legislation that require a customers information NOT be shared by a collision repair shop.
Presented by Pete Tagliapietra, managing director, Data Touch.
OE Researching Best Practices
The importance of researching OEM procedures is a critical part of the repair process. Create a repeatable research process to help reduce cycle times and increase your average repair order. Learn more about how to complete safe and quality repairs.
Presented by Rhett Holland, collision and insurance vertical business manager, ALLDATA.
EV Panel Discussion: Electrify Your Knowledge Base and Get Wired
Learn from the manufacturers about the EVs coming to your market.
Moderator Frank Terlep will lead the discussion with panelists Frank Phillips of Rivian, Jake Rodenroth of Lucid, Timothy Maginnis of General Motors, Dirk Fuchs of I-CAR and Mike Anderson of Collision Advice.
5:30 to 9 p.m. Trade Show Opens
May 20
Equipment and Tools: Do You Have The Right Stuff To Be That Super Star?
Learn what tools and equipment you will need to repair today’s automobiles.
Presented by Dave Gruskos, CEO, Reliable Automotive Equipment.
Paint Shop Throughput
Advancing technologies in automotive refinish products and the equipment available today positions collision centers for exceptional paint shop throughput. However, even with the exceptional refinish products and the best equipment available, throughput poses some unique challenges for today’s collision centers. This workshop takes an in-depth look into the key areas that influence paint shop profitability in a negative way. We then look at the practical solutions used by progressive collision centers to improve throughput performance and enable vehicles to flow smoothly through the production process. Participants will learn these foundational principles and how to address the key contributing factors that drain production efficiencies and squash profits in our refinish area.
Presenters include Casey Lund, owner of Collision Leaders, and Rod Cahoy, business development manager, PPG Automotive Refinishes.
Industry Trends Surrounding Scanning and Calibrations
As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) continue to evolve and become more commonplace, industry trends are materializing surrounding scanning and calibrations. Learn about the root causes of these emerging behaviors, how they can affect your business, and solutions to help you better manage your business.
Presented by Dan Risley, vice president, quality repair and market development, CCC.
OE Procedures: Researching Best Practices
The importance of researching OEM procedures is a critical part of the repair process. Create a repeatable research process to help reduce cycle times and increase your average repair order. Learn more about how to complete safe and quality repairs.
Presented by Rhett Holland, collision and insurance vertical business manager with ALLDATA.
OE Technical Procedures: Solving The Mysteries
Presented by Shawn Collins, 3M, advanced application engineer.
Customer Service Best Practices
Customer service is the act of taking care of your customer’s needs. Learn the four interactions that will produce exceptional customer service.
Presented by Mike Anderson, Collision Advice.
To register as an attendee, visit www.midwesttradeshow.org.
Source: Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show
