The 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show, hosted by the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) on Sept. 12–13 in Allen, TX, delivered two days of education, networking and energy that drew strong engagement from attendees and exhibitors alike.
While overall attendance was slightly down compared to past years, Executive Director Jill Tuggle emphasized the shops who came were highly engaged and eager for new tools and insights, proving that even in a challenging market, quality conversations still drive the event’s value.
Attendees and exhibitors checked in at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center for the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show, hosted by the Auto Body Association of Texas.
“Many shops have had to lay people off, and when they do that, they don’t have extra manpower to attend things like this,” Tuggle said. “But despite what our attendance looks like, we always have very high-quality attendees. Our exhibitors consistently say they have great conversations with qualified buyers.”
Even with tighter numbers, the show packed in 60 vendors, drew more than 750 registrants, and delivered what attendees have come to expect: education, networking and a few fun surprises. The ladies’ event doubled expectations, the after-party drew a lively crowd, and a champagne toast celebrated the recent passage of Texas’ Right to Appraisal law.
Friday’s schedule included a session led by consultant and trainer Amy Pechacek titled “Beyond the Wreckage: Proactive Leadership, Better Communication, and Less Stress,” which offered practical insights for shop leaders.
Chaos as an Addiction
Pechacek began her class with a simple but telling breakfast story: an order delayed not because of missing milk but because of a complete lack of process. For her, it was the perfect analogy for many collision repair shops.
Amy Pechacek delivers her session encouraging shop leaders to break free from chaos and embrace proactive processes.
“Chaos isn’t random,” she told the audience. “It shows up when patterns go unchecked — when there are no consistent processes, no communication and constant reactive responses.”
Drawing from neuroscience, Pechacek compared chaos to addiction. Like Oreos or even cocaine, drama delivers spikes of dopamine. Unpredictability, emotional highs and lows, and the reward that comes after stress keep business owners hooked on firefighting. But she warned the cycle only leads to fatigue, wasted energy and burned-out employees.
“The cost of chaos is real,” she said. “It drains energy, wastes time and frustrates customers. But the good news is you can break the cycle.”
From Reactive to Proactive
One of Pechacek’s key messages was the difference between reactive and proactive leadership. Chaos convinces leaders that constantly putting out fires shows strength, but real strength comes from prevention.
Using slides filled with firefighter imagery, she reminded attendees: “Clarity reminds you that preventing fires before they start is where strength lies.” That clarity comes from well-defined processes — ordering the right parts the first time, setting up repair tracking systems, and using production boards. It also comes from culture: empowering employees, building trust and setting clear expectations.
A well-run shop, she said, is marked by smooth communication, accurate part orders, prepped painters and managers who lead instead of chase emergencies. “Process reduces chaos. Culture sustains it.”
Intentional Communication and Emotional Intelligence
Pechacek also emphasized that most shop problems aren’t just technical — they’re relational.
“Shops spend 95% of their time on technical training and only 5% on soft skills,” she said. “But in reality, 85% of outcomes depend on emotional intelligence and communication.”
Her slide on “Intentional Communication” drove the point home:
• Updates: Proactive customer updates prevent angry phone calls.
• Expectations: Clear expectations reduce wasted time and mistakes.
• Dialogue: Ongoing conversations keep teams aligned and productive.
Practicing emotional intelligence, she said, doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone, but showing empathy and regulating one’s own reactions. “I don’t agree with you, but I have a heart for you,” she said.
Her closing challenge was simple but powerful: “It changes when you decide to change.”
The Right to Appraisal: A Legislative Win for Shops
Another well-attended session focused on Texas’ newly passed Right to Appraisal law (SB458), which took effect Sept. 1. ABAT leaders, including President Burl Richards and Auto Claim Specialists’ Robert McDorman, walked attendees through what the law means in practice and how it will be implemented during the Texas Department of Insurance’s rulemaking phase.
The bill sets strict timelines for appointing appraisers and resolving disputes, potentially cutting claim cycle times in half – a major relief for insureds and shops alike. With appraisers and umpires expected to be licensed and bonded, the goal is to create a transparent, unbiased process. As ABAT emphasized, this victory reflects years of advocacy and represents a turning point for Texas collision shops.
The Broader Impact of the Show
The trade show highlighted ABAT’s drive to push education and innovation forward. Breaking new ground, a Spanish-language class debuted under the leadership of Ricardo Garcia of Uptown Automotive. Spanish-speaking shop owners said the session not only bridged key gaps in technical training but also opened doors for greater inclusion across the industry. With the class recorded for wider access, ABAT is already looking ahead to bring more Spanish-language training opportunities to its members.
Even in a year of industry challenges, Tuggle said the Texas Auto Body Trade Show continues to deliver what matters most: connection and quality. “Our goal is to blend business with enjoyment,” she said. “We want people to walk away not only with new knowledge but with new relationships. That’s what strengthens our industry.”
Leona Scott