For the last 25 years, the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) has offered the collision repair industry an opportunity to participate in global dialogue, high-level networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration through its symposiums and events worldwide. IBIS USA 2026 will take place in Scottsdale, Ariz., March 23-25, bringing together diverse stakeholders to explore timely challenges, share practical strategies, and plan for the future.
“At a time when technology, repair complexity and business models are evolving quickly, collaboration across the industry has never been more important than right now,” said Louise Cooke, head of event content for IBIS Worldwide.
This year’s global theme is “Connecting Changemakers.” Cooke said the theme reflects the core purpose of IBIS: creating the environment for meaningful conversations, new ideas, and practical progress across the industry.
“This theme reinforces the core purpose of what IBIS has built over the past two decades, bringing together industry thought leaders and changemakers who are making the decisions that will define the next decade for the collision repair industry,” said Robert Snook, IBIS’s conference director.
IBIS USA Key Areas of Discussion
IBIS USA will focus on three key areas: calibration complexity and its impact on safe and correct repairs, AI and mobility, and the future of the collision repair business model.
“Our aim is always to discuss and debate the challenges that are front and center in each region and showcase the changemaking opportunities that provide practical solutions to overcome those challenges,” explained Cooke.
She noted that calibration complexity is becoming one of the most pressing issues for repairers as vehicle technology continues to advance.
“Ensuring repairs are carried out safely and correctly requires new skills, processes, and collaboration among collision repairers, insurers, and OEMs,” Cooke emphasized.
At the same time, she shared that AI and wider mobility trends are beginning to reshape the industry landscape, influencing everything from claims processes to vehicle usage and customer expectations.
Alongside this, the collision repair business model itself is evolving.
“Leadership decisions being made around consolidation, private equity investment, and technological transformation are redefining how repair businesses operate and remain sustainable,” said Cooke. “These are exactly the kinds of changemaking conversations that are connecting changemakers at IBIS.”
New Conference Format Fosters Collaboration
A new conference format was designed this year to deliver IBIS attendees “an experience,” encourage greater interaction, and foster collaboration among delegates.
Rather than relying heavily on traditional panel sessions, Cooke said the agenda is structured around shorter, focused discussions followed by moderated round-table conversations.
“This approach proved extremely successful at our recent IBIS Middle East event, so we’re looking forward to bringing this new concept to Scottsdale so we can continue to evolve IBIS USA,” she said. “The goal is to ensure the expertise in the room becomes part of the discussion.”
By creating an environment where those conversations can happen more naturally, Cooke said IBIS aims to help the industry better understand the challenges ahead and work collectively toward practical, deliverable solutions.
“With the new format encouraging even greater interaction and more valuable delegate outcomes, we’re looking forward to the meaningful and truly changemaking conversations in Scottsdale,” she said.
A Focus on Thought Leadership
IBIS places strong emphasis on creating networking opportunities and providing a platform where new and existing relationships can develop.
“Our aim has always been to bring together senior decision-makers from across the collision repair industry in an environment where open, honest, and productive conversations can take place,” said Cooke.
The new IBIS Experience format for 2026 places even greater emphasis on connection and interaction, encouraging delegates to contribute their own insight and experience through Lightning Conference sessions, thought leadership fireside chats, and Changemaker roundtables.
“In a world overflowing with online content, AI-generated insights, and endless information downloads, IBIS continues to stand apart by offering something uniquely powerful: a global environment where innovators, leaders and disruptors can meet face-to-face, challenge thinking, exchange ideas, and spark real transformation,” said Snook.
Snook noted that each gathering is shaped by the questions that matter and designed to support progress across the sector.
“IBIS stays focused on what lies ahead — helping participants navigate complexity, sharpen their perspective, and connect meaningfully with others, driving change,” he said.
IBIS’s Global Footprint
IBIS was founded in 2001 by the owners of UK Bodyshop Magazine, Christopher Mann and David Young. Since the first conference, where 120 delegates from 12 countries met at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, IBIS has grown into a global program of local and regional events. The annual Global Summit includes over 350 delegates worldwide.
Throughout the year, IBIS hosts a variety of local, regional, and annual events. In addition to a February conference in the Middle East, and IBIS USA, the 2026 program will include symposiums in Turkey (April), Mexico and Italy (June), Australia (July), and France (November). The IBIS Global Summit will be held in Austria in June. IBIS will also be part of several Automechanika events, including Riyadh and Istanbul (May), Frankfurt (September), and Dubai (November).
Each conference aims to provide delegates with opportunities to meet the decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of the collision repair industry. IBIS events are built around the quality of the conversation and the people in the room, explained Snook.
A central focus of IBIS is promoting safety, skills, and standards at every event.
“These three pillars remain central to the IBIS mission — shaping conversations, guiding partnerships, and informing every event agenda,” said Snook.
“With IBIS USA and all IBIS events, it is ultimately about bringing the right people together at the right time,” said Cooke. “With a strong line-up of changemaker speakers and industry thought Leaders gathered in one room, the new IBIS USA experience creates the opportunity for open discussion around the issues shaping the future of collision repair.”
Stacey Phillips Ronak