Music and collision: This September, they’re set to make a perfect match as the first Music City Collision Conference kicks off in Nashville, TN.
The event, set for Sept. 26-27 at the Southwestern Conference Center, promises a packed lineup of educators and vendors and the glittering sideshow of Nashville’s music scene, according to Tennessee Repair Collision Association Executive Director Josh Kent. The location was strategically chosen.
Josh Kent.
“The Tennessee shops wanted their own conference because, obviously, Nashville is a draw for people. It's like going to Vegas, if you will. Then, they just wanted something more centralized than local, so we put together the Music City Collision Conference, and it's our first year doing it,” Kent told Autobody News.
The goal this year is 150 attendees, and the vendor list is maxed out at 23. It’s smaller scale than the average conference, Kent acknowledged, but it packs the same educational punch as larger events.
Kent listed off big industry names scheduled to speak on topics ranging from safety inspection to insurance relations and customer advocacy to minimization of paint contamination.
Scheduled speakers on Sept. 26 include:
• Mike Anderson of Collision Advice on safety inspection
• Sean Preston of Coverall Law on mastering insurance relations and customer advocacy for full payment and lasting trust
• Mary Mahoney of Enterprise Mobility on the evolution and impact of the Collision Engineering Career Alliance
• Rick Selover of Garmat on the costs of contamination
• Mark Olson of Veco Experts on getting paid
• Dave Luehr of Elite Body Shop Solutions on keeping up with industry changes
Scheduled speakers on Sept. 27 include:
• Mike Jones of Discover Leadership Training on building business culture
• Greg Peeters of Car ADAS Solutions on getting ADAS calibrations right
There’s also an unscripted open mic discussion scheduled for Sept. 27 with Dave Luehr, Mark Olson and Mike Anderson, moderated by Kyle Motzkus. Attendees will be allowed to submit questions, and panelists will discuss industry challenges and concepts for the future.
Attending conferences like this one is essential for shop owners looking to stay ahead of trends and continue growing in times that are typically slow for business, Kent contended.
“I think a lot of shops are having record lows with regards to business right now,” he said, referencing the summer months. “It’s huge for shops because while it's slow, not only do they want to know what they should be doing, but training is so vital. So, just the shops seeking that training and having a place to go to get it — I think it's really important.”
The education component of the conference is beneficial for shop owners from all over, Kent said, and the experience of gathering in one place allows them to see that others are facing similar challenges.
“It doesn't matter where you're at in the United States. The issues they have in Tennessee, they have in California, they have in New York, they have in Florida. So, being able to get around like-minded individuals to know that they're not the only ones, I think, is really important,” he said.
The conference kicks off Sept. 25 with a fundraiser at Topgolf from 3-6 p.m. The event will raise money to help students and instructors with transportation needs to SkillsUSA events throughout Tennessee and at the national level, along with training programs for instructors, Kent said.
“Afterward, people can go honkytonk and go out to dinner — whatever they want to do,” he said.
Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. CT Sept. 26, and the trade show floor will be open from 1:30-6 p.m. Sept. 27 classes run from 8-11 a.m., and the trade show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kent encouraged attendees to get out and enjoy the city between conference events.
“Just — it’s Nashville!” he said.
For more information, see mytcra.com/music-city-collision-conference.
Elizabeth Green