The Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show, returning Sept. 12-13 at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, TX.
Known for blending cutting-edge education with fun networking opportunities, this year’s event takes inclusivity to a new level with a major first: two Spanish-language educational sessions designed specifically for technicians and shop teams.
Breaking Barriers with Spanish-Language Classes
For years, ABAT leadership has heard from shop owners about the challenges of delivering advanced industry education to Spanish-speaking technicians. This year, ABAT is making history by launching two classes in Spanish, an effort spearheaded by Ricardo Garcia, a trainer and technician at Uptown Automotive, who has long championed the need for language-accessible training.
“We’ve been working toward this for two years,” Garcia said. “When I attend big events like SEMA, every class is in English. There’s so much knowledge out there, but many of our techs never get the opportunity to hear it in their language. This is the right place and the right time to change that.”
Garcia will teach a session focused on repair planning and proper teardown procedures, explaining why detailed documentation matters.
“If you don’t create the right repair plan from the beginning, your service advisor ends up doing five supplements instead of one,” he said. “That costs time, money and efficiency. In this class, I’ll show step by step why this process matters, so technicians understand the ‘why’ behind the work.”
The second Spanish session will offer advanced technical insight to help techs work smarter and deliver higher-quality repairs.
For shop owners like Zameer Fazal of Uptown Automotive, these classes are a game-changer.
“My entire team speaks Spanish,” Fazal said. “They’re great techs, but when the only information available is in English, there’s a gap. Once they understand why certain steps are required, they do better work, save time and feel confident in their skills. This is about empowering our workforce.”
'More Than an Event — It’s an Experience'
Jill Tuggle.
ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle said these new classes reflect the association’s commitment to making the trade show accessible and valuable for everyone.
“We want our trade show to be more than just an event – it’s an experience,” Tuggle said. “This is about education, yes, but also about creating an environment where every attendee feels included and leaves energized to tackle the challenges ahead.”
This inclusive approach is just one reason why the Texas Auto Body Trade Show has become a can’t-miss event for collision professionals across the region. In addition to the Spanish-language sessions, attendees can expect an expanded exhibitor floor, interactive demonstrations, a car show, the always-popular Big Shots Competition, and a lineup of expert-led classes.
Key Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss
Among the highlights of this year’s educational program is a class on Texas’ new Right to Appraisal law, which will take effect Sept. 1. ABAT played a major role in securing this legislative win.
During the session, “The New Right to Appraisal Law,” scheduled for 9-10 a.m. Sept. 12, ABAT President Burl Richards and Robert McDorman, of Auto Claim Specialists, will walk attendees through what the law means for every shop in the state. Learn how this change affects shops and customers alike, and why it matters even if customers never invoke their appraisal rights.
Tommy Ames.
Another hot topic is ADAS calibrations, to be addressed in a lively panel discussion during the popular happy hour seminar.
“The Industry Over a Pint: A Calibration Conversation,” sponsored by One Source ADAS, will examine if it’s better to handle calibrations in-house or outsource them. Opinions vary, and this panel promises candid insights from shop owners on both sides of the debate.
“ADAS is one of the most talked-about issues in the industry right now,” said Tommy Ames of AutoEsolutions, a longtime exhibitor. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. This session gives you real-world perspectives — over a pint.”
Why Attendees Keep Coming Back
San Antonio Collision Center owner Ramon Lira, pictured with his child.
For shop owners like Ramon Lira of San Antonio Collision Center, the trade show is more than a learning opportunity — it’s a vital connection point.
“The show is always great,” said Lira, whose shop is San Antonio’s only Toyota-certified collision center. “The speakers are high-caliber, and I always leave with ideas to improve my business. Plus, it’s a chance to catch up with other shop owners and share experiences.”
Lira faces the same challenges as many independent shops: getting his team to implement consistent processes and adapting to a rapidly changing industry. “It’s hard to find good employees and keep them engaged,” he said. “I’m looking forward to learning strategies that can help with that.”
Networking, Competitions and More
Beyond classes, ABAT packs the schedule with opportunities for attendees to connect and have fun. The Big Shots Competition returns, testing technicians’ skills in a fast-paced showdown. The exhibit hall will showcase the latest tools, products, and technology from leading suppliers. And, of course, the “Industry Over a Pint” session doubles as a networking happy hour.
Tuggle said the goal is to blend business with enjoyment. “We want people to walk away not only with new knowledge but with new relationships,” she said. “That’s what strengthens our industry.”
Why This Year’s Show Matters
The collision repair landscape is evolving at lightning speed. From ADAS to insurer negotiations and staffing challenges, shop owners need practical solutions, and a community to lean on. ABAT’s annual trade show delivers both.
“This industry doesn’t stand still, and neither can we,” Tuggle said. “Every session, every conversation at this show is designed to help shops thrive, no matter what changes come their way.”
With the introduction of Spanish-language classes, ABAT is also setting an example for inclusivity in industry education. “This is just the beginning,” Garcia said. “When we invest in all our technicians, everyone wins — shops, customers and the industry as a whole.”
Leona Scott