The 7th Midwest Auto Body Trade Show will be held February 3-4 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa.
“Focus On The Future II,” is the commitment of the Midwest Auto Body Trade Show to the collision industry. Training and communication is paramount to the future of every collision repairer today and this event offers the opportunity to network with key decision makers, share business ideas and gain the advantage moving forward
This year brings back popular venues and offers new programs. Friday the Collision Repair Education Foundation will be bringing students from all over the state to the CREF Student Education Day held in conjunction with the Midwest Auto Body Trade Show. This is in addition to the 3rd Community College Refinish Contest. In 2016, seven community colleges competed. Hoods were furnished by Keystone Automotive to the colleges to show off their refinish projects. “This is a fantastic addition to this show,” says ICRA President, Dick Merron. “We need to reach out and welcome these young people into our industry and show them what great opportunities are here for them. We are honored to work with the Collision Repair Education Foundation.”
Friday night hosts a Welcome Reception with the Iowa I-CAR Committee featuring a Silent Auction with proceeds going to student education. This reception is the opportunity for everyone: technicians, owners, reps, spouses, to mingle and enjoy the good will that this industry creates. “Last year was our first Welcome Reception and it was a huge success,” states ICRA Secretary, Christy Jones, RJones Collision. "This year we are expanding the reception to be in the Trade Show area.”
A strong educational venue is in place for this show. Friday, a panel discussion of industry experts led by Lou Di’Lisio will explore: “Up To Date Manufacturer’s Recommendations, Repair Processes, Pre and Post Scan, Certification. What is Right For Your Shop?” Friday ‘s education also brings “Cycle Time Reduction,” one of the hottest industry topics right now. Lee Rush, Sherwin-Williams brings a ‘comprehensive Cycle Time Reduction Strategy’. Saturday morning, there will be 4 breakout sessions – technical, estimating and management. The Trade Show features 70 display booths featuring more training and product displays.
The very popular ,“There Is No Free Lunch” will be back this year, with another packed agenda. Industry speaker, Lee Rush brings important industry trends and insight into the future. John Yoswick, noted industry journalist and Editor of CRASH Magazine will bring his unique perspective of today’s collision industry. ICRA Lobbyist Scott Weiser brings the industry up to date on Iowa legislation and an overview of association legislative activities.
The trade show floor opens directly after “There Is No Free Lunch” to over 70 vendor display booths. Show specials, gift certificates, special show discounts and door prizes will be offered during the show, along with a display of new car models. The 7th Annual Midwest Auto Body Trade Show is a free inter-industry event, inviting collision repairers, insurers, manufacturers, vendors, recyclers, OEM’s and students from the Midwest to participate. “We look forward to bringing critical education and new equipment information to the industry,” says John Arnold, ICRA Legislative Liasion. “This is vital to everyone.”
