The 2017 Southern Automotive Repair Conference is an annual industry forum for collision repair professionals in the Southeast region where attendees can visit exhibits, receive important updates and information, stay abreast of new vehicle technologies, promote consumer safety and succeed in the marketplace.
With themes of the OEM Perspective, Status of Independent Repair Shops, Training in a High-Tech Age and Innovative Resources, the conference will take place April 21-22 at the IP Resort Casino Spa in Biloxi, Miss.
A large number of exhibitors will participate, including national paint companies, major vehicle OEMs, PBE distributors, equipment and tool companies, industry service providers, and product innovators. There will be new & restored vehicles on the floor, and demonstration areas will be available to sponsors and exhibitors. New exhibitors are still being added. Check for updates on the SARC website.
Exhibitor set-up is Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. A ‘Come & Go’ private lunch buffet will be served to exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and SARC volunteers from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before the Exhibition floor is opened to the public. All Exhibitors are asked to be set up no later than 3 p.m. on Friday.
Attendee Check-In & Registration begins at 11 a.m. Friday. Friday morning pre-sessions with Assured Performance and Symach will begin prior to registration at 8 a.m.
General Admission is $40 online (refer to website), and $50 at the door. This fee includes entry to the event, and classes & sessions – as well as food & beverages, including drink tickets for the reception.
Here is a schedule of speakers and presentations:
PRESENTERS
Speaker: Brad Mewes with Supplement will present a look at the current state of the industry, the role of Wall Street financiers, other industries that have consolidated, the future of collision repair, and strategies that smaller operators can use to compete in this environment.
Keynote: Mike Jones is a dynamic & inspiring presenter who motivates high levels of leadership utilizing tools to develop untapped potential. Mike served 6 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, is an accomplished TV host & radio personality, flew a helicopter for the Houston police, and was a 4-time recipient of the Houston Police Officer of the Year. Mike currently runs Discover Leadership Training in Houston, Texas.
PANELS & PANELISTS
Panel 1: OEM Perspective Industry Panel with Mike Anderson/CollisionAdvice and representatives from AsTech, GM, Honda, and Nissan discuss topics important to distributors, shops, and consumers.
Panel 2: Successful Shops discussion with Mike Anderson/CollisionAdvice, David Luehr/Elite Body Shop Solutions, Brad Mewes/Supplement, and Jake Rodenroth/Collision Diagnostics
Panel 3: I-CAR 2017 presentation and discussion with I-CAR Instructors & Staff
Bobby Kennedy, German Mejia, Caleb Mills, Tony Nethery, Patrick Porter, Dave Robinette, and Terry Ticel
CLASSES
Classes are free, unless specifically noted otherwise
I-CAR — ‘Safety Shield Technologies’ a brand new 1 hour class module that will be presented to attendees. Sign-in at the door to audit (free, but no credit), or post-register at the event for I-CAR credit.
Assured Performance — Special pre-conference session! Attendees will learn how to maximize benefits of being an OEM Certified Collision Care Provider, and also learn about tools to improve business.
AsTech — AsTech Remote Diagnostic Device – Jake Rodenroth of Collision Diagnostic Services presents the innovative AsTech tool and process that remotely diagnoses vehicle issues and codes.
Management Success — ‘Super Charge Your Profits’ Learn the importance of having the right employees on your team, how efficiency & numbers make the difference, and what key ingredient sets you apart.
CollisionAdvice — ‘Positioning Yourself’ with Mike Anderson focuses on Sales & Marketing, Production, Accounting & Financing, and Human Resources for both shops and jobbers. All members of your team can learn and apply this material.
Mitchell — “Keeping Up with Changing Technology”
GM — ‘Supplemental Restraints: Service & Repair’ covers the servicing of supplemental restraint systems. Topics include replacement of the SDM, inflators, passenger presence sensor, SIR coil, seat belt retractors and wire repair strategy.
Dave Luehr — Discusses his new book, ‘Secrets of America’s Best Body Shops’, and presents hope to shops, along with tips on how any shop with the right attitude and resources can excel and succeed.
Symach — Fix Line information session presented by Osvaldo Bergaglio and Chad Seelye covering innovative equipment and processes that cure paint in seconds and yield significantly reduced touch times for all repairs. Discussion includes methodology used to develop new body shops worldwide.
Conference hosts are the state auto body associations of Alabama/ALARISE, Georgia/GCIA, Louisiana/LACIA, Mississippi/MSCRA and Tennessee/TCRA. These associations will have tables at the conference to provide information and help exhibitors and attendees get the most out of the event.
Event organizers are Steve Plier with ALARISE,Consumer Auto Repair Excellence; and Georgia Thorson with TCRA and the Refinish Distributors Alliance. Directors are Tony Nethery, CCC Information Services and I-CAR instructor; Patrick Porter, Porter's Body Shop and I-CAR instructor; Thoomas Rogers with Rogers Body Shop; and Moose Simmons, OPA.
