Southern Automotive Repair Conference Returns in Biloxi
Jammed Packed with Workshops, Speakers, Discussions and Classes
By Mary Welch
Attendees at the April Southern Automotive Repair Conference (SARC) will be able to get the latest and most important updates on the collision repair industry as well as visit exhibits, learn about new vehicle technologies, promote consumer safety and get tips about succeeding in the marketplace.
The conference will take place Friday, April 21, and Saturday April 22 at the IP Casino, Resort & Spa in Biloxi, MS. Among the event's themes include OEM Perspective, Status of Independent Shops, Training in a Hi-Tech Age and Innovative Resources.
Conference hosts are the state auto body associations of Alabama (ALARISE), Georgia (GCIA), Louisiana (LACIA), Mississippi (MSCRA), and Tennessee (TCRA). They will have tables at the conference to provide information and help exhibitors and attendees get the most out of the experience. The conference's master of ceremonies will be Robert McKenzie of Refinish Distributors Alliance. The facilitator will be Mike Anderson of CollisionAdvice.
The conference is jammed packed with workshops, speakers, discussions and classes all designed to cover everything from the latest technology to marketing, employee relations and maximizing a relationship with an OEM.
In addition, 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.
Mike Jones, a dynamic and inspiring presenter, promised to motivate and inspire levels utilizing tools to develop untapped potential. Mike, who is the conference's keynote speaker, served six years in the U.S. Coast Guard, is an accomplished TV host and radio personality. He flew a helicopter for the Houston police, and was a four-time recipient of the Houston Police Officer of the Year. He currently runs Discover Leadership Training in Houston, TX.
Attendee check-in and registration starts at 11 a.m. on Friday with the conference and exhibits opening at 12:30 p.m. and closing at 9 p.m. There is a reception in the exhibit area from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition, there will be pre-sessions with Assured Performance and Sumach starting at 8 a.m., prior to registration.
Exhibitor set-up on Friday is from 9:00 am to noon. A 'Come & Go' private lunch buffet will be served to exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and SARC staff from 11 am to 12:30 pm before the exhibition floor is opened to the public. All set ups should be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday the conference will begin at 8 a.m. with exhibits, demos, class offerings, conference presentation and prize giveaway. A continental breakfast will be served and lunch will be provided.
General Admission is $40 online and $50 at the door and includes entry to the event, classes, and sessions as well as food and beverages, including drink tickets for the reception. All classes are included in the fee, except where noted.
Among the panels are:
Panel 1 OEM Perspective Industry Panel with Mike Anderson ofCollisionAdvice and representatives from AsTech, GM, Honda, and Nissan discuss topics important to distributors, shops, and consumers.
Panel 2 Successful Shops discussion with Mike Anderson of CollisionAdvice, David Luehr of Elite Body Shop Solutions, Brad Mewes of Supplement, and Jake Rodenroth with Collision Diagnostics
Panel 3 I-CAR 2017 presentation and discussion with I-CAR instructors and staff, including German Mejia, Caleb Mills, Tony Nethery, Patrick Porter, Dave Robinette, and Terry Ticel
Classes include:
I-CAR: 'Safety Shield Technologies' a brand new one hour class module that will be presented to attendees. Individuals must register with I-CAR to receive 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 and numbers make the difference, and what key ingredient sets you apart.
CollisionAdvice: 'Positioning Yourself' with Mike Anderson focuses on sales and marketing, production, accounting and financing, and human resources for both shops and jobbers. All members of your team can learn and apply this material.
Mitchell: Content to be announced shortly.
GM 'Supplemental Restraints: Service and 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.
For more information, visit www.southernautomotiverepairconference.com.