NACE Returns to San Antonio: ASA Reimagines a Longstanding Industry Conference

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) proudly brought NACE back to the automotive service industry on September 29, 2026, with a reimagined Leadership Conference at the Hilton Palacio del Rio in San Antonio, Texas. After many years of absence, NACE returned with a fresh approach designed to reflect the evolving needs of today’s automotive repair professionals.

This was more than the return of a familiar industry event. It was the beginning of a new chapter for NACE, with a different format that placed greater emphasis on small-group learning, discussion, interaction and the exchange of ideas. Rather than relying solely on traditional presentations, the program created opportunities for shop owners, industry experts and business leaders to engage with one another, ask questions, share experiences and explore practical solutions to the challenges facing their businesses.

The goal was simple: bring the industry together in a meaningful way, encourage conversations that continue beyond the conference, and deliver education that attendees can take back to their shops and put into practice.

Timely Topics and Industry Expertise

The conference featured a diverse lineup of knowledgeable speakers addressing some of the most important issues affecting automotive repair businesses today, from workforce development and profitability to advanced vehicle safety technology and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

The morning opened with “Automotive Service Industry Outlook: The Future of Independent Shops,” featuring Kristen Felder, CEO of Collision Hub, and Robert L. Redding Jr., ASA’s Washington, D.C. representative and lobbyist, with invited shop owners. The discussion focused on the forces shaping the independent repair industry and the challenges and opportunities shop owners must consider as they plan for the future.

Bob Kennedy of Wesco Group LLC presented “Talent, Payroll, Profit: The New Formula for Collision Repair Growth.” His session explored the connection between compensation strategies, technician retention, shop culture and profitability, offering a practical perspective on building stronger teams and more sustainable collision repair businesses.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Nicholas Walker, Collision Market Manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., during “Honda and the Collision Industry: Correct, Complete, and Safe Repairs.” The session highlighted the importance of repair standards, access to technical information and the tools necessary to help ensure vehicles are repaired safely and correctly.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were another important focus. David Agnew of Hunter Engineering Company and Loren Stowe, Senior Research Scientist at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, joined forces for “Active Safety Development & Regulation: An Overview of the Driving Forces and Players Around ADAS.”Their session explored the technologies, research and regulatory considerations influencing vehicle safety systems and the collision repair industry.

Jason Scharton, Global Industry Relations Leader with 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, presented “Material Planning: How to Use the Best Materials AND Increase Your Profitability.” His session addressed the importance of selecting and planning materials effectively while balancing repair quality, shop operations and financial performance.

The afternoon featured a keynote presentation by John Wilson, founder of CBL Training and Consulting, titled “AI Under the Hood: Understanding and Using AI as a Business Force Multiplier.” The presentation brought attention to the growing role of artificial intelligence and its potential to help automotive businesses work more effectively and prepare for an increasingly technology-driven future.

Together, these sessions offered attendees a broad look at the business, technical, regulatory and workforce issues influencing the industry, while reinforcing the value of learning directly from experienced professionals and one another.

A Different Kind of NACE

One of the defining features of this year’s event was its renewed emphasis on interaction. ASA intentionally moved toward a more engaging conference experience, with smaller-group discussions and opportunities for attendees to exchange perspectives with speakers and fellow professionals.

That approach reflects an important understanding: some of the most valuable learning happens not only from the front of a room, but also through honest conversations with people who face similar challenges every day. Whether discussing technician recruitment, compensation, profitability, repair procedures, emerging technology or the future of independent shops, attendees had opportunities to connect educational content with the realities of running an automotive repair business.

By creating more room for questions, discussion and shared experiences, the new format helped position NACE as a place for industry professionals to learn with one another, not simply listen to presentations.

A Collaborative Effort

Bringing NACE back required the commitment and collaboration of many people. ASA extends its sincere appreciation to the NACE Planning Committee, whose time, expertise and dedication helped shape this renewed program. Special recognition goes to Scott Benavidez, ASA’s immediate past chairman, whose vision helped inspire the return of NACE.

ASA also thanks its speakers for sharing their knowledge and experience, the attendees who participated and contributed to the discussions, and the sponsors and industry partners whose support helped make the event possible. Their investment in education and the independent automotive repair industry was essential to the success of this year’s conference.

Looking Ahead

The return of NACE in San Antonio represents an important step in ASA’s ongoing commitment to education, professional development and bringing the automotive service industry together. The 2026 NACE Leadership Conference established a new direction for the program—one built around relevant education, meaningful interaction and stronger industry connections.

Looking ahead to 2027, ASA is also planning to bring back a similar CARS experience, continuing its commitment to delivering meaningful education, industry collaboration and opportunities for automotive repair professionals to connect. Building on the renewed energy surrounding NACE, ASA hopes to create another engaging event that brings the auto repair  industry together to share knowledge, explore emerging challenges and strengthen the future of automotive service and collision repair. More details about the 2027 program will be shared as plans develop.

ASA looks forward to building on this momentum and welcoming attendees back next year as NACE continues to evolve. The conversations started in San Antonio are an important part of that future, and ASA is excited to continue creating opportunities for repair professionals to learn, collaborate and move the industry forward together.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the return of NACE a success. We look forward to seeing you next year!

WATCH SLIDE SHOW FROM THE EVENT