Another First for Chicago

Make plans now to attend the one trade show in 2017 you can’t afford to miss! It’s NACE | Automechanika Chicago, and debuts this summer in the Windy City.

A collaboration between the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), the premier event for the U.S. collision repair industry, and Automechanika Chicago, the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training, the event, taking place July 26-29 at McCormick Place West, will offer tracks for both mechanical and collision shops with educational programs, exhibitors and seminars/panels specifically designed for all who attend.

What makes this event a must? You’ll join an estimated 10,000 attendees browsing a show floor packed with more than 600 exhibitors; take part in interactive product demonstrations; have opportunities to talk with hundreds of shop owners, technicians and automotive manufacturing representatives from around the country; and observe, up-close, the automotive aftermarket industry’s latest technology.

“The training offered during NACE | Automechanika Chicago provides collision repairers with an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge on some of the most pressing issues they are faced with today,” says Dan Risley, ASA’s president and executive director. “Pre- and post-scanning of collision damaged vehicles is dominating the headlines of industry trade publications.

“Understanding that, we will have several panels discussing this topic with leading industry experts from collision repairers, car manufacturers, insurers and scan tool manufacturers. The educational programs will highlight the latest repair techniques and procedures offered by I-CAR and the car manufacturers, as well as tool and equipment providers.”

Many attendees of Automechanika’s popular one-day training events, which bring together some of the best trainers in the country to lead regional technical and management courses, have been engaged to lead classes at NACE | Automechanika as well. – John Clark

Here are 10 more great reasons why you need to be there in July:

1

Learn from OEM Suppliers: Manufacturers who produce parts and systems for automakers will lead courses covering the changing systems that you’re already seeing in your shop.

2

Make Sense of Regulations: Whether you’re a painter, welder, estimator or manager in a collision repair shop, we have training courses that will walk you through this regulated environment.

3

Become a Better Diagnostician: No matter which system you work with, you first have to find the cause. These courses will help you become better at your job.

4

Get Peer-To-Peer Help: Learn from your fellow automotive pros and see how they’re handling the same challenges you’re experiencing.

5

Learn What You Don’t Know: Stroll the show floor and talk with manufacturers and systems providers to find out what’s new and what’s on the way that will put you ahead of the competition.

6

Connect with the Best: Network with shop owners and trainers in your state or from across the country. You’ll find that the connections you make here are priceless. Take advantage of our matchmaking program and set up pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors of your choice.

7

Learn to Manage Yourself: If you’re ready to work on your business, not just in it, you’ll find management courses on how to effectively budget, hire, train and more.

8

Get Under a Car: From TPMS to emission controls, brakes and more, see how these systems have evolved, where they’re headed and how to fix them right the first time.

9

Become a Customer Resource: Learn from distributors, jobbers and retailers information you can pass on to your customers to cement your relationship in their minds as a go-to, expert resource.

10

Educate the Educator In You: Take courses designed specifically for today’s automotive trainers to help you improve what and how you teach.
Featuring hundreds of major domestic and international manufacturers, the show also represents a prime venue for sourcing new products and suppliers. You’ll have access to product categories such as parts and components; accessories and customizing; repair and maintenance; refinishing supplies; management and digital solutions; car wash, care and reconditioning; and electronics and systems.

Of special interest to both mechanical and collision repair professionals will be Automechanika’s increased emphasis on Truck Competence. The show will cover a wide range of categories, from truck parts to accessories, and from workshop equipment to body repairs and care. Look for Automechanika’s Truck Competence Attendee Guide to find listings of all exhibitors with products in the truck sector, including their location on the show floor and official Automechanika Product Category.

Registration is open, so sign up now to commit yourself to training and becoming a better automotive professional. Just visit NACEAutomechanika.com/register. Registering takes just a few minutes and ensures that you’re kept up-to-date with the latest show news. The registration comes with a free expo pass that will help you interact with and explore products, services and new technologies on display from all the exhibitors.
And for more information about ASA, go to ASAshop.org. We at ASA look forward to seeing you this summer!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Golf Tournament

The 16th annual Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) golf fundraiser will be held on Monday, July 24, at Harborside International Golf Course, located just minutes from the Chicago Loop. It’s the only facility with two of Golfweek magazine’s “Best Courses You Can Play in Illinois” awards. Join the Foundation for a great time and help raise additional funds for a great cause. For more information, visit collisioneducationfoundation.org.

The Collision Industry Conference (CIC)

Scheduled for 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, with a reception to follow. CIC is a forum comprised of participants from all industry segments for the expressed purpose of discussing and exploring the challenges they share. The conference is open to all those interested in creating a more professional industry, including repairers, insurers, paint and material companies, equipment manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, data providers or representatives of trade associations. There will be an “open mic” time for participants to address their concerns.

MSO Symposium

Get in on a discussion of the hottest issues facing the industry at the MSO Symposium on Wednesday, July 26. See page 21 of this issue of AutoInc. for details about the Symposium.

Advance Technology & Diagnostic Repair Forum

Presented by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), this new program will focus on technology that’s redefining the scope of a proper repair after a vehicle is involved in an accident. This technology includes sensors, cameras, accident avoidance systems, wireless communications and more. Car manufacturers, insurers, repairers and tech companies are driving the content. Anyone involved in the collision repair industry is welcome, including collision repairers, executive and management staff from MSOs, networks and franchisors, insurance professionals and technology providers. The forum will take place Wednesday, July 26. For more information and to register, go to stonefortgroup.com/atdrf-2017/register.

International Night

Headquartered in Chicago, the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest will host an International Night reception at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. The reception will allow attendees to meet members of the international business community and expand their networks by connecting with more than 100 of the most innovative minds of the industry.

Business Outlook Conference

Scheduled for two half-day sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Conference offers information, insight and awareness of the economy, legislation and technology, and their impact on the automotive industry and market. It’s also a great opportunity for distributors to bolster their attendance at NACE | Automechanika Chicago, showing dedication to their customers and beyond.

Industry Night

A networking event for attendees and exhibitors with free food, open bars, live music and cars. From 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at the Field Museum. The museum’s exhibits will be open to all attendees.