NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (April 26, 2016) — The 2016 NACE/CARS conference/trade show will feature a number of new developments, including heavy-duty programming, expanded business management training and OE involvement, the event organizers said recently.
The 2016 NACE/CARS event will be held Aug. 9-13 in Anaheim, Calif. In addition to the new features, many of the event's popular key industry meetings will return, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA), sponsor of the jointly held International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS).
There is record involvement from OEMs for NACE/CARS this year, according to show organizers, including expanded “service-ready” training from companies including Audi of America; BMW of North America; Fiat-Chrysler L.L.C.; Ford Motor Co.; General Motors Co.; American Honda Motor Co.; Hyundai Motor America; Mazda Motor of America Inc.; Nissan North America Inc.; Toyota Motor North America Inc.; and others that will provide information on their latest vehicles, materials and technology, how to address specific repairs, and on becoming a certified repair shop.
In addition to the introduction of multiple new sessions for both NACE and CARS, the 2016 program will feature a heavy-duty track. This will include classes on everything from HD vehicle control systems to a comprehensive session on HD estimating, and a new presentation on developing consistent repair procedures.
Automotive Management Institute (Ami) credits will also be offered this year, to give attendees additional opportunities to gain accreditation.
Several key meetings will return to NACE/CARS, as well, including the:
- MSO Symposium, a meeting designed to provide the most vital and timely business growth insight for the MSO, shop owner and insurance professional.
- Technology & Telematics Forum, sponsored by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, is an opportunity to meet OE engineers and learn about technologies that will soon be in shops.
- Service Repair Leadership Forum, which will address business and technology challenges, strategies and operations for leaders and managers in the mechanical repair field.
- Young Technicians Symposium, powered by Carquest, is designed to educate technicians who are new to the industry and “soon to be tomorrow's leaders,” organizers said.
Another highlighted feature of the 2016 program is business management education offered for owners, managers and executives. These courses will provide updates on high-growth strategies, mergers and acquisitions, international growth, divestiture, operational excellence, etc.
A few highlighted course topics include:
- How Customers are Using Mobile Technology;
- Internet and Email Security;
- Catering to Today's “Connected” Customer; and
- Independent Shop Growth Education.
These key meetings, education sessions and training programs allow automotive collision repair and service professionals to make an investment in themselves, as well as their shops, NACE/CARS said.
Additional information is available on NACE's website or the CARS site. For information on booking exhibit space or sponsorships, contact Robert Martin at [email protected] or 832-646-0176.
Event sponsor ASA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals.