By SEMA News Editors
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will feature seven new speakers during the IDEAS Collide Showcase (IDEAS) which has moved to a new day, Wednesday, November 6, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
To register for Repair Driven Education (RDE) at the SEMA Show, visit scrs.com/rde.
The IDEAS Collide Showcase is included in the Full Series Pass, which provides the best value and flexibility onsite, or the session can be selected individually.
IDEAS is a one-of-a-kind event that provides a platform for innovative ideas to be shared during multiple fast-paced presentations. The session is designed to challenge speakers and stimulate the audience with concepts that rattle the status and ambitious ideas that could have a transformative effect on the industry, and the businesses within it.
"I've always felt this is a really special program because it fosters forward-thinking discussions that push beyond the norm," shared Michael Bradshaw, vice chairman at SCRS. "As a past presenter and attendee, I find the unique benefit in presentations designed to challenge existing practices. I had the opportunity to participate as an IDEAS Collide presenter last year, and the challenge of collecting my thoughts around a topic that I am very passionate about, and finding a way to communicate it succinctly in such a limited timeframe was both exciting and professionally challenging. It's a place where fresh ideas come to life. For me, IDEAS represents a rare opportunity to engage with groundbreaking insights that inspire both personal growth and industry-wide transformation. It's not just about fixing cars; it's about envisioning the future of how we work and operate. I fully understand why many people say it is one of their favorite programs of the year."
IDEAS will take place in the Education Hallway of Upper South Hall, on Wednesday, November 6 from 2:30 - 4:00 PM.
The 2024 program will feature the following speakers and topics:
The Era of the Single-Store Generalist Body Shop Is Coming to an End
Cole Strandberg, managing director, FOCUS Investment Banking, LLC
As vehicles become increasingly complex, the training, equipment and talent required to repair them is disrupting an industry that's been around for over a century.
But this disruption presents a massive opportunity.
Depending on their financial resources, skills and strategic vision, operators have three viable paths forward: specialize, scale or sell. Each choice comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, but the one option that's not on the table: doing nothing.
UN-Divide and Conquer
Jill Tuggle, executive director, Auto Body Association of Texas
It's time to address the longstanding divisions that have hindered collaboration and education in the collision-repair industry for decades. State associations are taking proactive steps to bridge these gaps by fostering communication, sharing best practices and advocating for higher industry standards. Collision-repair businesses can play a vital role in reshaping the industry's future, ultimately promoting unity and driving positive change for everyone. The answer is found in engaging with local associations and participating in collaborative initiatives. Together, we can overcome divisiveness and build a stronger, more resilient collision-repair community.
Sustainability's Role in Every Layer of Collision Repair
Christian Ruecker, vice president–mobility sales, DEKRA North America
Sustainability has long been intrinsic to successful businesses while today, some see it as a political climate-driven idea. We will highlight examples showcasing how sustainable practices contribute to longevity and profitability and how sustainable business practices benefit every stakeholder in the industry.
Peak Blue-Collar: The Evolution of Collision Repair Shops into White-Collar Enterprises
Bill Park, founder, Crunchit Financial Services
In the wake of generational shifts, spurred by Gen-X tapping out, the industry is facing a loss of traditional expertise and anticipated succession which leads to leadership gaps. The future workforce is balancing a white-collar transformation with technology-driven desires, a focus on flexibility and purpose and demand for continuous learning. Peak blue-collar is a launchpad to embracing the future and understanding how to navigate the divide.
Earning a Return on Capital Spending
Jeramy Holloway, director, aftersales, Spanesi-Americas
Investing in facilities and equipment is a necessary aspect of delivering high-quality repairs. The ongoing process of reinvesting back into the business makes it equally important to understand how to earn a return on equipment purchases by properly implementing the equipment into the repair process.
The Fine Print of REPAIR Politics
Wayne Weikel, vice president of state government affairs at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation
If we wish to get philosophical, Plato said it best in his quote, "if you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools."
It is not just a matter of being interested in politics, but important to understand the motivations influencing policy work in both your state capital and in Washington, D.C. Without the logic and the input from informed members of the community, policy has the potential to be shaped by other vested interests and voted on by individuals who lack the specific understanding of the industry and the economic influences that put pressure on proper repairs. Learn where and how your participation in the political process, and your individual voice, can be impactful in advocating for change--for common sense and for your consumer.
Building the Future Together: Uniting Education, Industry and Community.
Molly Mahoney, national marketing and engagement director for Collision Engineering
There is a growing demand for skilled collision-repair technicians and the Collision Engineering Program has a vision that harnesses a powerful collaboration between education, industry and local communities. Explore how our vision combines hands-on training, innovative educational models and industry collaboration, and can pave the way for a brighter future--one where skilled technicians thrive, communities grow and industries adapt to new challenges.
To register for RDE at the SEMA Show, visit scrs.com/rde.
To see past presenters from the IDEAS Collide Showcase visityoutube.com/scrscollision.
The 2024 Repairer Driven Education series is made possible with additional support from 3M, AASP, AirPro Diagnostics, AkzoNobel, BASF, Car-O-Liner and John Bean, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Enterprise Mobility, KECO, PPG, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc. and W+S, REVV ADAS, Southern California Collision Equipment, Spanesi-Americas, Toyota Motor North America and SEMA.
For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit scrs.com, call 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.