By SEMA News Editors
The SEMA Collision Repair Stage, Booth #32145 located in the Upper South Hall at the SEMA Show, will serve as a hub for industry engagement. Throughout the event, subject-matter experts from SEMA, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will present on crucial topics, from emerging trends to the future of collision repair. In addition, live demonstrations will be conducted by experienced welding experts, offering hands-on learning of advanced techniques.
As part of the SEMA Collision Repair Stage schedule is a new program from I-CAR offering a hands-on virtual reality training experience. This cutting-edge tool accelerates skill development by simulating real-world scenarios, allowing technicians to practice hands-on techniques in a risk-free environment. I-CAR's VR program at SEMA will simulate high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) repairs modeled after I-CAR's EV cart. The cart is equipped with various components that mimic EV systems, providing a controlled environment for students to understand the complexities of EV technology, diagnostics and repair techniques. Attendees who test the VR experience at SEMA will have the unique opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills on an in-person EV cart.
For more, visit i-car.com/sema.
In addition, SCRS will present an exciting mix of seminars, networking and awards events next week. This year marks the 15th season of SCRS' acclaimed Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series. It was launched in 2010 as part of a new affiliation between the SEMA and SCRS, in response to the expressed interest of SCRS members to grow the paint, body and equipment sector's participation at the Show. The educational program--and the collision-repair and refinish industry--have since established themselves as key mainstays of the annual trade-only event.
This year's RDE sessions welcome back RDE alumni that include Kena Dacus, Decus Auto Body and Collision Repair; Josh McFarlin, AirPro Diagnostics; Mike Anderson, Collision Advice; Tim Ronak and Tony Adams, AkzoNobel; Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway; Jason Garfoot, 3M Collision; Nick Schoolcraft, Phoenix Solutions Group; Jeff Wildman, BASF Automotive Refinish; Phill Knapp, BASF Automotive Refinish; Andy Dingman, Calibration Technologies; Andrew Batenhorst, Pacific BMW Collision Center; Ryan Taylor, BodyShop Booster; Chris White and Danny Hacker, KECO Body Repair Products; Barry Dorn, Dorn's Body and Paint; and Michael Bradshaw, K&M Collision.
Every year, SCRS strives to provide perspectives and information from new first-time event speakers as well. This year, those include Sheryl Driggers, Collision Advice co-owner; Taylor Moss, OEConnection Repair Intelligence Team manager; David Ghodoussi, Opti-Coat CEO; and Kris Burton, Rosslyn Auto Body owner.
For more, visit the scrs.com/sema-rde-registration.