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Progress in Heavy-Duty & Medium-Duty Collision Repair Continues

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The HD Repair Forum is gearing up for one of its largest events in the program’s history, April 18th-19th, in Fort Worth, Texas. Early registration numbers are higher than normal driven by a session line-up that covers topics such as addressing the technician shortage, improving profitability, and handling new vehicle technology during repair. “We are also very excited to announce two new OEMs, who are participating for the first time this year,” stated Jennie Lepore, HD Repair Forum’s Communications Director.

MCI representative Tim Barnes, will take the stage on Tuesday, April 18th to discuss how to access repair information, find parts, and  share opportunities for engagement with the OEM. Presenting on the main stage Wednesday, April 19th, is Prevost’s Robert Hitt, who will explain the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features common to their latest vehicles and underscore proper repair.

OEMs like Navistar will continue their long standing involvement with the forum and deliver information about new vehicle technology. Component suppliers like Bendix, whose ADAS technologies are embedded within a wide range of vehicle makes and models, will supply attendees with need-to-know education that will help prepare the industry for more complex repairs.  And 3M, AkzoNobel, Axalta Coating Systems, Evercoat, I-CAR, PPG, and TEXA will also deliver educational seminars throughout the two day event. Their support of the market and year-around efforts to provide solutions for this industry has been pivotal to improvements in the marketplace. To see the full agenda go to www.hdrepairforum.com/agenda

“We are encouraged by the level of engagement from so many of the industry’s leaders. As the market continues to evolve there is an even greater need for collaboration among stakeholders, and the HD Repair Forum is the perfect conduit.” stated Brian Nessen, co-founder of the HD Repair Forum.

Registration for the event is open and provides attendees with discounted hotel rates at the Hilton Fort Worth. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration/

Companies interested in getting more involved in the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Jennie Lepore JennieL@hdrepairforum.com or Brian Nessen BrianN@hdrepairforum.com for more information.

Heavy-Duty & Medium-Duty Collision Repair Conference Topics Confirmed

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The HD Repair Forum conference focuses educational sessions on topics and issues supporting the betterment of the heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair industry. Opportunities for industry engagement, networking, and business leadership are supplemental assets of the event. 

The HD Repair Forum’s only planned conference for 2023 takes place at the historic Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Collision repairers, insurers and appraisers of vehicles ranging from class 4 –8 will join OE and component manufacturers as well as equipment and service providers for this unique opportunity to hear up-to-date information on heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles and their repair challenges in today’s market.

Session topics for this year include finding and growing technicians, new vehicle technology, motorcoaches, emergency vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, ADAS systems, marketing your business, adapting to the shifts in the collision industry post-covid, and much more. The complete agenda will be released next month. 

“Direct access to peers, business partners, and industry education is a valuable takeaway for our constituents,” explains Brian Nessen, co-founder of the HD Repair Forum. “Important conversations and solutions to this industry’s challenges are made during the HD Repair Forum, and we are looking forward to providing the industry with this valuable time again in 2023.”

Registration for the event is now open. Early bird discounts and group hotel rates are available for a limited time. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration/

For more information on the HD Repair Forum and industry resources sign-up for our e-communications

Companies and organizations interested in sponsoring the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Brian Nessen, BrianN@hdrepairforum.com or Jennie Lepore, JennieL@hdrepairforum.com.

About HD Repair Group

HD Repair Group offers a dedicated source of focused-information for those involved in collision repair work of heavy-duty, medium-duty, commercial, and non-commercial vehicles in classes 4 – 8. This community is where industry stakeholders, such as shop owners, company executives, managers, technicians, estimators, and others can network with industry peers and find the latest news, tips, trends, and best practices in the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair marketplace. The HD Repair Group serves this industry in numerous ways including hosting conferences, distributing a monthly e-newsletter, hosting webinars, videos, social channels, and more. 

Learn more or sign up here to get connected today!

HD Repair Forum Opens Registration for 2023 Collision Conference

Posted by Jennie Lepore

On April 18th & 19th, 2023, members of the heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair industry will travel from all parts of North America to hear the latest information on collision industry trends and how technology is redefining the industry.

The two day conference returns to the historic Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, Texas and will follow a similar format as in years past, with presentations and panel discussions involving OEMs, repair experts, insurers, and other collision industry leaders. Unique to the event are a diverse set of focused learning tracks, providing more in-depth information on topics that address the industry’s repair demands and business growth opportunities.  

Similar to previous Heavy-Duty Repair Forums, the advisory board plays a critical role in developing the agenda, speakers, and content. Rodney Rowland,  Body shop manager at Lakeside Trucks in Wisconsin, “I’ve been attending the HD Repair Forum since its inception in 2018. It has become the place for the leaders in the industry to gather to share knowledge, identify trends, and drive improvement for the entire  industry.”

The HD Repair Forum is the only collision-focused event for heavy-duty and medium-duty repairers, making it a must-attend event for collision shop owners, managers, lead technicians and estimators. These stakeholders and other industry partners including executives from OEMs, insurance and appraisal companies will also not want to miss this exclusive, once-a-year in-person opportunity to gather information, network with peers and business partners, and better equip their business for the  challenges experienced by everyone in the market. 

Registration for the event is now open. Early registration discounts and group hotel rates are available for a limited time. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration/

Companies and organizations interested in sponsoring the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Brian Nessen @ BrianN@hdrepairforum.com or Jennie Lepore, formerly Lenk, @ JennieL@hdrepairforum.com.

Advisory Board Meets to Discuss 2022 Plans

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Yesterday afternoon members of the HD Repair Forum’s Advisory Board met with the event’s organizers to review the success of the HD Repair Forum’s first-ever fall event, discuss the current state of affairs within heavy- and medium-duty collision repair shops across the nation, and shed light on topics of interest for the HD Repair Forum’s upcoming spring 2022 event in Fort Worth, Texas. 

The organization’s fourth conference and first-ever fall event was held this past September in Cleveland, Ohio co-located with the American Trucking Association’s TMC 2021 event. It was a positive step for the industry post-covid to meet in person and network, discuss challenges facing the industry, and gather information on the latest trends in HD collision repair. “I really enjoyed co-locating the HD Repair Forum with TMC,” explains Dean Hancock, HDRF advisory board member and former collision repair facility owner.  “I was able to spend time on TMC’s show floor, visit with vendors, and I think we, as a collision repair industry gained exposure to important industry partners like, fleet managers and OEMs on both the vehicle and component side.“

At the 2022 event, advisory board members clearly agree that the industry needs to have more education, information, and conversations on two particular topics. First, repairers and their insurance partners need to understand how and when to properly scan, calibrate, and recalibrate vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. They also need to understand how to know where to locate these systems and how they are different. Jim Barber of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems spoke to the HD Repair Forum’s audience in both the general session and focused learning tracks in Cleveland this past fall. “The information and clarity he provided was helpful and very informative. However, some of the procedures he noted as necessary, or not necessary, differ from the other ADAS systems being used in the market. We need to hear from all of the various suppliers.” emphasized Chris Sterwerf, COO of Fairfield Truck & Auto, and long-time HD Repair Forum advisory board member.

Another hot topic the advisory board felt would be impactful is the preparation and precautions that need to be taken when repairing electric and alternative fuel heavy- and medium-duty vehicles. These vehicles are all quickly advancing their footprint in the market and shops need to understand how each one of these vehicles needs to be handled and repaired differently. “I have CNG and LNG vehicles rolling through the shop quite regularly, ” explains Monte Lewis, President of Monte’s Repair Shop, Inc. 

Stakeholders in the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry, who have topics that you think the industry should be discussing, are welcome to send suggestions to communications director, Jennie Lenk, jenniel@hdrepairforum.com

Members of the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry interested in making connections with important business partners and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and challenges facing this industry should make plans to attend the 2022 HD Repair Forum, being held April 5th & 6th in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Established in 2017, the HD Repair Forum aims to facilitate collaboration amongst all of the industry stakeholders within the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry.  This includes repairers, insurers, equipment manufacturers, service providers, and educators. “By providing industry-wide education, opportunities for growth, and extensive networking opportunities, the HD Repair Forum hopes to speed up the advancement of the industry and develop solutions to the challenges experienced by everyone,” explains Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum President and Co-Founder.

Registration to the event will open next month. To receive news and updates on this event and the industry it serves, sign up for e-communication here.