HD Repair Forum

Registration & Check-In

Networking Breakfast & Vendor Fair

Welcome & Overview

Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum

HD & MD Collision Repair: Industry Trends & Insight

PPG

Smart Trailer Technology

Great Dane

OEM New Vehicle Technology

Electric Vehicles

Niel Speetjens, I-CAR

Networking Break

Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems

Panel Discussion: Agreed Price and Challenges in the Claims Handling Process

This panel discussion will continue on the conversation of challenges experienced in the industry, particularly as it is associated with obtaining an agreed price. Panelists will also explore how parts availability, alternative fuel vehicles, staffing and increasing cost are playing a significant role. Panelists will share their experience, and bring forward ways to improve the claims process together, resulting in reduced cycle times and friction for all industry stakeholders.

Bernhard Obry, Coach USA- Perfect Body
James Svaasand, Penske
Mark Leadem, Progressive
Phil Langley, SCA Claims Services

Ford E-Transit

Networking Luncheon

Sponsored by Evercoat

Efforts in Solving the Technician Shortage

Hear the latest initiatives taking place to get the collision industry and its career paths spotlighted to the general public, school counselors, and more. Also hear more about the opportunities for industry businesses to invest in local high school and college collision programs. Whether its saving your scrap/spare parts for donation to the schools, sponsoring branded uniforms for local students, and/or helping your local schools look their best to ensure they are attracting the best students … Learn how to join in the efforts of transforming the future of the industry!

Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation

Using Mentoring to Overcome the Technician Shortage

95% of businesses agree – the technician shortage is here, and it is severe. While many businesses look to other shops for new talent, those who use a process to develop their own entry-level technicians will have a competitive advantage for years to come. This presentation will cover the facts behind the shortage, getting the right people for your program, supporting mentoring for the long-term, and more!

Marc Brune, MentorMentee

Panel Discussion: Finding Tomorrow's Technician

Representatives from the Collision Repair Education Foundation and MentorMentee come together with HD Repair Forum leadership to dive deeper into the industry’s opportunities for solving the technician shortage.
*Bring your questions for audience Q & A*

Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation
Marc Brune, MentorMentee

Vehicle Technology Updates: Wingman Systems

Jim Barber, Bendix

Recycled Parts & the Supply Chain

Networking Break

Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems

Panel Discussion: Preparing your Business for the Unexpected

This panel discussion will shed light on unexpected challenges that repair facility owners and managers have had to face. From sudden illness, to embezzlement, theft, and ransomware, the reality is anything can happen. Previous victims of unexpected crisis share their experiences, lessons learned, business matters impacted, and safeguards to consider.

Jamie Cole, Ace Truck Body Repair
Aaron Polzin, Budget Truck & Auto

Welding with Advanced Material Substrates

Greg Anton, ProSpot

Open Mic

Industry Networking Reception

Networking Breakfast & Vendor Fair

Track A

Track B

Track A

Track B

Networking Break

Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems

Networking Luncheon

Commercial Vehicle Calibration

John Ashal, Big Rig Alignment

RV Estimating

Tony Yerman, RVDA

Trends in the Industry

Right to Repair

Wayne Weikel

Open Mic