Markham, Ontario — In a significant gathering being touted as the most compelling collision repair meeting in recent past, shop owners and managers representing more than 150 unique locations across Canada came together in Markham, Ontario.
The event, hosted Jan. 13 by Jeff Pabst and Pfaff Autoworks, saw more than 75 shop owners and managers converge alongside several key OEM representatives to develop vital industry topics.
This landmark meeting was organized by the Canadian Council of Collision Repairers (CCCR) in response to member requests for an in-person dialogue on trends and challenges in the industry.
Kelvin Campbell, CCCR co-chair from Halifax, N.S.’s Chapman Auto Body, said the event had many high points.
“It might have been the CCCR’s time study, or the OEM panel. Or maybe it was just the fact that this was a meeting of like-minded shop owners and managers,” said Campbell, reflecting the enthusiasm of attendees.
The OEM panel discussion was a particular highlight, featuring: Paul Stella of Toyota, Scott Wideman of Volkswagen, John Evers of Porsche and Chris Castagna from BMW. Shawn Stenson of CSN Kingston led the panel, providing attendees with detailed and personalized information that captivated the audience.
Another eagerly anticipated segment was the Success Stories of the Year panel. This session spotlighted industry leaders like Wade Bartok of CSN Elite and CSN Elite Xpress; Koos Reneiking of Lift Auto and Shawn Stenson.
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Kevin Carlaw, known for his insightful industry perspectives, remarked that, “this gathering isn’t just about celebrating our successes; it’s a call-to-action for continuous improvement and innovation in our field.”
BASF and PPG provided a catered breakfast and lunch. The logistical arrangements, including registration, sound and stage management, were handled by Collision Repair magazine staff, ensuring a smooth, pleasant and professional experience for all.
The event concluded with an Open Mic session—which proved to be one of the most engaging segments. This platform allowed for an open exchange of ideas and experiences, steering clear of financially sensitive topics.
The session brought to light numerous issues for detail discussions at future meetings. The unanimous agreement on the importance of in-person meetings was evident, with a recognition of the benefits virtual meetings like Zoom can offer in maintaining interest and spreading information and awareness.
The 2024 CCCR Meeting in Markham, Ont., set a new precedent for industry gatherings. It not only showcased the unity and dedication of collision repair professionals across Canada, but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration and innovation in the industry.
With plans for a video highlight reel, the impact of this meeting is set to reach even wider audiences, further reinforcing the event’s significance.
Stay tuned to Collision Repair magazine for more exclusive content on the CCCR Meeting.
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The post Collision repair experts, OEM reps engage in meaningful dialogue on industry best practices appeared first on Collision Repair Magazine.
