A comprehensive seminar program to inform you about the latest technologies and business techniques will be a highlight of the 2015 Australian Collision Repair Expo to be held from 16 to 18 April in Melbourne.
The Expo Seminar Program was developed by the organising committee, which is made up of senior collision repair industry executives. The team researched the latest innovations and trends in the crash repair industry and booked leading educators to present information that can make a difference to your business.
Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Expo Seminar Program will provide workshop owners and managers, distributors and resellers with a once in every two year opportunity to focus on fresh ideas.
The Collision Repair Expo is a trade only event. Entry is free – including the Expo Seminar Program – to qualified industry professionals.
AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said challenging cutting edge technology issues will be addressed by the seminar presenters. “We strive to keep Expo visitors up to date with all aspects of their operations, including changes to environmental requirements,” said Stuart Charity.
AkzoNobel returns as major sponsor of the Collision Repair Expo
Contributing to the Expo Seminar Program will be leading global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes (VR). AkzoNobel is continuing a three year partnership with the AAAA as the Major Sponsor of the Collision Repair Expo 2015. AkzoNobel VR will not disappoint at next year’s Expo with an impressive display of its latest state-of-the-art and innovative products, and leading color technology.
Consistently ranked as a leader in the area of sustainability, AkzoNobel VR will showcase its comprehensive range of waterborne and low VOC paint systems. Expo visitors will have the opportunity to see for themselves the benefits of AkzoNobel’s range of waterborne products with live demonstration sessions.
With a focus on business efficiency, visitors can also discuss their business needs with the company’s expert Acoat Selected team on the stand. “We are very pleased to continue to support such an important industry event in Australasia,” said Manish Bhatia, Business Director, AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes, South Asia.
“We have a number of exciting innovations across our Vehicle Refinishes brands, Sikkens and Wanda, which will be showcased on our stand. Our key focus is creating sustainable solutions for our business partners that will benefit their business now and into the future. We look forward to another successful Major Sponsorship with the Collision Repair Expo in 2015,” he said.
Seminars designed to help grow your business
Major Corporate Sponsor AkzoNobel VR will also feature in the Expo Seminar Program with expert presenters:
- AkzoNobel’s Business Improvement and Process Consultant Bob Gilbert will speak on the topic Accuracy in Repair Planning: the Facts, Myths, and Mysteries of why it’s so difficult to achieve.
- National Technical Services Manager Paul Horvath will deliver a presentation titled Making the shift to waterborne: what you need to know.
During the Expo, a wide range of surface coating products will be demonstrated live in a Lowbake spray booth. This booth is among the most popular destinations for Expo visitors because, while you sit comfortably behind a window wall, you watch the coating process and then see the finished result in minutes.
AkzoNobel North America Business Improvement and Process Consultant Bob Gilbert will present a Collision Repair Expo seminar on the topic Accuracy in Repair Planning: the Facts, Myths, and Mysteries of why it’s so difficult to achieve.
From the panel perspective, I-Car Australia Operations and Technical Coordinator Mark Czvitkovits will present a valuable session devoted to working with a range of the new materials and components now being introduced to the chassis and body of modern vehicles.
For the financial side of your business there will be a special session on how the smaller independent workshops can streamline their business and improve delivery to become competitive in the market. This is a great opportunity to gather information in a single sitting that would be time consuming to collect by yourself.
To help market your business, Snap-on Tools communication expert Tara Poole will present a session explaining how to make social media work for you and identifying the common mistakes to avoid. This seminar will also outline the investment required in terms of time and money.
Also focusing on marketing will be a seminar series by Workshop Whisperer Rachel Sheldrick. She will talk about increasing your prices without customer complaints in three easy steps, as well as how to turn customers into fans and other business tips.
A big drawcard for many Expo visitors will be the Creating Winners seminar presented by the dynamic Jeff Hendler. He will present five basic principles to change the culture in your workshop to gain measurable successes – a check list all business owners will want to learn about.
It is important to emphasise that Collision Repair Expo visitors also have free entry to the huge Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and its seminar program. This access enables crash repair professionals the opportunity to attend seminars on a range of technical issues, such as the Electrical and Electronic Circuits session to be presented by The Automotive Technician team.
See the new products
Stuart Charity said the 2015 Collision Repair Expo is a virtual sell-out. “There has been huge demand by exhibitors for display space at the 2015 Expo and confirmed exhibitors represent the very best brands in the Australian collision repair industry,” he said.
“This means Expo visitors will have a unique one-stop-chance to see and experience the nation’s largest display of the latest collision repair and body finishing materials, equipment and tools.
“The Expo will not return to Melbourne until 2019, so you want to plan now to take advantage of this opportunity next April.
“In addition to learning about new business opportunities by attending some seminars and visiting the busy exhibition, the Expo is a fantastic networking opportunity. You will catch up with people you don’t get to see often and meet dozens of others that can contribute ideas and innovations to make your business better,” said Stuart Charity.
For more information about the 2015 Expo, visit: http://www.collisionrepair.com.au/