Las Vegas

MSO Symposium Early Bird Registration Ending Soon

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced the eighth annual MSO Symposium will take place on 4 November in Las Vegas, Nevada, prior to SEMA Show.

Similar to past years, the event’s agenda, timing, and content is driven and directed by industry leading members who voluntarily serve on the programme’s advisory board.

Last year’s event represented more than 4000 collision repair facilities with a total annual revenue exceeding US$7 billion. The programme has evolved to now include insurers, OEMs and large independent repair facilities.

The ASA says that attendance is limited and registrants must qualify to attend – the event is open to insurers, OEMs, multi-shop operators and single-location repair facilities with revenue exceeding US$3 million in annual sales. Early bird rates are also available for a limited time.

“The MSO Symposium continues to bring together the multi-shop owners and operators, dealers, franchisees and repair networks from all across North America,” said Roy Schnepper, ASA Immediate Past Chairman. “This exclusive is event where only collision industry repairers, insurers, and OEMs can gather.”

To register for the MSO Symposium, click here.

Sherwin-Williams Announces Ultimate Hawaiian Adventure Competition Winner

Following on from the success of last year’s Ultimate Las Vegas competition, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes launched the “Ultimate Hawaiian Adventure” competition in April 2019. The competition was the first run by the team after the rebrand to Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes following Valspar’s acquisition by the company in 2017.

The competition called for entrants to answer questions which showcased the Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes line of products. Each week a new question was released and provided entrants with a new opportunity to enter. The competition had a strong response, with dozens of entries each week.

After three months and hundreds of entries, Sherwin-Williams announced Charmaine Woodley from Woodley’s Car Workz as the winner.

The prize pack is valued at over $7000, which includes return flights to Hawaii for two, seven nights’ accommodation and $1000 spending money.

To keep up to date with Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes’ latest competitions and offers, visit their Facebook page.

MSO Symposium Dates And Location Announced

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has released the dates and location for the eighth instalment of the MSO Symposium – it will take place on Monday 4 November at The Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, marking the event’s first return to Las Vegas since 2013.

“The MSO Symposium continues to bring together the multi-shop owners and operators, dealers, franchisees, and networks from North America,” said ASA Immediate Past Chairman, Roy Schnepper. “This exclusive event has evolved into the largest conference in the world where only repairers, insurers and OEMs gather.”

Last year’s event featured representation from over 4000 collision repairer facilities, with total revenue exceeding US$7 billion annually.

The programme has continued to evolve since its inception. Several years ago, the advisory board unanimously voted to expand the list of companies and individuals that could attend. According to organisers, the inclusion of insurers and OEMs has proven to be “visionary”, a point being attributed to the “leaders” represented on the advisory board. Organisers added that the networking and collaboration amongst the three industry groups further enhances the value of the overall programme.

“The advisory board plays a critical role in the success of the MSO Symposium,” said Chairman, Bob Wills. “They provide direction and guidance as to the speakers and content most relevant to their respective businesses. We sincerely appreciate their time and commitment.”

Attendance at the MSO Symposium is limited to insurers, OEMs, multi-shop operators and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding US$3 million in annual sales. For more information, visit msosymposium.com.

AkzoNobel And McLaren Celebrate 10-Year Partnership

AkzoNobel and McLaren celebrated 10 years of collaboration at the SEMA automotive show in Las Vegas, Nevada, last month.

The partnership began in 2008 when AkzoNobel became the official supplier of paint solutions for McLaren Racing. McLaren has used the company’s premium Sikkens brand for its Formula 1 cars ever since.

AkzoNobel has also been a technology partner to McLaren Automotive since 2012, with all McLaren road cars being fully painted in the company’s products.

“Working with partners like McLaren is a perfect example of our commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation,” said Keith Malik, Key Account Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “We’re proud to have partnered with them for 10 years and demonstrate our shared passion for high performance technologies and performance.”

Simon Roberts, Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Racing, said: “Our decade-long relationship with AkzoNobel has led us to new innovations, scientific and sustainable advancements and quality finishes. Their longevity in the marketplace, coupled with the technology we’ve developed together, has helped us in our ongoing pursuit of high performance, and we’re thrilled to call AkzoNobel our partner.”

The livery for this season’s MCL33 F1 car has made an impact, with the Papaya Spark colour scheme winning a BBC poll for best-looking car.

Valspar Announces Competition Winner of Ultimate Las Vegas Experience

Alex Townsend, of Coastal Collision Repair in Maroochydore, has won Valspar Automotive’s Ultimate Las Vegas Experience competition.

Townsend won a prize pack that included return flights for two people to Las Vegas, seven nights’ accommodation, two tickets to an automotive show and $1000 spending money. In total, the prize pack is valued at more than $6000.

The competition called for entrants to answer questions showcasing the Valspar Automotive line of products. Entrants were provided with many opportunities to enter with new questions being released weekly. Valspar said the promotion had a strong response with numerous entries submitted each week.

Axalta Announces 2018 SEMA Show Event/Appearance Schedule

Axalta has announced the schedule of events in its booth, #22391, during the 2018 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada from 30 October to 2 November 2018.

The schedule includes appearances by top automotive builders, artists, and special guests to showcase Axalta’s refinish and original equipment coatings and colour.

Headlining Axalta’s schedule on Thursday 1 November at 2:00pm is the unveiling of Nevermore, a piece of fine art created by “Impossibly Real” artist Peter Maier with Cromax refinish paint. Maier is world-renowned for his lifelike art featuring animals, cars, people, and products. His work is currently on exhibit in the Butler Institute of American Art and often sells for US$100,000 or more. During this special event, Nevermore co-collaborator and pinstriper, Andrew “Pooch” Cappuccio, will join Maier onstage where they will greet attendees and autograph reproductions of the piece for the first 150 people in line.

Also on the schedule, and for a second consecutive year, are the wildly popular Middlecott Sketchbattle duels emceed by Jamie Little, NASCAR pit reporter for Fox Sports. In-booth duels occur on Tuesday 30 October at 10:00am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm, as well as on Wednesday 31 October at 9:30am and 11:30am. The main event and Axalta-sponsored Middlecott Sketchbattle Experience is at 8:00 pm at the Industrial, 2330 Industrial Road in Las Vegas.

On Wednesday 31 October from 1:00pm to 4:30pm, artist Kristian Baena of Zac Brown Customs will be demonstrating automotive airbrush art. Long-time SEMA Show favourites, Paul Quinn and DeWayne Connot, will follow with pinstriping demonstrations on Thursday 1 November at 9:30am and 3:30pm, and on Friday 2 November at 9:30am and 1:00pm.

“Meet the Builder” discussion sessions with the builders of the custom vehicles in Axalta’s booth will occur on Thursday 1 November at 11:00am with Dale Boesch, winner of the 2018 National Street Rod Association’s Builder of the Year award, and on Friday 2 November at 11:00am with Big Oak Garage, a 2015 Great Eight Ridler finalist.

To learn more, visit axalta.us/sema2018.

Rock Artist ZZ Ward To Perform At The SEMA Show

Amidst business activity and networking at the 2018 SEMA Show, attendees will be treated to live music by blues-inspired, rock-pop artist ZZ Ward.

Performing at numerous SEMA Show activities, including the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited (the official after-party that is open to the public), the Los Angeles-based vocal artist will entertain show goers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The schedule kicks off on Monday 29 October at the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, featuring the Media Exclusive Vehicle Reveal. The fedora-rocking guitarist will continue during the week in SEMA Central, where industry icons, celebrities and influencers are interviewed on stage. Before her final SEMA appearance at SEMA Ignited, Ward will perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday 1 November.

Said to be the industry’s premier awards ceremony where the Person of the Year is announced, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is open to all SEMA show goers. The banquet includes dinner, an awards presentation and entertainment from Ward, who made headlines earlier this year when NBC kicked off the second half of its NASCAR season coverage with her singing Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream”.

Exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet. All show goers are also able to purchase banquet tickets at www.semashow.com/banquet.

The 2018 SEMA Show takes place from Tuesday 30 October to Friday 2 November in Las Vegas.

2018 SEMA Show Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2018 SEMA Show is now open for the annual trade show that will be held from Tuesday 30 October until Friday 2 November 2018, in Las Vegas.

Registration is offered in three categories: Attendee, Exhibitor, and Media.

Attendee: Distributors, retailers, installers, buyers, and those in public relations and marketing should register using the “Attendee” link. Applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry. Additionally, approved domestic attendees who register and choose the “Click To Confirm” link in the emailed confirmation before Oct. 12 will receive their badges in the mail. Approved international attendees who register before Sept. 14 will receive their badge at the international address provided in their application.

Attendees may sign up for special events and seminars during the application process or by using the “Special Events Tickets Only” link at www.semashow.com/register.

Among the special events are those offered by the Society of Collision & Repair Specialists (SCRS), Tire Industry Association (TIA), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and the SEMA Show Education program, adding up to over 100 sessions addressing all aspects of small business, industry trends and opportunities, collision repair, professional development training, Advanced Vehicle Technology, and more.

The “Exhibitor” registration link is for company personnel working in the booths of exhibiting companies. The primary contact at the exhibiting company may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily using the unique password and user ID that was provided via email.

Exhibitor badges are not to be used for non-employees, including contest winners, contractors, customers, and vendors. Exhibitors from the USA and Canada who register before Oct. 12 will receive their badges in the mail. International exhibitor badges will be available for pickup on-site upon presenting a matching government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

During registration, exhibitors will also be able to order complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, which is attended by around 3000 Showgoers and considered by many to be the industry’s premier celebration.

Journalists covering the SEMA Show can register for complimentary media credentials using the “Media” link. Applicants may need to supply proof of media affiliation, such as by-lined articles or other published work. All approved media will be able to pick up their credentials on-site in the SEMA Show Media Center, a fully functional pressroom with all the tools necessary to assist with reporting from the event.

“The SEMA Show is the world’s leading automotive trade event and where the $41.2 billion specialty aftermarket industry gathers every year to conduct business,” said SEMA Vice President of Communications & Events Peter MacGillivray. “Registering early for this year’s SEMA Show will expedite the registration process and can save applicants money and keep them up-to-date on Show news and developments.”

For more information about the 2018 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

To register for the 2018 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/register

Early SEMA Booth Space Applications Due March 30

Companies that submit booth space applications for the 2018 SEMA Show by Friday, March 30, are eligible to participate in the Priority Space Selection process. The space selection process, beginning April 30, is based on exhibitor seniority, and provides companies with the opportunity to choose the best locations for their Show displays.

Leading up to the selection process, each company will be contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range.

About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2018 Show’s online floorpan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see as the Show begins to take shape and monitor their desired section to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

Between April 24–27, each primary contact should take time to check their email, including their “junk” folders. Companies that have not received a correspondence by April 27 or that want to change the primary Show contact listed on the application should email [email protected] or call +1 909-396-0289.

The 2018 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday 30 October until Friday 2 November 2018, in Las Vegas. There’s still time to participate in the Priority Space Selection Process. Reserve a booth space for 2018 now by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

The New Mercedes-Benz A-Class In Las Vegas

The brand-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class was spotted camouflaged in Las Vegas during the CES 2018. Not only its exterior will surprise: The Infotainment System MBUX which was revealed at the CES will hit the market in the new A-Class in February.

MBUX is used in the entire new compact car generation from Mercedes-Benz and will enter series production in spring 2018 in the new A-Class. Its highlight is the comprehensive touch operation concept – the combination of a touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and Touch-Control Buttons in the steering wheel.