The upcoming Midwest Auto Body Trade Show will focus on “the current climate” of the collision repair industry, according to the Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA).

The show’s lineup of educational sessions will emphasize the importance of proper repairs. The show has several related themes, according to the association:

• Be educated.
• Don’t be afraid of change.
• Do it right.
• You are responsible and in charge of your own destiny.

The trade show will take place Feb. 16-17 at Prairie Meadows hotel and casino in Altoona, Iowa.

Among the expected highlights, attorney Todd Tracy will lead a general session designed to help body shops avoid their own multimillion-dollar lawsuit for a negligent repair.

Mark Olsen will lead a panel discussion (“Where Do You Start to do the Right Thing?”) focusing on documentation, certification, post-repair inspection, proper repair procedures and related issues.

Mitch Becker, a longtime I-CAR instructor and BodyShop Business contributor, will lead a session on diagnostic scanning and recalibration.

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen is scheduled to speak during the show’s general session.

Full Schedule

Friday, Feb. 16

• Collision Repair Education Foundation Student Education Day
• Trade show open – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Education  
  • Panel discussion – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    • “Where Do You Start To Do The Right Thing?”
      • Moderated by Mark Olsen
      • Panelists: Matthew McDonnell, Mitch Becker, Ron Reichen, Larry Gilliam, James Rodis
  • “Shop Procedure Implementation,” Matthew McDonnell – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • “System Checks, Scans, Calibration,” Mitch Becker  – 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Welcome reception, trade show floor – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17    

• Breakout sessions – technical
  • “Corrosion Protection – Cavity Wax,” Shawn Collins of 3M – 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • “System Checks, Scans, Calibration,” Mitch Becker – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • I-CAR Aluminum Repair, Class No. APR 01 – 10 a.m. to noon
    • Sign up at www.i-car.com. Bring your coupon to class.

•  Breakout sessions – management
  • “Developing an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy in Collision Repair,” Brent Betts – 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • “Who Pays For What?”, Jake Aufenkamp, James Rodis – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • “Bullet-Proof Estimating,” Matthew McDonnell – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  •  Speakers Wrap-up, interactive panel discussion – 11 a.m. to noon

• General Session – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  
  • Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen
  • Scott Weiser, Iowa legislative update
  • Todd Tracy, Tracy Law Firm

• Trade Show – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Community College Refinish Contest Judging
  • Door prizes

To register, visit the ICRA website.