I-CAR and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will once again deliver vehicle technology discussions at the 2016 SEMA show consisting of forward-thinking presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid changes the collision industry is currently facing due to the “technical tsunami.” The presentations and demonstrations will have a strong focus on the latest vehicle-specific trends and procedures that contribute to complete, safe and quality repairs.

The presentations kick off on Nov. 1st, featuring “I-CAR: Collision Repair Diagnostics” at 1 p.m., presented by Jason Bartanen, I-CAR’s director of industry relations. On Nov. 2nd at 1 p.m., Bartanen will co-present with his I-CAR colleague Josh McFarlin, director of curriculum and product development, on “The Need for Training on Today’s New Vehicles and Technologies.” On Nov. 3rd at 1 p.m., Bartanen will also co-present with Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder on “Cool Tools.”

I-CAR CEO and President John Van Alstyne kicks off the presentations Nov. 4th at 10 a.m. with “I-CAR Knowledge and Skills – The Requisite Foundation for Repair Excellence,” a comprehensive look at the industry, emerging trends and I-CAR’s role.

A full lineup of vehicle-related presentations are on tap including 3M and I-CAR sharing on the Ford F-150, BMW on the “New 7 Series,” Honda on the Pilot and Civic, Audi on Multi-Material Hybrid Construction and other collision repair updates from Porsche, Audi, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

In addition to OEM presentations, the stage will feature presentations on carbon fiber design and repair techniques. Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS) will present on both remote vehicle diagnostics with asTech2 and on zero-point calibration for occupant classification systems, Fusor will present on bonding and mechanical bonding, and I-CAR will present on advanced joining techniques.

“As the industry trends to the need for more and more vehicle-specific knowledge and techniques, it’s important that our presentations reflect that,” said Bartanen. “Whether it’s from the OEMs themselves, our other industry partners or those of us presenting from I-CAR, this lineup offers a very comprehensive look at where our industry is and where it’s heading.”

SCRS presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m. each day of the show and will include:

• “Lessons from Beyond the Repair: Highlighting the Importance of Proper Repairs with American Honda” on Nov. 1st
• Participants of the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable will discuss “Accessing and Utilizing OEM Collision Repair Procedures and Documentation” on Nov. 2nd
• “Color Matching and Styling: More than Painting by Numbers” featuring industry leaders from PPG including renowned refinish specialist Charley Hutton of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio on Nov. 3rd
• “Documenting Commonly Performed and Often Overlooked Collision Repair Estimate Items” with Ron Reichen and guests on Nov. 4th

“Our focus on the SEMA Show Collision Repair and Refinish Stage has always been on delivering really high-quality information that delivers information in an environment that is accessible to anyone in attendance,” said SCRS Chairman Andy Dingman. “SCRS has been a firm believer that quality educational opportunities provide some of the greatest ROI for show-goers. We believe the combination of free options on the show floor and more in-depth experiences in the classrooms coupled with the energy and excitement of the SEMA Show provides distinct opportunities just not found at any other venue.”

The collaboration between I-CAR and SCRS also extends into other sessions as well, highlighted by Bartanen’s participation in a panel discussion as part of SCRS’ OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit on Nov. 3rd.

The session on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics” will place Bartanen and I-CAR on a panel with other solutions providers in the industry (Bosch Diagnostics, Snap-on Diagnostics, Collision Diagnostic Services and AirPro Diagnostics), and the conversation will identify the mechanisms and resources available to the collision repair community to address scan, calibration and diagnostic requirements.

Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of resources and options available to their business. Panel moderator John Ellis previously served as global technologist and head of the Ford Developer Program, the automotive industry’s first-ever software developer program. Ellis & Associates is a boutique firm that focuses on the world where automotive, consumer, connectivity and software all intersect.

In addition to delivering technical presentations at SEMA, I-CAR will also be offering some of its newest and most popular courses. To see a full list of presentations and courses offered by I-CAR at SEMA, visit I-CAR.com/SEMA.

For more information on SCRS Repairer Driven Education series or the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, visit: scrs.com/rde.