Admit it. You miss Las Vegas. The bright lights, the chance to become a millionaire, the shows and the excitement. After taking the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) to different cities over the last couple years (Orlando and New Orleans) due to attendee feedback, organizers have brought the show back to the bright lights of Sin City.
Welcome Party
You’re cordially invited to kick off Automotive Service & Repair Week at the official welcome party! This year, for the first time ever, the festivities will take place on the show floor immediately after the show closes on Thursday, Oct. 17. This is your opportunity to mix and mingle with attendees and exhibitors as ASRW celebrates another year. This event is complimentary and open to all exhibitors and attendees.
The Assembly
ASRW will once again hold the Auto Body Repairers Assembly for the second time. It’s a free event that’s strictly limited to qualified collision repairers and will take place on Oct. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Assembly was created in 2012 as an inaugural event and hosted by ASA/NACE as a natural extension of the activities that take place during ASRW. It not only provides an outlet for repairers to discuss operational issues and challenges, but also creates solutions through engagement of other key industry professionals. Repairers and repair organizations are encouraged to bring their issues to the Assembly and share their opinions. The format is designed to funnel the issues and opinions into resolutions, action items and direct feedback depending upon the issue.
The “repairer only” aspect is a central theme and driving force for this event. To gain entry to the meeting, attendees must be verified collision repair professionals – a shop owner, manager, employee or official representative of a repair business. No exceptions will be allowed, and no one else will be permitted to attend the meeting (including other ASRW attendees, exhibitors and press).
Education
The ASRW Conference Program provides 90-minute sessions over three days, featuring more than 100 hours of training and education. It’s divided into two distinct tracks: management and technical.
Some of the management topics include:
- Using Your CSI to Improve Business in the Social Media Age
- Putting Customers in the Driver’s Seat: Self-Service in the New Era of Collision Repair
- Financial Best Practices
- Simple Cycle Time Solutions
Some of the technical topics include:
- Introduction and Challenges to Advanced High-Strength Steel Repairability
- Identifying and Correcting Structural Damage
- Compressed Air Requirements for Body Shops
In addition, sessions are presented specifically for collision repair professionals and mechanical service/ repair professionals or are labeled applicable to both collision and
mechanical attendees. ASRW also offers Add-On Education including course offerings from I-CAR and PCI.
MSO Symposium Open to Single-Store Owners This Year!
Since starting the MSO Symposium three years ago, its popularity has been on an upward climb. You might say it has kept pace with the accelerating consolidation of the industry. And what a hot topic! Little consolidators want to know how they can compete with big consolidators, big consolidators want to know how they can get bigger and single-store independents want to know if expansion should be a part of their future.
This year’s event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Attendance will again be limited to qualified collision repair multiple-location operators (MSOs) with two or more locations. New this year, however, is that the symposium will open 75 seats on a first-come, first-serve basis to single-shop collision repair owners interested in expanding their businesses. Registration is open, and the fee to attend is $200/$250 after Aug. 22. Group-rate registrations are also available for repair organizations with multiple executives who wish to attend.
What’s Happening
Michael Jackson ONE
Experience the Prince of Pop like never before in this spectacular musical performance. Watch as 63 dancers and acrobatic stars tell an entertaining story through hits such as “Beat It,” “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal.”
Oct. 16-20 at Mandalay Bay
Jim Belushi & The Chicago Board of Comedy
Saturday Night Live and According to Jim funnyman Jim Belushi takes the stage alongside an all-star improv troupe for two nights of comedy. This hilarious cast is sure to leave you in stitches with their quick-witted, on-the-spot acting.
Oct. 18-19 at The Sands Showroom at The Venetian
David Copperfield
Prepare to be mesmerized by the most successful magician in history. After witnessing illusions such as levitation and disappearing acts, you’ll leave the performance feeling amazed and – most likely – confused as to how he did it all.
Oct. 16-19 at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
Jimmy Buffet
Get whisked away to paradise (cheeseburger not included) with the laid-back island sounds of Jimmy Buffet. While a trip to Margaritaville is always a good time, we just hope it doesn’t cause you to miss your flight home.
Oct. 19 at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
The Beatles LOVE
Cirque du Soleil brings the legendary music of The Beatles to life. Meet characters from famed tunes such as Sgt. Pepper, The Walrus and Eleanor Rigby and prepare to be entranced by a stunning, energetic performance of aerial stunts and vibrant dance.
Oct. 17-20 at The Mirage
