The 2011 educational program at Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) in Orlando, Fla., will feature more than 80 educational sessions, which total more than 200 hours of education, according to event organizers.
Approximately 70 percent of the sessions are accredited by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Additional add-on education includes role-based training presented by I-CAR and Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).
The conference program was developed by the 2011 ASRW Conference Planning Committee led by Bill Haas, ASA’s vice president of education and training.
"The real leadership of the conference committee was provided by Ron Nagy and Mitch Schneider, chairmen of NACE and CARS respectively," said Haas. "These two guys challenged the committee members to identify relevant topics and presenters to deliver information at the highest possible level for ASRW attendees. All I can say is mission accomplished, the ASRW education sessions are a product of their intimate knowledge of the industry, hard work and dedication to making a difference."
The NACE and CARS conference program addresses issues professionals face in both the mechanical and collision segments on a daily, weekly and annual basis, and is designed to meet their specific needs. Sessions will be offered in both 90-minute and three-hour timeslots. Tracks are specific to NACE and CARS with emphasis on either management or technical topics, but all ASRW registered attendees have access to any session they wish to attend.
Management sessions are expected to be the most sought-after education for both collision and mechanical professionals, according to event organizers. Session highlights in the management track include "Building a Team That Works Without You" (WE14NC), "Increasing Technician Efficiency – It’s a Team Effort" (TH04C), "Leading and Succeeding: Cultivating Leadership Skills That Benefit You and Your Organization" (TH12NC), "Simple Cycle Time Solutions" (FR02N), and "Understanding Continuous Improvement" (FR09N).
Detailed technical instruction will be offered, and most CARS technical courses are powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute. Highlights within the technical track include the following course offerings: "Hybrid Vehicle Service" (FR16C), "Design-Based Repairs" (WE13N), "TPMS Update" (TH02C), "Immobilizer Service Opportunities" (FR13C), and "Sherlock Holmes Diagnosis" (WE08C).
Attendees can register for educational sessions on the NACE and CARS websites. Additionally, individual conference sessions are currently being offered on a "two for one – buy one, get one of equal or lesser value" special. Attendees are encouraged to watch their email for this special offer.
A full day of education is offered Wednesday, Oct. 5. Educational session continue throughout the event running concurrently with the ASRW Expo Thursday, Oct. 6., through Saturday, Oct. 8.
