The 2010 BodyShop Business Conference that was held Sept. 17-18 in Indianapolis is now just a memory, and as I look back on it, I realize that for everyone who participated in the event, it should be a memory of learning and enjoyment. As a bonus, the weather cooperated nicely and enabled us to see the wonderful downtown areas during the planned free time we had.
Any time you spend six months planning an event like this, there’s always a little nervousness involved until it’s over and done with. Thanks to the excellent staff at the Hilton Hotel & Suites, all of the nervousness melted away, and the attendees were able to experience a first-class event.
Special thanks needs to go out to all of this year’s sponsors: AkzoNobel, BASF, CCC, FinishMaster, Garmat USA, PPG, PPG MVP Business Solutions and Sherwin-Williams. Events like this cannot take place without sponsors, and this year’s group played an integral part in making the conference a huge success. A special thanks also needs to go out to our two primary speakers, State Farm Claims Consultant George Avery and Society of Collision Repair Specialists Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg.
A key part of any conference is a trade show floor where attendees can spend time with different suppliers and learn about new opportunities to improve their businesses. This year’s trade show was no exception. The sponsors previously listed were joined on the show floor by the following exhibitors: Anest Iwata, DuPont, Global Finishing Solutions, Herkules, I-CAR, Indiana Auto Body Association, Island Clean Air, Sagola USA, Scorpion Manufacturing and Urethane Supply. This vast array of suppliers afforded this year’s attendees with the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the new technologies and business practices that are out there to help shops improve their profitability and efficiency.
Attendees also benefited from seminars on the following:
• Search Engine Optimization – Mark Claypool, owner, Select Tech and Optima Worldwide
• Understanding Your Financials – Hank Nunn, H W Nunn & Associates
• EPA 6H Rule – Attorney Andrew Rodenhouse
• Social Media – Nicki Lock, manager of eMedia, Babcox Media
• Waterborne/Low-VOC Basecoats – Mark Clark, owner of Professional PBE Systems
• Advanced Metals – Jeff Poole, I-CAR
• Marketing to Women – Jeanne Silver, co-owner, CARSTAR Mundelein
• Hybrid Repairs – Jeff Poole, I-CAR
• Plastic Welding – Billy Graham, Urethane Supply
• Profit Centers – Mark Clark
• Hiring and Attracting Qualified Techs – Daren Fristoe, The Fristoe Group
Our industry is in a significant period of change and upheaval. As I’ve said before, the only way to survive and grow during a time like this is to be sure you’re ready for it. You need to use every resource available to you and carefully chart a course for success. Remember, success looks very different depending on where you want to go. The upcoming NACE and SEMA shows along with conferences like ours provide you with an excellent opportunity to gain the knowledge required for you to reach your goals. I urge you to take advantage of these opportunities. See you at NACE or SEMA…or both!
