The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) reports that the 2011 SEMA Show had "more collision repair-related businesses in evidence than ever before," and its Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series saw a 400-percent jump in attendance compared with its inaugural year in 2010.
The RDE series featured over 21 seminar offerings. Each course specifically focused on information relevant to collision repair professionals and appealed to the diverse array of marketplace perspectives within the collision repair industry, according to SCRS. The group credited RDE’s sponsors for helping to make the event a success.
"We’re fortunate to be aligned with a group of sponsors that understand the importance of ongoing education and are not reluctant to commit the resources to make it happen," said SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark. "RDE’s course content is carefully selected from topics that industry professionals and members advise us are of most benefit to them, and our sponsors really respond to that approach."
SCRS says its sponsors believe the SEMA Show is an ideal venue to present new products and services, along with a modern training curriculum.
"PPG is pleased to be involved with SCRS and their RDE series for a second straight year at SEMA," said Domenic Brusco, senior manager of industry relations for PPG Automotive Refinish. "We’re encouraged by the increase in attendance to the RDE classes, which speaks to their relevance and quality. SCRS’ educational agenda provided practical instruction to improve collision repair businesses, which is complementary to PPG’s commitment to helping our collision repair customers flourish."
Herb Lieberman, inter- and intra-industry manager for LKQ Corporation, said he was impressed with RDE and the increased collision repair participation at SEMA: "I think SCRS and their RDE program really contributed to the energy and excitement surrounding the show. I was impressed with the high quality of the classes and the obvious care and planning that went into planning them. SCRS has done a great job with the series, and pulling the industry together in this venue."
The following companies were RDE sponsors: PPG Automotive Refinish, BASF, 3M, LKQ, DuPont Performance Coatings, Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Paint Body and Equipment Specialists, COLORMATCH and Collision Hub.
"There is little question that the willingness of our sponsors to get behind RDE helped provide the traction that allowed the program to accelerate rapidly in this second year," said SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "Their vision, foresight and willingness to provide integral resources for the series bodes well for RDE’s long-term success. We’re looking forward to building upon what we’ve achieved so far, and look forward to next year’s SEMA Show with much anticipation."
More information:
SCRS