NACE | CARS 2015 got its fuel tank topped off last year in Detroit, and now it’s back for more and set to deliver a high-octane experience for the automotive industry.
This year’s show will take place July 21-25 at the Cobo Center, and there’s a reason they’re once again calling it “Industry Week” – there’s so much going on we couldn’t even fit it all into this story:
- Collision Industry Conference
- Canadian Collision Industry Forum
- Collision Repair Education Foundation Golf Fundraiser
- Technology & Telematics Forum
- MSO Symposium
- SCRS Open Board Meeting
- NABC Board Meeting
- OE Roundtable
Not to mention all the excellent places to explore, things to see and food to eat. It’s going to be a banner week for the collision repair industry, so plan to be there!
Education
Industry training is more important now than ever before. With more technological advancements being introduced than ever before, it’s difficult for shops to rely solely on the knowledge and experience they’ve gained over the years. So why not get the most up-to-date training while you’re at NACE | CARS? Starting at 8 a.m. on July 22nd, classes will be offered on both technical and management topics. Some of the topics include:
- 2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training Course
- Advanced Production Processes to Reduce Length of Rental Times
- Aluminum Repair on the Corvette Stingray
- Paint Shop Performance
- Social Media for Shop Owners that Don’t Do Social Media
- The Future: What Will We be Working on, Opportunities and Challenges
OEM Training Sessions
- GM New Vehicle Technology
- 2015 F-150 Repair Information (complimentary)
- Toyota Presents: Repair Planning the Toyota Way
- Volkswagen Presents: Service Ready
- I-CAR: 2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training Course
Debuting at NACE | CARS
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Presents: Carbon Fiber
- Honda & Acura High Strength Steel Repair
- GM Presents: Cadillac CT6 Collision Repair
- The Service Repair Leadership Forum (SRLF) – Led by Bob Greenwood & Maylan Newton
MSO Symposium
Formerly known as the Collision Repair Executive Forum, the MSO Symposium is back due to popular demand. The Symposium is scheduled for 12-5:30 p.m. July 23rd, with a private reception to follow.
This year, the MSO Symposium will incorporate a broader group of collision repair executives, allowing it to be more inclusive of some of the very best operators in the collision repair industry. The symposium will feature education and networking opportunities for MSOs. Some topics on the agenda this year include:
- Claims Management Models
- Shortage of Qualified Employees
- Developing Talent and Retention
- The ABCs of Financing
- NPS & CSI
Canadian Collision Industry Forum
The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) will host a special event from 1-4 p.m. July 23rd, followed by a reception from 4-6 p.m.
Collision Industry Conference Forum
The Collision Industry Conference Forum (CIC) will host a conference July 21st 1-6 p.m. (followed by a reception) and July 22nd 8-11 a.m.
Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 14th Annual Golf Fundraiser
The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 14th annual golf fundraiser will take place July 22nd. Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer-designed Northville Hills Golf Club. Funds raised at the event will assist the foundation in providing support to collision repair students and their schools’ collision programs. The fundraiser is open to all industry professionals and registration slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Places to Explore
Greenfield Village
Step back in time at this sprawling 80-acre historic village. With 83 authentic and historic structures, including the Wright brothers’ workshop, Thomas Edison’s laboratory and the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, you will have a grand time roaming the streets of yesteryear. Ride a Model T, watch an 1867 baseball game or grab something off of an 1850s menu for lunch, there’s so much to do you won’t know where to start.
20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
http://www.thehenryford.org/village/index.aspx
General Motors Heritage Center
Take a drive to the GM Heritage Center to explore this 81,000-square-foot facility with around 200 vehicles on display. The center houses documents, manuals, brochures and artifacts documenting General Motors’ rich history. From the 1953 Buick Skylark to the 2009 Corvette Stingray Concept car, there’s something for every car lover to discover.
6400 Center Dr., Sterling Heights
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/index.html
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Discover the world’s largest institution dedicated to African American history. Located in the heart of Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center, this 125,000-square-foot museum is filled with exhibits ranging from African Americans in Science and Technology to Voices of the Civil War to Afro Futurism and Surrealism artwork.
315 E. Warren Ave.
Historic Fort Wayne
Come explore the sprawling and impressive Fort Wayne. Today you can visit the 1848 limestone barracks building, the 1845 Star Fort, the commanding officers house, the Spanish American War guard house and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum.
6325 W. Jefferson Ave.
http://www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com
Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Jump into the center of a real-life factory floor where the new aluminum-alloy body Ford F-150 is made and discover all the technology and innovation being used. This self-guided five-part experience is not to be missed.
209000 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
http://www.thehenryford.org/rouge/index.aspx
Food to Eat
Taqueria Lupita’s
On its awning are the words “House of the Original Mexican Taco.” So, of course, you must get the authentic tacos, which will run you all of $1.75 a piece. Numerous sites claim this is Mexicantown’s best taqueria, so why not try them all? Whatever you have it will surely be satisfying.
3443 Bagley St.
Union Woodshop
Topping the list of Thrillist’s 8 Best BBQ Joints in Detroit, Union Woodshop is the place to go according to pitmaster experts. Some of the local favorites are Burnt Ends (charred brisket ends tossed in Memphis sauce) and the Pulled Pork Sandwich (the pulled pork butt is smoked for 12 hours).
18 S. Main, Clarkston
Buddy’s Pizza
As “Detroit’s #1 Square Pizza Since 1946,” Buddy’s is a Detroit staple. As a tourist, you must try the Detroiter (a cheese and pepperoni pizza with Buddy’s Sicilian spice blend added in). These pizzas are famous for their perfectly crisped crust, so be sure to get your mitts on one of the four corner slices.
17125 Conant St.
Cutter’s Bar & Grill
Named after the four meat cutters who originally opened the restaurant, Cutter’s Bar & Grill is all about big, freshly ground, hand-pounded patties. The best burger? That would have to be the One-Pound Burger.
2638 Orleans St.
Vinsetta Garage
Recently featured on the Esquire Network’s Best Bars in America, Vinsetta Garage is all about comfort food and atmosphere. This joint is set in the oldest garage east of the Mississippi and with menu items like Tikka Fries (hand-cut fries that are then topped with chicken tikka masala, house-made paneer and chopped scallions) and the Macon Bacon Burger (an angus beef patty with not one type of bacon but TWO, plus a housemade bacon jam, pancetta and smoked cheddar), you can see why this place is a local favorite.
27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley
Things to See
Eagles Concert July 24th
Take your “Lyin’ Eyes” down to the “Hotel California” to rock out to all your favorite Eagles hits at the Joe Louis Arena.
19 Steve Yzerman Dr.
Shania Twain Concert July 25th
If the Eagles aren’t your thing, head to the Palace of Auburn Hills and catch country/pop artist Shania Twain in concert.
6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills
Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair July 23-25
Looking for a family-friendly fest? Look no further than this summer festival. Filled with arts and crafts, music, food and fun, this Detroit News’ “Michigan’s BEST Summer Festival” title winner is just the place to soak up the sun and have some fun.
42700 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights
St. Clair Riverfest July 23-26
Riverfest is back and better than ever. With carnival rides, boat races and free concerts, how can you not have fun at this Michigan classic?
N. Riverside Ave., St. Clair
Summer Beer Festival July 24-25
The 18th annual Summer Beer Festival is featuring more than 800 different beers from more than 80 Michigan craft breweries this year. Head over to the oldest of the Michigan Brewers Guild’s four annual festivals to enjoy some music and a cold one in Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park.
Riverside Park, Ypsilanti
