The SEMA Show, a longstanding event for automotive
enthusiasts, embarked on the 2010 show with a first-time
focus on the collision repair market through a strategic
relationship with the Society of Collision Repair
Specialists (SCRS) and a dedicated area of the show for
collision industry exhibitors. The event organizers worked
with SCRS to roll out SCRS' Repairer Driven Education, which
cycled more than 125 individuals through two days of
educational offerings that covered topics targeted for collision repair professionals.
"Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the
halls of the show and the feedback we have received from
exhibitors, attendees, speakers and show management, this
first year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success
and significant benefit both for the industry and our
association," shared SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. "SCRS worked
incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would
offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops
looking to step outside of their business to find education,
inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses
successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort
with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty
about launching a new venue within the industry. I am
confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished
our goals."
In addition to SCRS' involvement and programs, there were I-CAR training classes, the premeire of the I-CAR
TechPro World Tour, NABC's Recycled Rides giveaway and First
Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE) program, a Recycled
Parts Roundtable discussion hosted by QRP and more than 250
companies exhibiting products to the collision repair
industry.
In compliment to the SEMA Show events, collision industry groups held a variety of meetings throughout the
week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting was
one of the most well attended in modern times with close to 400 attendees, including 66 first-time attendees, which was the largest new attendee base ever, according to Jeff Hendler, CIC director. The CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon had more than 300 attendees making it one of the largest in it's history. CIC also hosted one of its largest receptions ever with more than 400 attendees, Hendler said. It was hosted by Assured Performance
Network and OEM manufacturers. In addition there were
meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM
Roundtable and others. More than 11 collision industry
groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to
the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas
Hilton, SCRS said.
"SCRS has always been an association that follows the will
and direction defined by our members," adds SCRS Vice
Chairman Aaron Clark. "As a volunteer on the Board of
Directors, and as a shop owner and member, it is personally
rewarding for me to see that our decisions are supported by
the industry and validated through their participation and
attendance. Furthermore, building upon how our organization
embraces industry direction, I believe that the significant
amounts of feedback we have already received will allow us
to expand upon this first year accomplishment, and further
amplify our offerings in future years. There is no doubt
that this is an exciting time both for SCRS and the
industry."
Much like SCRS, SEMA Show organizers have a history of
predicating their efforts on attendee input. "We measure our
success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners,
exhibitors and attendees," says Peter MacGillivray, VP of
Events and Communications for SEMA. "Our collaboration with
SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid
step forward in developing a show that serves the industry.
Looking forward we'll continue to invest in such resources
as world-class education and show features that will attract
leading collision repair companies to the annual SEMA
Show."
Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision
industry and SCRS are both assured they will have a
prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show, and the
expectation from SCRS is that the knowledge and experience
gained will aid in surpassing last week's event in size,
scope and caliber.
For more information visit www.scrs.com.
