The Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show was held May 19-20 in Kansas City, MO. Despite being only in its second year, the event expanded its trade show floor and attracted top industry speakers and regional shop operators.
Hosted by several auto body associations, including the Missouri Auto Body Association, Kansas Auto Body Association, Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA), South Dakota Auto Body Association and the Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA), the show offered valuable insights and information over the course of two days.
The energetic weekend started May 19 with Mike Anderson's "Be Extraordinary" presentation, setting a positive tone. Panels covering various topics such as EVs, estimating technology, marketing and culture received favorable feedback from both attendees and vendors. Renowned speakers and panelists included Dirk Fuchs from I-CAR, Jake Rodenroth from Lucid Motors, Rod Cahoy from PPG, Dan Risley from CCC, Danny Gredinberg from DEG, Casey Lund from Collision Leaders (formerly Warrensburg Collision), Mark Claypool from Optima Automotive and more. The first day concluded with a trade show featuring vendors from around the country.
Gina Cotton, executive director of the Nebraska and Missouri auto body associations and show coordinator, expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome from Kansas City and the sponsors.
“It has been amazing,” Cotton said. “We are so appreciative of Kansas City for welcoming us and I’m so appreciative of all the sponsors.”
Day Two continued May 20 with breakout sessions and an open trade show floor throughout the day. During lunchtime, attendees enjoyed a keynote speech by Dan Meers, also known as "KC Wolf," the beloved mascot of the local Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Attendees also savored local BBQ from the renowned Kansas City Jack Stack BBQ.
The show wrapped up with a panel, "There is Nothing Without the Right Culture," moderated by Frank Terlep from Opus IVS. Panelists included Lirel Holt from Powered By U, Lund, Anderson, Ron Reichen from Precision Collision Centers, and Dillon Lapp from Twin River Body Shops.
“Hopefully, we’ll see you at our 2024 Midwest Trade Show!” said Cotton.
Abby Andrews