Details released for Multi-Shop Operator Symposium at NACE/CARS

The full agenda has been released for this year’s MSO Symposium during NACE | CARS.

The event features Mike LeVasseur as master of ceremony and chairman of the event’s new advisory board.

The symposium, aimed at multi-shop operators in the collision industry, will cover topics such as business growth, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, insurance, industry trends, and other management-focused topics.

The MSO Symposium has drawn attendance from many large multi-shop operations since its premier in 2011. To increase industry input and assist in content development, the MSO Symposium Advisory Board was created for this year. Members include Tim Adelman, David Byers, Chris Abraham, Steve Grimshaw, Erick Bickett, Mike LeVasseur, Tim O’Day, Darrell Amberson, Dan Dutra, Carl Garcia, Randy Stabler, Dan Risley & Russell Thrall. Additionally, Dan Risley, Darrell Amberson and Russell Thrall will act as co-producers of the event. This year’s symposium will cater to a broader group of executives than ever before, allowing it to be more inclusive of some of the best operators in the collision repair industry.

“Some of the best and brightest minds in the collision repair industry will be present during this years MSO Symposium. The content was created by the industry making this truly an event for them and about them,” stated Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director.

The MSO will open Thursday, July 23 at 12pm with a private welcome and strolling lunch. The program will take place from 1:00 – 5:30pm followed by a private reception at COBO Center in Detroit from 5:30 – 7:00pm. Full details of the Symposium agenda are included below.

Among items on the agenda:

MSO Update & State-of-the-Industry Address

Vincent Romans of The Romans Group will act as moderator, kicking off the MSO Symposium once again with up-to-date information on the industry. In Roman’s in-depth look at the current state-of-the-industry, he will provide information detailing trends in the collision repair industry and a breakdown of the number of shops in the industry, dealership groups and MSOs.

Management Models

This panel, moderated by Russell Thrall, will be comprised of representatives from Canada’s government insurance (ICBC), Ford Motor Company, Allstate Insurance, Assured Performance Network and an individual speaking on behalf of Australia and Asia. A global view of changes within the industry as vehicles become more complex will be addressed. Key discussion points will cover repair segmentation, certified repair centers, OE certification, capitation, and parts purchasing models.

Insurer Panel

With Mike LeVasseur acting as moderator, an interactive panel including representatives from Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, American Family, Service King, and Crash One will discuss direct repair programs. Some topics that will be discussed include the future of direct repair programs (DRP), as well as its current advantages and challenges, and how repairers and insurers are handling the influx of specialty materials, certification programs, and the like.

Shortage of Qualified Employees, Developing Talent and Retention

A panel, moderated by Tony Molla, will discuss unique approaches to identify and develop talent for those in the collision repair industry, as well as in other industry segments. Panelists will provide attendees with a new perspective, and possibly new direction, in developing talent. Additionally, this will provide insight on effective ways to retain talent and protect your most valuable assets.

The ABC’s of Financing

Moderated by Dave Roberts, this session will cover trends in consolidation and the financial shift. Complete details coming soon.

NPS & CSI

This session, moderated by Mike LeVasseur, will address the challenges of maintaining high NPS & CSI scores over multiple locations and provide solutions to maintain high levels of customer service, even when rapidly expanding. Leading companies that provide tools and resources to measure customer service will provide insight on companies that are performing well, including tips on how to improve and maintain scores.