Educational Schedule, Structure Released for New MSO Symposium

Details surrounding the Multiple Shop Operator (MSO) Symposium – the newest event at Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) – were released , including educational content, speakers and the full schedule.

The MSO Symposium will take place Thursday, Oct. 6, featuring an all-day program consisting of education and networking specific to MSOs. Sponsors of this highly anticipated event include CCC Information Services, Toyota Wholesale Parts, DuPont Performance Coatings, The Romans Group LLC, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and UniCure Spray booths. The MSO Symposium is hosted by Matthew Ohrnstein, managing director of Symphony Advisors. The MSO Symposium will start with a networking breakfast, followed by a full day of panelists, keynote speakers, facilitated discussions, a CEO roundtable, Q&A sessions, and a concluding networking reception. Schedule of Events:

“Attendees are going to get some unique content directed at multiple shop operators who are intending to continue their growth,” said Ron Pyle, ASA president. “There will be some financial perspective, acquisition perspectives, operational- and insurance relationship-specific content, and content on how to acquire and develop additional locations if you’re an expanding MSO. It won’t be just one static format, but a variety of dynamic presentations facilitated by some of the leaders who are well-known within the industry.” The MSO Symposium is produced by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), NACE and Symphony Advisors.

“We had quite a bit of input from MSOs in the development of the content. Our current NACE chairman, Ron Nagy, is a multiple-shop operator in Ohio and this is a passion of his to get this information in the symposium,” continued Pyle. Registration to the all-day event is complimentary to qualified MSOs, but is limited to the first 100 registrants (limit of three people per company). Qualified MSOs who wish to register may call (972) 536-6318 or email shausler@hanleywood.com. Space is going quickly for this event and attendees are encouraged to register at their earliest convenience as availability is limited. Attendees of the MSO Symposium have an opportunity to purchase a Super Pass to take full advantage of everything ASRW has to offer on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

7:30 am – 8:30 am Networking Breakfast
8:30 am – 10:00 am General Session with Chris Brogan (social media guru)
10:20 am – 10:30 am Welcome and Opening Comments
10:30 am – 12:00 pm Lessons Learned From The “Big 4”
Facilitated by: Matthew Ohrnstein, Symphony Advisors
Guest Panelists:
Rollie Benjamin, ABRA Auto Body & Paint, CEO
Cathy Bonner, Service King Collision Centers, President
Brock Bulbuck, The Boyd Group, CEO
Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision Centers, CEO
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Networking Luncheon
Topic: “Money Talks: The Investor’s View of the State of the Financial Markets and What Does The Next Five Years Look Like For Owners of and Investors in Multiple Collision Repair Shop Operators”
Keynote Speaker: Rex Green, BB&T Capital Markets, Managing Director
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Scale Matters: The Evolving Relationship Among Insurers, MSOs, Suppliers and Information Service Providers
Facilitated by: Vincent Romans, The Romans Group
Guest Panelists:
Bill Brower, Liberty Mutual Insurance, AVP & Manager, Auto Physical Damage
Jim Dickens, CCC Information Services, Senior Vice President
Terry Fortner, LKQ Keystone, Vice President
Jim Gadberry, Nationwide Insurance, Associate Vice President
Shawn Hezar, Apex Auto Body, CEO
David Smith, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Vice President
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Networking Break
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm The Art of the Deal – Acquiring and Developing New Locations
Facilitated by: Matthew Ohrnstein, Symphony Advisors
Guest Speaker: John Walcher, Veritas Advisors
Guest Panelists:
John Gagliano, Collex Collision Experts, CEO
Harry Hall, Dupont Performance Coatings, North America Sales Manager
Pat James, Auto Body America, CEO
Brandon Thomas, Collision Revision, President
5:15 pm – 7:30 pm Closing Networking Reception

About the Events
ASRW includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), which makes it the industry’s leading event for dedicated professionals to conduct business, network and engage in industry issues. The Tradeshow News Network (TSNN) recognized ASRW as a 2010 Top 250 U.S. trade show. ASRW 2011 is scheduled for Oct. 5-8 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Attendee registration is now open and features a $25 Expo Pass and $355 all-access Super Pass. Online housing registration is also open, and provides a variety of hotel options within the vicinity of the Orange County Convention Center.

NACE – the world’s collision repair event – represents the only B2B event of its kind specifically designed for collision repair industry professionals from around the globe. NACE features a comprehensive educational Conference and Exposition with hundreds of diverse exhibiting companies displaying the latest equipment, products, services and technology available to today’s collision repair industry.

CARS – the premier event for automotive service professionals – features a high-quality education lineup led by industry leaders, along with an exhibitor showcase of automotive service and repair related equipment, products and services.

The ASRW media center is sponsored by searchautoparts.com/ABRN.

For additional information, contact Hanley Wood Exhibitions at P.O. Box 612128, Dallas, Texas 75261-2128, call (888) 529-1641 or (972) 536-6444, or visit www.ASRWevents.com.