New Repairer Forum Launches Successfully

 A new, open forum for collision repairers – The Assembly –  where they  interactively discussed  their operational issues and challenges, shared opinions and collaboratively sought solutions, was  launched at Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW).

The Assembly took place Oct. 10 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

 The “repairer only” aspects were a central theme and driving force for this event and will be the vision for future events.

“With an event like The Assembly, collision repairers have a new place to gather, discuss, engage and interact with each other,” stated Denise Caspersen, ASA collision division manager. “Judging by the crowd that attended this very first session, it was definitely a success and an event we’ll look forward to growing in future years.”

“I felt [The Assembly] was a great venue for shops to share their concerns and to ask questions. I believe attendees were honest and open about their opinions,” commented Darrell Amberson, AAM, LeMettry’s Collision Inc.

The agenda for the first installment of The Assembly featured three topics, which were selected based on feedback from the collision repairers who initially registered for the event.

“When repairers talk about parts procurement, DRPs and the ever-changing auto body industry, there’s a lot of passion and diversity in opinion. The Assembly provided an opportunity for repairers to speak frankly with one another and have their voices heard by their peers,” stated Dan Stander, AAM, Fix Auto Highlands Ranch.

Watch for information on future gatherings of The Assembly at ASRW 2013, scheduled for Oct. 16-19 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“The Assembly exceeded our expectations. We had lively and candid discussions with great audience participation. Everyone voted to continue what was started here,” stated Scott Biggs.

Mike Quinn added, “The success of this first event provides the foundation for future events. We thank each of the repairers who were in attendance and hope they found value in the content and discussions.”