NACE | CARS 2015 is Coming Up; Here’s Why You Should Be There

What will you be doing July 21-25? We hope your answer is “attending NACE | CARS 2015 at Cobo Center in Detroit!” But if not, there’s still plenty of time to register for one of the premier events in the collision repair industry.

NACE | CARS 2015 brings the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) and Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) under one roof. In addition to a trade show floor with more than 180 exhibitors, NACE | CARS 2015 features a full slate of educational sessions, training classes, panel discussions and product demos. Here are some highlights:

Education and Training

The NACE | CARS 2015 educational schedule includes 11 I-CAR^® sessions, including the 2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training Course, Vehicle Technology and Trends 2015 and Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair and Replacement. See the full I-CAR session schedule here.

On July 23, Chief’s own global training manager, Ken Boylan, will lead the Collision Repair 2015 Design Based Repair educational session. This course includes an overview of the latest vehicle construction technologies and materials, providing technicians with the knowledge needed to return collision-damaged vehicles to OEM specifications.

Exhibit Hall

There will be several areas on the NACE | CARS 2015 trade show floor set aside for live welding, spraying and other repair demonstrations. Additional presentations will be held on the I-CAR Stage. Be sure to stop by Chief booth #516 to see our latest shop tools and welding equipment.

NACE | CARS 2015 Exhibit Hall Hours

Thursday, July 23: Noon – 6 p.m. (Opening Reception on the show floor starts at 5 p.m.)

Friday, July 24: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Networking Reception on the show floor starts at 5 p.m.)

Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pricing and Discounts

The EXPO Pass, which includes admission to the trade show floor and Opening General Session, is only $35. Additional packages are available online. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of any applicable discounts when you register. I-CAR Gold Class Repair Shops and I-CAR Platinum^™ certified technicians receive 50 percent off Super Pass, Half Day and Full Day packages, while educational instructors can purchase an EXPO Pass for just $25.

Bonus Activities

NACE | CARS 2015 attendees can have fun while networking with other collision repair professionals at the Collision Repair Education Foundation Golf Fundraiser on July 22. The golf outing, which takes place at the Arnold Palmer-designed Northville Hills Golf Club, raises money to help the Foundation support collision repair students and their schools’ collision repair programs.

Other bonus activities include tours that will depart from Cobo Center throughout the week. The tours visit nearby vehicle plants and historical sites, offering NACE | CARS 2015 attendees the opportunity to see how the vehicles they work on are made, and also learn about their history. Available tours include the Ford Rouge Factory (F-150), Ford Piquette Plant Museum, Henry Ford Museum, General Motors Heritage Center, Walter P. Chrysler Museum, General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (Volt Plant) and Conner Avenue (Dodge Viper) Assembly Plant. Full tour details are available online.

For more information about NACE | CARS 2015, visit www.naceexpo.com. We hope to see you there!

Photo credit: NACE | Cars Expo & Conference