The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) held its first meeting of 2012 at Toronto's Sheraton Airport Hotel, packing the conference facility with more than 300 attendees.
The room was electric as collision repairers, insurers, suppliers and service providers mingled and networked. And with a busy agenda, the day proved to be full of intense topics, discussions, industry updates and introductions to new technology.
The morning sessions featured a colourful presentation by motivational speaker Richard Flint of Richard Flint International, followed by an update from I-CAR's Andrew Shepherd on how the training program is expanding to better meet the needs of the industry.
Did you know that Collision Repair has become a hot destination at our National Skills Competition? Leanne Blackborrow of CCIF Skills Program discussed how they've evolved the trade presentation to highlight the skills and artistic flare of the occupation.
The morning sessions were capped off with presentations from Roger Schroder of Car-Part.com-displaying new online technology for easier recycled part procurement-and Steve Fletcher or ARC talking about its recycled parts initiative.
The afternoon agenda proved to be the "piece de resistance," with a riveting panel discussion on new OE metal developments and technology and how it could reshape the collision repair industry.
Don Strong, the owner of Concordia CARSTAR collision in Ottawa, brought the realities of what's changed on the shop floor to the table, while Rich Zamperin of Allstate Insurance Canada discussed rating and pricing decisions from an insurance perspective. Rounding out this discussion, Michel Matte of BMW Canada presented an OE viewpoint, highlighting brand strategies, customer retention and maintaining an overall customer experience.
For more on the CCIF Toronto meeting, pick up the February issue of Bodyshop magazine.