The ABPA’s 37th annual meeting and convention got down to business on Thursday, April 26, when ABPA Chair Kim Hicks gavelled the convention to order. A full day of expert speakers, industry updates, and educational breakout sessions followed, including an emotional ceremony in which a young family from Atlanta received the latest vehicle donated by the National Auto Body Council’s “Recycled Rides” program. The busy day was capped off with a gala dinner and the always enjoyable CCC-sponsored after party. Scroll down to view images from throughout the day.
Atlanta’s Renaissance Midtown Hotel served as the convention’s host site.
NSF International sponsored the welcome dinner on Wednesday evening.
A huge thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsors, CAPA, TYC Genera, and NSF.
The annual meeting would not be possible without the support of all of our generous sponsors.
The official program kept attendees on track for two busy days of meetings and events.
ABPA Chairperson Kim Hicks of Microrim welcomes attendees.
ABPA President Jim Hicks stressed the importance of supporting the ABPA’s legal fund, and led a highly successful on-site donation campaign.
Executive Director Ed Salamy and his organizing committee once again presented an annual meeting that was well attended, well received and filled with essential information and education.
Brandon Eckenrode of the Collision Repair Education Foundation outlined his organization’s efforts to ensure a strong future for the industry by supporting collision repair training in schools and colleges.
Ray Colas of LKQ gave an in-depth overview of the many state legislative issues facing the aftermarket parts industry.
Dave Smith explained how Caliber Collision prefers to with suppliers and distributors as partners.
Jack Gillis of CAPA provided an update on his organization’s continuing efforts to certify parts in order to compete with OEM products.
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