More than a thousand automotive repair professionals gathered Nov. 1-3 at the 2007 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) held at the Flamingo Las Vegas. CARS is held annually in Las Vegas, and focuses on management and technical education along with networking opportunities and an exhibitor showcase.
“CARS continues to gain recognition as ‘the place to meet for automotive service and repair professionals,’” said Robbie Addison, ASA Mechanical Division manager. “This year’s event was the best yet – and plans are already under way to provide even more opportunities for education and networking at next year’s event. In addition, exhibitors will benefit from changes planned for next year with additional space and exhibiting hours.”
CARS 2007 offered 12 technical courses and four Automotive Management Institute (AMI)-approved seminars taught by leading instructors in the industry. Thursday night, Nov. 1, an estimated 1,200 industry professionals convened for the sixth annual Service Professionals Industry Reception co-hosted by ASA and the International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN). In addition to networking and special show discounts, the event provided attendees the opportunity to visit with more than 50 participating companies in the expanded CARS Exhibitor Showcase. Exhibitor Showcase hours were extended during this year’s event to allow attendees more time to visit with exhibitors and learn the latest products and services available to repairers.
The annual CARS Saturday Luncheon included a keynote address by Jones Loflin. Known as “The Speaker with Two Last Names,” Loflin used his dynamic communication skills and enthusiasm to deliver an entertaining and enlightening program for attendees. He shared some key strategies from the book, “Juggling Elephants,” which he co-authored. Attendees learned how to focus on being more productive in their professional and personal endeavors.
“We reach a point when we reach our limits – emotional, physical and psychological. We can’t do it all,” Loflin said. “Plan for your limits by approaching them like a circus,” which includes three key elements, he said, the performance, the performers and the audience. Loflin shared the importance of creating a “blueprint” for your life and also stressed the importance of identifying one’s purpose so you know the outcome you’re seeking. Keeping with the circus analogy, Loflin said, “Intermission allows you to start planning for the next half … Revolutionize the way you do things and take better care of yourself.”
Rounding out CARS 2007 was a pre-event OEM Tool Forum, an open general meeting of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), a legislative update from Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative, and Saturday night’s Member Appreciation Reception. Visit www.CARSonline.org for highlights from the show.
CARS 2008 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas. CARS will be part of the newly announced Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW), which will also include the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). More information about ASRW, and next year’s CARS and NACE events, will soon be available.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to http://www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at http://www.TakingTheHill.com.