The 5th Annual Midwest Auto Body Trade Show offers an indepth introduction to new technology and new repair techniques in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 19.
"This critical information is something our colleagues will only receive in this forum," says John Arnold of Arnold's Body Shop in Davenport, Iowa, and vice president of the Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA). "There is tremendous value in what is happening here."
“The Midwest Auto Body Trade Show is in a new venue and a new month, promising to be better than ever," states Dick Merron, Iowa Auto Rebuilders and Midwest Autobody Trade Show chairman.
Keynote Speaker Ken Boylan, Global Training Manager at Chief Automotive Technologies, will cover things such as laser welding, friction stir welding, bonding, riveting and drill into some techniques that are also applicable for steel. Boylan will explore the characteristics of aluminum, how it is formed and how the manufacturers are using it. Boylan has presented at the I-CAR Convention in Detroit, NACE, SEMA and the SCRS OEM Collision Technology Summit.
A Ford F-150 Military Grade Aluminum Pick Up and other automobiles featuring new technology will be on the trade show floor.
Iowa Community Colleges will be participating in a refinish competition that will be judged at the Trade Show. “We are very excited to integrate this competition into the Trade Show,” states Janet Chaney, ICRA executive director. “We have outstanding programs at the colleges in Iowa and want to support them. We will embrace these students and welcome them to this great industry.”
A cornerstone of this event is the popular feature, "There is No Free Lunch." Along with keynote Boylan, Iowa Senator Brad Zaun and ICRA lobbyist Scott Weiser will bring the collision industry up to date on this year’s legislative activities. “Cool Tools for Today’s Vehicles” will also be presented.
The trade show floor opens directly after the luncheon to over 60 vendor display booths and "Training in the Round," where free education will take place on the trade show floor. In addition, I-CAR’s New Technology 2015 starts the day at 8:30.
Show specials, gift certificates, special show discounts and door prizes will be offered during the show, along with a display of new car models.
The 5th Annual Midwest Auto Body Trade Show is a free inter-industry event, inviting collision repairers, insurers, manufacturers, vendors, recyclers, OEMs and students from the Midwest to participate.
"This is the largest and best Midwest show yet," says Merron. "We are proud to bring this high-level education, training and networking to the collision industry. We have to be prepared for what is coming, and now is the time to do it."
For a schedule and register for “There Is No Free Lunch," ($40) please go to www.iowacra.com. Please call Sheraton West Des Moines, 515-223-1800, for the Trade Show room rate of $129. For further information, call Janet Chaney at 480.720.2565
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