There are several training events held around the country that are notable. TST's Big Event, ASA Northwest's ATE (Automotive Training Expo), and others come to mind. But none can argue that the ONE event that every technician, shop owner and educator should make at least once in their lifetime, it's the VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo event held every March at the Overland Park Convention Center in Kansas.
The event started with the support of a couple of local shop owners, Jerry Holcom and Doug Stoll, held in the basement of a local hotel nearly 30 years ago. Jerry is still plays an active role in VISION's success, serving on the Midwest Auto Care Alliance Board as past president of the organization.
Another key to the success and growth of this event has to be the efforts of MWACA's Executive Director Sheri Hamilton. Sheri joined the team a little over 25 years ago and shares that, at the time, VISION only had about 300 attendees and offered the same class, 3x, over the course of a weekend. Because of her efforts and the MWACA team and membership, VISION has grown to record levels, with over 3,500 attendees in 2019, coming from 43 U.S. states, 7 Canadian provinces, Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, and Zimbabwe.
What makes VISION - VISION? Let's talk about training, first, since that is "job 1" of the event. VISION attracts the best instructors from the various corporate training departments, as well as the top independents, the industry has to offer. All must submit their presentation proposals, which are then reviewed and approved/declined by committee. Being chosen as a VISION presenter is a "badge of honor" and the process, as well as the associated prestige, insures that attendees will only have the best to choose from. That means over 100 management, technical, educator, and heavy-duty training courses offered but don't wait too long to register - the top selections fill fast!
Another highlight of the event is the trade expo. VISION features a 60,000 square-foot exhibit hall showcasing the latest tools, equipment, and technology. Here, attendees can interact with representatives of several of the major aftermarket suppliers, parts houses, and tool/equipment suppliers.
Now there are other events around the country that offer the same; great training opportunities and vendor exhibits. And they also do a great job and are well worth their price of admission. But, for me, what really makes VISION special is the fellowship among the attendees, as well as the opportunity to network with other, like-minded, technicians, shop owners and educators. The host hotel, located adjacent to the convention center that houses the majority of the classes and the trade show hall, fills to capacity months prior to the event. Stop by the hotel bar/restaurant after the training day has completed, and you'll find dozens of people enjoying the company of others who are committed to improving their professional skills and knowledge of the latest vehicle systems. Many have developed deep friendships, bonded by the VISION experience, that carries over after the event has closed. Others meet up with those they may have only interacted with over the phone or social media. And it's not unusual for these conversations to continue late into the night.
For those of you that have followed me over the years, you know I have a passion for training and for bringing you resources that can only help make you a better living in this business. And if you get a chance to attend ANY live event this year, whether it be the Big Event, ATE, ASTE, Super Saturday, or our own Commitment To Training event scheduled for May 9 in Chicago, VISION will continue to be the standard we all compare to. And it's one event you MUST attend at least once so that you can experience it for yourself.
For more information and to register for the 2020 event, click HERE.
And look for me in the Sheraton lobby! You can buy me a beer after classes!
