2017 Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo draws over 3,500 attendees

The 2017 Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, a three-and-a-half day event of management and technical training, drew in over 3,500 automotive technicians, nearly 2,000 of those service professionals attended the training sessions in Kansas.

From March 2-5, attendees choose from about 70 management and technical training courses, including live-car and hands-on training. The 60,000 sq. ft. exhibit halls also showcased the latest tools, equipment and technology for today's automotive service professional, panel discussions, keynote speakers, a comedy night, an awards dinner and more. 

The Automotive Management Institute (AMi) also held its annual graduation ceremony during the event. The graduating class of the 23rd Accredited Automotive Managers (AAMs) included three automotive service and collision repair professionals. The graduation also recognized 40 members of the Accredited Master Automotive Mangers (AMAM) who completed 180 credits of AMi courses.

Industry Panel Discussions

The eXchange Industry Think Tank Panel Discussion, which drew 350 technicians and was moderated by retired educator Rick Escalambre, has revolved around current training programs, challenges and accomplishments in the industry since its inception. This year's panel built off that, and was themed "Making it Happen." The panelists highlighted attracting students to a career in the industry, providing career awareness, flexible aftermarket training, vocational education following a path from entry level to retirement, among other topics.

The following educators and industry professionals attended the panel :

• Chris Chesney, Carquest/Advanced Auto Parts manager/educator
• Mike Davidson, American Skilled Labor Association president
• Julia Johnson, Skyline College educator
• Bill Lieb, Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage educator
• Greg Settle, TechForce Foundation director
• Richard Young, Technician Academy program director

A video stream from the panel discussion can be viewed online on the iATN YouTube.

Keynote Speakers

On March 4, Scott McKain delivered a keynote address, "The Ultimate Customer Experience" on delivering a distinctive experience to keep customers talking and loyal.

Text DISTINCT to 96000 to receive the presentation and McKain's ebook on the topic.

On March 5, keynote speaker Chris Chesney provided insight into the future of the industry, how shops must get involved and begin growing their own technicians in his session, "Where to Find Tomorrow's Technicians."

Visit this link to view Chesney's PowerPoint presentation.

Awards Dinner

The Vision awards committee announced and presented several awards including:

• Service Facility of the Year - inMotion, Sheeri Stock and Jared McPike 
• Educator of the Year - Bill Lieb, Career & Tech Center at Fort Osage
• President's Award - Rick Tyner, Viper Tradeshow Services 
• Best Website - E&M Motors, Gary Keyes
• Furthest Traveled - Taurayi Sewera, Harare, Zimbabwe
• Best New Product - Snap-on Tools, Diagnostic Thermal Imager

Exhibitors throughout the exhibit hall had the opportunity to "wow" attendees with new and up-and-coming products. 

All entries were displayed in the New Product Showcase just outside the exhibit hall floor where attendees were able to vote for the best new product of 2017.

• Booth of the Year (Small) - Team Allied
• Booth of the Year (Large) - ACDelco
• ASA-Midwest Technical Training Scholarship - Timothy Ratcliff, Craig's Auto Repair 
• Robert L. O'Connor Memorial Management Scholarship - Jessica Howey, Doug's Service Center
• Dave DeCourcey Next Generation Scholarship - Yosef Rex, Direct Drive Diagnostic Center
• ASA-Midwest $1,000 Scholarships - Jacoby Allen, Cory Jansen, Justin Jungers, Nathan Sporrer

See more photos of the event on the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo Facebook page.