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Registration for the 2025 MSO Symposium is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, August 26, 2025 – Registration for the 14th annual MSO Symposium is now open. Advisory board members strongly recommend collision industry leadership and management take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to gather with peers and obtain updates on the status and direction of the automotive collision repair marketplace. 

The MSO Symposium, designed for any size multi-shop operator, growing independent collision repair facility, and their business partners, will take place in Las Vegas on Monday, November 3rd, prior to the start of the AAPEX and SEMA Shows. 

“This event is unique because it’s designed by decision-makers, for decision-makers. That focus ensures the conversations are relevant, strategic, and immediately impactful,” stated, Senior Vice President, Sales, Gerber Collision & Glass and MSO Symposium advisory board member, Gary Bunce.

The 2025 program will feature presentations and panel discussions providing insight on the economy, recent consolidation trends, the expanding influence of AI, and an outlook on the industry’s future in claims, among other topics. 

“I’m truly honored to be part of this year’s MSO Advisory Board. Listening to the collaborative thinking among the members and contributing to the creation of meaningful content for attendees has been a wonderful experience,” said Vice President of Vive Collision, Rich Tanchyk.

MSO Symposium’s one-day conference begins at 9 a.m. PDT with a light breakfast and provides the first of many networking breaks. The opening presentation takes stage at 10 a.m. Additional networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the day including a plated luncheon, an afternoon break, and a pre-dinner reception that ends at 6 p.m.

“The quality of the discussions and the class of attendees at the MSO Symposium make it a critical event for any forward-focused organization.” Bunce concluded.

Those interested in attending should register their leadership team members as soon as possible. Advance registration rates are available for a limited time and seating is restricted to those directly involved in the collision repair industry and working as an employee of any size multi-shop operator (MSO) or independent collision repair facility, or as a representative of an Vehicle OEM or insurance provider.

Direct access registration can be found here or on the MSO Symposium’s website msosymposium.com/register

Vendors and suppliers to the industry may also qualify to attend via one of the MSO Symposium’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennie Lepore or Brian Nessen. 

For questions visit msosymposium.com. 

Plans for 2025 MSO Symposium Released

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, August 12, 2025 – The 2025 MSO Symposium returns to Las Vegas on Monday, November 3rd for its 14th annual conference. The Automotive Service Association looks forward to hosting the collision repair industry and kicking off the week of the SEMA/AAPEX show, the automotive industry’s largest convention of the year.

This highly anticipated single-day event brings many of the most experienced, high-growth executives of leading Multi-Shop Operators in the automotive collision repair industry together for peer-to-peer networking, information on growth strategies, and discussion of industry-centered data.

“The MSO Symposium brings together the most forward-thinking minds in collision repair.” Gary Bunce, Senior Vice President, Sales, Gerber Collision & Glass, one of the latest advisory board member additions. ”For me and my team, it’s a must-attend event — a place to stay ahead of industry shifts, engage with peers, and gain insights that directly influence our strategy.”

MSO Symposium advisory board members include executives from many of the fastest growing and most influential multi-shop operators across North America. These leaders come together during numerous meetings to create an event that addresses matters impacting the industry now and in the foreseeable future. 

Incoming advisory board member, Rich Tanchyk, Vice President at VIVE Collision explains, “Our team benefits from the high level of expertise and the wealth of shared experience among attendees. I’m truly honored to be part of this year’s MSO Advisory Board. Listening to the collaborative thinking among the members and contributing to the creation of meaningful content for attendees has been a wonderful experience.”

MSO Symposium sessions will include coverage of key industry data, the impact of artificial intelligence, scanning and calibration processes, trends in vehicle and crash data, mergers and acquisitions, and more.

“Attending the MSO Symposium goes beyond networking — it’s about gaining real-world insights that impact how we lead and grow our business.” Bunce of Gerber Collision and Glass concludes.

Attendance to the MSO Symposium is restricted and qualification standards must be met. Attendance to this meeting is limited to multi-shop operators, large independent operators ($3 million or greater in annual sales), insurance companies, and select OEM’s.

Registration is set to open this month. Administrators advise those interested in attending this year’s conference to keep their schedules open from  9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and to sign up for the MSO Symposium’s  e-communications for event updates. 

For more information, visit our website or contact us.

Caliber Collision, CEO to MC 2024 MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, September 4, 2024 –  David Simmons, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Caliber Holdings LLC, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the 2024 MSO Symposium, taking place Monday, November 4th, in Las Vegas.

David Simmons has a diverse background leading large, multinational organizations in a number of industries and brings his wealth of experience to the 2024 event. This year’s MSO Symposium encompasses a very informative agenda and extensive networking opportunities. 

“It is my privilege to MC this year’s event and continue the legacy of bringing the leadership of the industry together. The MSO Symposium is unique because it brings together executives representing insurance carriers, OEM’s and MSO’s,” stated Simmons. 

The program will run from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on the Monday preceding the AAPEX/SEMA show, with sessions discussing the economy, consolidation trends, expanding AI influences, data concerns, an outlook on the industry’s future, and more.

Simmons added, “Aside from the speakers and content, what impresses me is the collection of industry leaders in attendance representing the most successful MSO’s, networks, and dealer groups in North America.” 

Caliber Collision has served the MSO Symposium for many years, with active participation on its Advisory Board. Current representative, Shawn Hezar, Chief Client Officer emphasizes, “David’s leadership since joining Caliber in 2023 can be characterized by his commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within his organization. “His engagement at this year’s MSO Symposium will be insightful, thought provoking, and a service to this industry.”

Those interested in attending this exclusive annual event must qualify to attend. To meet the attendance requirements one must be:

  • Owner, executive, or manager of any size multi-shop operation (MSO)
  • Leadership or employee of an independent collision repair facility operating with greater than $3 million in annual sales
  • Insurance company representative
  • OEM vehicle manufacturer representative

The only exceptions to this list is the limited number of sponsors that help underwrite the program and our media partners. 

To access registration go here.
For additional information visit msosymposium.com or call 281-819-2332.

Registration for the 2024 MSO Symposium is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, August 28, 2024 – Registration for the 13th annual MSO Symposium is now open. Advisory board members and administrators recommend taking advantage of this once a year opportunity to gather with industry leadership and obtain updates on the collision repair marketplace. 

The symposium, designed for small, medium, and large multi-shop operators, growing independent collision repair facility owners, and their business partners, will take place in Las Vegas, Monday, November 4th, prior to the start of SEMA/AAPEX. The one-day conference begins at 9 a.m. PDT with a light breakfast and the first of many networking breaks. 

“The comradery in our industry is appreciated and it leads to ongoing improvement for our customers and the market. I value hearing from and speaking with my peers regarding what’s working and the challenges we face,” states advisory board member, Mike DeFrancesco, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Collision Right. “At the MSO Symposium, we unite and discuss how to make our industry better for all,” he continues.

The 2024 event program consists of presentations and panel discussions that provide information and insight on the economy, the most recent consolidation trends, expanding AI influences, data breach concerns, an outlook on the industry’s future, and more. Additional networking opportunities include a plated luncheon, an afternoon break, and a post event reception taking place from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday evening.

“The MSO Symposium’s uniqueness has made the conference a staple for owners, managers,and  executives leading collision repair facilities in the North American market” states Roy Schnepper, Owner of Butler’s Collision, a small MSO out of Michigan.

Those interested in attending should register their teams as soon as possible as seating is limited and early registration discounts are only available for a limited time.

Please be advised that this is a closed meeting and attendance requirements for the MSO Symposium are in place.

To access early registration rates, go to the MSO Symposium’s website or follow msosymposium.com/register

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. For questions regarding registration, please contact Jennie Lepore or Brian Nessen, or visit msosymposium.com.

MSO Symposium Releases 2023 Conference Agenda

Posted by Jennie

The MSO Symposium, an exclusive one-day conference created by and for multi-shop owners and operators and their industry partners, will be held in Las Vegas, Oct. 30, the Monday before SEMA/AAPEX. As is tradition, this annual program provides insight on critical topics to the leaders and executives of the industry’s most influential collision repair operators in North America and beyond.

The program begins at 9 a.m. PDT with a welcome breakfast and networking hour, sponsored by Original One Parts. This sets the stage for the symposium and provides attendees the chance to catch up with colleagues from around the industry and discuss opportunities with the vendors supporting the industry’s largest collision operations.

In addition to a uniquely informative agenda, featuring successful MSO Executives, Amazon, and economy experts, three additional networking opportunities are set aside during the event: a formal luncheon sponsored by PPG, a refreshment break sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems, and an exclusive industry reception from 5:15 – 7:00 p.m. sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Below is an overview of the 2023 MSO Symposium timeline, agenda, and participating companies:

Monday, October 30, 2023
9:00–10:00 a.m.        Welcome Networking Hour & Breakfast
 10:00–10:15 a.m.       Introductions and Overview
                                      Crash Champions
 10:15–10:45 a.m.       Trends and Metrics Impacting the Repair
  Facility Market
                                       CCC Intelligent Solutions
 10:45–11:15 a.m.        Consolidation 2023: The Big Consolidators and
  the Fast Track MSOs Chasing Them
                                        Focus Advisors
 11:15–11:45 a.m.         Private Equity and Consolidation Trends
  Across the Collision Landscape
                                        Stifel Nicolaus Investment Banking
 11:45–12:30 p.m.       Broken Narratives and Busted Bumpers –
  2024 Outlook for the Auto Repair Market
                                        Beacon Economics
 12:30–1:45 p.m.         Formal Luncheon
 1:45–2:30 p.m.          Panel Discussion: After the First Location-
  Challenges and Opportunities in Growing an MSO
                                       Collision Advice | Collision Leaders |
                                      Eustis Body Shop | Martin’s Body Shop | Midwest ADAS
2:30–3:00 p.m.         Beyond Consolidation
                                       Jeffries LLC
 3:00–3:45 p.m.         Networking Break
 3:45–4:30  p.m.         Panel Discussion: Evolving Scanning
  & Calibration Business Models
                                       ATE | Berkshire Hathaway | Caliber Collision |
                                      Gerber Collision & Glass | LaMettry’s Collision
 4:30–5:15 p.m.          The Next Big Thing
                                     Amazon Web Services
 5:15–7:00 p.m.           Industry Reception


For more information on agenda topics and speakers, you may visit www.msosymposium.com/agenda. To begin the online application process visit: msosymposium.com/register. Those interested in registering should be advised that attendance is limited to those who qualify to attend. This includes multi-shop operators of all sizes, insurers, OEMs, and single-location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales.  Limited attendance by equipment or service providers is still available. For additional information visit msosymposium.com or contact Jennie Lepore or Brian Nessen.

Matt Ebert of Crash Champions to Lead 2023 MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

Matt Ebert, Founder & CEO of Crash Champions, will serve as emcee for the 2023 MSO Symposium, which will take place Monday, Oct. 30, at The Mirage Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“Throughout its history, the MSO Symposium has earned a reputation as a dynamic platform that brings together top MSO leaders and executives,” Ebert said. “As a lifelong collision repair professional and MSO founder, it’s a true privilege to serve as emcee for this year’s event.”  

Ebert is a passionate entrepreneur who founded Crash Champions in 1999 as a single local repair center serving New Lenox, IL. He has overseen the rapid expansion of the brand into the third-largest MSO in the U.S. Today, Crash Champions serves customers at more than 600 locations in 36 states as the largest founder-led MSO in the country.

“The MSO Symposium has served as the genesis of many significant advancements and innovations in our industry,” Ebert added. “And I believe the 2023 edition of the MSO Symposium will continue that proud tradition.” 

This year’s MSO Symposium encompasses extensive networking opportunities and a very informative agenda. The program will assist small, medium, and large MSOs and growing independent repair facilities in understanding current influences on their business and the data behind it. The program runs from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 30 with sessions that include discussions on private equity, the economy, consolidation trends, expanding streams of income, and an outlook on the industry’s future.

Ebert joined the MSO Symposium’s Advisory Board in 2022. He was named the 2022 MSO Executive of the Year and was recently named a winner of the Midwest Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year award. 

“Matt’s participation and experience instantly had a positive impact on the program. We are pleased to have him serve as emcee at our 12th annual event.” explains Roy Schnepper, former chair and current board member of the MSO Symposium.

To join leading executives from the largest and most successful collision repair facilities in North America at this exclusive annual event, those who qualify may register by following this link. To meet the attendance requirements one must be an owner or executive of any size multi-shop operation (MSO), an employee of an independent collision repair facility operating with greater than $3 million in annual sales, or a representative of a vehicle manufacturer (OEM) or insurance company. The only exception is the limited number of sponsors that help underwrite the program. 

Additional information can be found at: msosymposium.com or by calling 281-819-2332

Registration for MSO Symposium’s 12th Annual Event is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, August 16, 2023 – Advisory board members and administrators of the MSO Symposium announced that registration for the 12th annual meeting is now open.

The symposium, designed for collision repair facility owners, executives, and industry leaders, will take place at the Mirage Convention Center in Las Vegas, Monday, October 30th, prior to the start of SEMA/AAPEX. 

The one-day conference will begin at 9 a.m. PDT with a light breakfast and networking. The unique program will provide information and insight on the economy, financial and investment opportunities, and new vehicle and new technology repair adaptations. The conference will conclude at 7 p.m., after a networking reception. Those interested in attending should register their teams as soon as possible as seating is limited. Early registration discounts are available through the end of the month.

“The MSO Symposium is truly unique,” states Shawn Hezar, Chief Client Officer at Caliber Collision Centers and MSO Symposium advisory board member. “The event’s natural evolution includes conversations that are impacting small to mid-size MSOs and independent repair facilities, not just the large MSOs,” he continues. “This segment of the collision repair space continues to expand and so does the reach of these important topics.” 

This year, conversations on shop specialization, labor acquisition and retention, and anticipated shifts in the economy will be in focus. Accompanying discussions will include insurance relations, the industry’s growth trends and expectations, as well as what repair facility owners can expect to prepare their business for next. 

“If you are looking at the next steps in expansion or how to position your business for growth in a rapidly changing environment, this is a must attend event for you and your team’s leadership.” Hezar concludes. 

Please be advised that this is a closed meeting and attendance requirements for the MSO Symposium are in place. To qualify, you must be an executive or owner of a multi-shop operation, single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales, or a representative from an insurance company or OEM.

To access early registration rates, go to the MSO Symposium’s website or follow www.msosymposium.com/register

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. For questions regarding registration, please contact Jennie Lepore or Brian Nessen, or visit msosymposium.com. 

About MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium is an annual conference directed by many of the most experienced, high-growth executives working within the multi-shop operations, or MSOs, of the automotive collision repair industry. This event, now in its 12th year, offers unique opportunities to learn from and network with industry peers and leaders, acquire knowledge from field experts on current topics influencing the collision repair business, and discover equipment and services made for collision repair business’ success. 

For more information be sure to check out www.msosymposium.com

Date and Location for the 2023 MSO Symposium Announced

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, July 31, 2023 – MSO Symposium advisory board members have met several times over the past few months to discuss plans for the 12th annual MSO Symposium. This unique program provides executive-level information on current trends in the collision repair industry along with micro- and macro-economic impacts.

Those interested in participating in the industry’s premier executive event should mark their calendars for this year’s conference, set to take place in Las Vegas on October 30th, the Monday of SEMA/AAPEX week at the Mirage Convention Center. 

Similar to years past, the event’s agenda, timing, and content is directed by industry leaders who voluntarily participate on the program’s advisory board. 

“The MSO Symposium is the perfect place to meet the best and brightest of the collision industry. Whether it’s keeping up with industry trends, taking a forward look at where the business is headed, or simply networking with colleagues, the MSO Symposium is the place to be.” explains David Black, Corporate Collision Director at Dealer Group, Body by Cochran. 

This year’s event will begin at 9:00 a.m. PDT with coffee, networking, and a sponsor showcase. Following is an informative program that highlights important business trends involving the economy, private equity, and industry consolidation, in addition to informative panel discussions and future outlooks in the collision repair industry. The one day conference sessions conclude at 5:30 p.m. and an evening networking reception will directly follow. 

For those interested in registering for the 2023 event, be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. Those able to attend this closed meeting include insurers, OEM’s, multi-shop operators, and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Early bird registration will open next week and will be available for a limited time. Sign up for the MSO Symposium’s  e-communications to stay up-to-date with the latest event announcements and participation opportunities. 

Equipment and service providers to the industry are also invited to attend the event via one of the limited sponsorship opportunities. Attendance by media personnel is available, but also limited. For more information, you may visit our website or contact us. 

MSO Symposium Announces 2022 Master of Ceremonies

Posted by Jennie

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its board of directors are pleased to announce Dean Fisher of Driven Brands will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2022 MSO Symposium, being held Monday, Oct. 31 at The Venetian in Las Vegas from 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Dean Fisher brings well-rounded insight to this year’s event with almost 50 years of experience in the automotive industry: from owning multiple automotive-related companies, to bringing his independent collision repair facility into the CARSTAR family and becoming a franchise owner, and holding varying leadership roles on the corporate team at CARSTAR, including chief operations officer and president of the CARSTAR brand. Dean now serves as president of collision companies within Driven Brands and is focused on helping ABRA, CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA to maximize its franchisees’ growth, profitability, and operational standards.

Dean has been a regular attendee of the MSO Symposium since its inception in 2011 and explains just one of many reasons for attending the event. “The panel discussions on different topical items are always my favorite. Hearing the interchange between MSO groups of varying sizes all coming together to discuss what’s working, where we have opportunities, and what we can do together to make the industry better is unmatched.”

This year’s MSO Symposium in Las Vegas encompasses networking opportunities and a dynamic and interactive agenda set to assist small to large and growing repair facilities with their business’ efficiency and productivity. “The MSO Symposium is an open forum for MSOs, from small regionals to large consolidators, to have high-level strategic discussions on these topical issues,” continued Fisher.  

Sessions at the 2022 event include a deeper dive into: the electric vehicle discussion; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) opportunities; AI; and the labor space. To join leading executives from the largest and most successful collision repair facilities in North America at this exclusive annual event, register by following this link.

“I’m humbled and honored to be moderating this year. Looking back, I remember attending the MSO Symposium championing an independent model with a franchise network of 200 locations. Now I’m moderating ahead of my retirement and at the peak of my career, supporting a network of almost 1,000 independently owned locations,” Fisher concluded.

If you would like to register for the 2022 event, please be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. To qualify, you must be a MSO, insurer, OEM, or single location repair facility with $3 million or more in annual sales. The only exception is the limited number of sponsors that help underwrite the program.

About MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium is an annual conference directed by many of the most experienced, high-growth executives working within the multi-shop operators, or MSOs, of the automotive collision repair industry and brought to you by ASA. This event, now in its 11th year, offers unique opportunities to learn from and network with industry peers and leaders, acquire knowledge from field experts on current topics influencing the collision repair business, and discover equipment and services made for collision repair business’ success.

About the Automotive Service Association

ASA-National founded the MSO Symposium in 2011. 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 ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com.

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Registration for MSO Symposium’s 11th Annual Event is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the MSO Symposium advisory board announced the 11th annual MSO Symposium will be held October 31st, the Monday before SEMA/AAPEX, in Las Vegas.

Created by and for multi-shop owners, the event will begin at 10 a.m. PDT with a light breakfast, networking, and vendor displays. Following will be a unique program providing information and insight on the economy, the industry’s current state of affairs, matters concerning ESG, DEI, and the lessons observed in private equity and electric vehicle repair adaptation. The conference will conclude at 7 p.m., after an exclusive industry reception.

“The MSO Symposium is truly unique. The caliber of content received, alongside the chance to network with executive peers, is a combination you simply don’t find elsewhere,” stated Julie Massaro, Executive Director of ASA. “The event’s agenda, timing, and content is directed by industry leaders who voluntarily participate on the program’s advisory board.” {www.msosymposium.com/2022-2/advisory-board/}

This year, conversations on national and global shifts of the industry’s economic trends, collaborative partnerships, and internal and external growth expectations will be addressed. Panel participants and presenters will be industry and economy experts, and executives of MSOs, insurance companies, and OEMs.

“This event is not just for large MSOs. If you’re a small to mid-size MSO or independent repair facility looking at the next step, the MSO Symposium will help you successfully prepare your business for the future.” stated Roy Schnepper, owner of Butler’s Collision and MSO Symposium advisory board member. ”The collision repair industry is dealing with incredible technological advancements in today’s vehicles, and companies need to know how to position their business for growth in this changing environment.” 

For those interested in registering for the 2022 event, please be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. Qualification standards are met by insurers, OEM’s, multi-shop operators, and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Registration with the early bird rate is available for a limited time. To begin the registration process go to the MSO Symposium’s website: www.msosymposium.com/register

“The MSO Symposium continues to bring together the multi-shop owners and operators, dealers, franchisees, and repair networks from all across North America. This exclusive event has evolved into the largest conference in the world, where only collision industry repairers, insurers, and OEMs can gather exclusively,” stated ASA Executive Director, Julie Massaro.  

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. For questions regarding registration, please reach out to Jennie Lenk. For sponsorship information, visit the MSO website or contact Brian Nessen.