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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.

2024 MSO Symposium Plans Announced

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, August 16, 2024 – The 13th annual MSO Symposium will take place in Las Vegas on Monday, November 4th in advance of the SEMA/AAPEX show. MSO Symposium advisory board members and administrators advise the industry to keep their schedules open for the 9 a.m. – 7 p.m meeting.

The reputation of the MSO Symposium is a direct result of the time and attention given by many executives representing the most influential multi-shop operators in the collision repair industry.  Annually, MSO leadership comes together to network, discuss industry matters, and learn about issues impacting their businesses now and in the foreseeable future. 

“A few of the many reasons I find value in attending this event annually is the MSO Symposium provides the distinctive opportunity for leaders to gather, network, and be apprised of anticipated changes in an incredibly dynamic and evolving industry.” explains Gary Hogan, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Puget Collision, LLC.

Information on how to position the collision repair industry for growth and success will take stage during this year’s sessions. Speakers and panelists will report on key topics including industry data, macro-to micro-level economic impacts, HR matters, technology drivers, and more.

As in years past, attendance to the MSO Symposium is restricted and qualification standards must be met. Qualification standards for this closed meeting include employees of insurance companies, OEM’s, multi-shop operators, and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Early registration is set to open next week. To ensure you are up-to-date with the latest event announcements and participation opportunities, sign up for the MSO Symposium’s  e-communications. 

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

About MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium is an annual conference directed by many of the most experienced, high-growth executives working within multi-shop operators, or MSOs, of the automotive collision repair industry. This event, now in its 13th 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

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. 

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.

Save the Date for the 2022 MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, July 18, 2022 – Over the past few months, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) has been meeting with the MSO Symposium advisory board members to discuss plans for the 11th annual MSO Symposium. Those interested in participating in the industry’s premier executive event should save the date for this year’s conference, set to take place in Las Vegas on October 31st, Monday of SEMA/AAPEX week. 

The event will begin at 10:00 am PDT with coffee, networking, and a sponsor showcase. Following is a unique program that provides executive-level information on the current trends and state of affairs in the economy and the collision repair industry. Other topics included in this year’s event are solutions to technician shortages, environmental, social and governance matters for business owners, approaches to electric vehicle repair processes, and more. The conference will conclude at 5:00 pm with an evening networking reception.

Last year’s 10th anniversary event was an all-around success, as noted by long-time advisory board member, Jim Keller, President of 1Collision. “The caliber of content received at the MSO Symposium is truly unmatched. The topics, speakers and opportunity to network with my executive peers makes this a must-attend event every year.”

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. 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. 

Early bird registration opens later this month 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 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. 

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 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 Automotive Service Association
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com

Registration for MSO Symposium’s 10th Annual Event is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, July 12, 2021 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced last month that the 2021 MSO Symposium would take place as an in-person event. The 10th anniversary of the annual conference is set to take place in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay, on November 1st, the Monday of the SEMA/AAPEX show. 

The event will begin at 10 am PDT with coffee, networking, and a sponsor showcase. Following is a unique program that provides information on the economy, the industry’s current state of affairs, and the direction both are trending. The conference will conclude at 7 pm, after a celebration of the event’s 10th installment. 

Last year’s event took place virtually over 5 days and is historically notable in that, for the first time ever, the program was open to the entire industry and at no cost. “The 2020 virtual event provided a chance for the industry to get a feel for this prominent event, while learning how peers were maneuvering throughout and beyond the pandemic,” noted Brian Nessen, long-time Director of Operations for the event. 

“The MSO Symposium is truly unique. The caliber of content alongside the chance to network with executive peers is a combination you simply don’t find elsewhere,” continued Nessen. 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. 

This year, conversations on national and global shifts of the industry’s economic trends, technological developments, and collaborative partnerships will be addressed. Panels and presentations will be given by industry and economy experts, and executives of MSOs, insurance companies, and OEM’s. 

Roy Schnepper, owner of Butler’s Collision out of Michigan, and advisory board member of the event added, ”Collision repair businesses certainly need to understand the technological advancements of today’s vehicles, but also and perhaps most importantly, they need to know how to position their business for growth in this changing environment.” He adds, “If you’re a small to mid-size MSO or independent repair facility looking at the next step, you need to make arrangements to attend this year’s MSO Symposium and understand how to prepare your business successfully.”

For those interested in registering for the 2021 event, please be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. Qualification standards are met by insurers, OEM’s, multi-shops 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, follow this link. 

“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 OEM’s can gather exclusively.” stated ASA President/Executive Director, Ray Fisher.  

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. Please reach out to Jennie Lenk with your registration interest or questions. For sponsorship information, you may  visit our website or contact Brian Nessen. 

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 10th 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

About Automotive Service Association

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com

Chief Economist Regularly Featured on Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN and Fox Business Headlines MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, TX, October 27, 2020 – In years past, the MSO Symposium has brought together an exclusive group of attendees to review and discuss the latest trends and expected changes in automotive collision repair. Its annual event delivers executive-level panel discussions and special guest speaker presentations that aim to provide MSOs and large independent repair facilities with information to aid in their business decisions. This year’s virtual conference promises to deliver that same high-quality content in familiar format.  

The 2020 MSO Symposium will run as an open event and offers free registration to attendees, thanks to our industry sponsors. Taking place as a series of 90 minute webinars, it will begin Monday, November 9th at 2:00pm CDT and conclude Friday, November, 13th at 3:30pm CDT. 

Sharing the spotlight on day two, Tuesday, November 10th is Dr. Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist with Stifel Financial, an economist regularly featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN and Fox Business, and Rex Green, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking at Jefferies Group LLC.

Their program titled “Beyond Consolidation: Investor Interest and Economic Impacts” will discuss the driving factors for investor interest in the collision industry today and how the economy could impact it moving forward. Marcy Tieger, Managing Director of Symphony Advisors LLC is set to facilitate the informative Q&A session. 

To begin, the session will provide a macro-level view of the U.S. economy post-election with an outlook on the recession, likely expectations on economic recovery, and U.S. trade relations with China. Dialing in deeper, a micro-level perspective will shed light on how the state of the economy could impact the automotive industry and investor interests in it. 

“The information to be shared during this Q&A session is not only timely, but is sure to be extremely captivating, especially considering the high-profile speakers and their collective knowledge,” shares Tieger. 

This year’s event has already generated a lot of interest. MSO Symposium organizers are encouraging all industry stakeholders to register and experience this one of a kind opportunity, learning from some of the brightest minds both inside and outside of the industry.

A link to registration can be found at: www.msosymposium.com/register
Additional information on the event’s 5-day agenda may be seen at www.msosymposium.com/agenda

“The MSO Symposium has a long history of delivering executive level speakers, content, and information that is not readily available to the industry. Dr Piegza and Mr. Green’s participation will build upon the legacy of the MSO Symposium and continue our proud tradition as the premier event dedicated to the executive leaders in the collision repair industry. “ continues Ray Fisher, Executive Director of the ASA. 

Companies interested in gaining enhanced exposure to the multi-shop organizations, both large and small across North America, please reach out to Jennie Lenk at jenniel@msosymposium.com or Brian Nessen briann@msosymposium.com. A limited number of sponsorship positions are still available.