The Industry Collides in Charlotte!

by Alana Quartuccio

It’s time to get it all – head on!

April is here, and that means that it’s time for the industry to collide in Charlotte, North Carolina. Chances are you’re already on your way to the Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord to take advantage of all the opportunities that await via the Southeast Collision Conference on April 23 and 24. As if the two-day tradeshow and educational event isn’t reason enough to head to Charlotte, the Spring Collision Industry Conference (CIC) will precede on April 22 as well as the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) Open Board Meeting, which will kick the week off on April 21.

It’s a week no serious collision repair professional can afford to miss!

WMABA and the Carolina Collision Association (CCA) are ready to bring the best of the best in educational offerings, latest equipment and innovations, networking opportunities and so much more to serve the Mid-Atlantic region. Since the two auto body associations teamed up four years ago, the annual event continues to get bigger and better year after year. The show alternates between Virginia and North Carolina every year in order to best serve those in both regions – and this year, SCC makes its debut in Charlotte.

“The Southeast Collision Conference isn’t just another industry event – it’s where the collision repair community comes together to learn, connect and move the industry forward,” says Kaitlyn George, executive director of the Carolina Collision Association. “Whether you’re a shop owner, technician, estimator, student or industry partner, there are educational opportunities designed specifically for your role. The goal is that every attendee walks away with something practical they can take back to their shop immediately. When you combine that with the strong support from our vendors and partners on the trade show floor, it becomes an event that’s incredibly valuable for anyone serious about the future of this industry.

“This year we’re adding even more opportunities for engagement,” adds George. “We’ll have stage presentations directly on the trade show floor, giving attendees the chance to learn from industry leaders while they explore the vendor exhibits. We’re also hosting an open reception on the trade show floor, so everyone can connect and network in a more relaxed setting. Another exciting addition is a student-focused education session, which reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of collision repair professionals.”

In addition to the many great things happening on the tradeshow floor, WMABA’s Collision P.R.E.P. (Professional Repairer Education Program) slate is rich with information designed to inspire even the most knowledgeable repair professional.

To ensure there is something for everyone, this year’s educational slate has been laid out topically – managerial and technical – so attendees can plan to take part in sessions most suited to their role whether they are an owner, manager, estimator or technician.

Nothing less than a packed house is expected for industry champion Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) who will kick things off bright and early Thursday morning igniting repair professionals with his high-octane keynote presentation. Anderson always comes equipped with the latest industry insight to help repair professionals blueprint the best course of action for their business.

Technicians won’t want to miss “Importance of Corrosion Protection,” presented by James Schupp (Car-Rep), which will detail the critical ‘dos and don’ts’ of corrosion protection throughout the OEM repair process. Moving beyond mere aesthetics, the session will highlight the vital safety implications of proper application for both steel and aluminum substrates. It will also focus on understanding the structural and safety risks associated with improper corrosion management and mastering the nuances of protecting both steel and aluminum to prevent long-term degradation.

No matter what stage of OEM certification a body shop business may currently have, managers and owners will not want to miss “Navigating the OEM Certification Maze: The Pros, Cons and What’s Worth It.” OEM certifications have become complex, high-stakes investments. Robert Gruskos (Reliable Automotive Equipment) will present this session designed to cut through the noise to help one build a data-driven strategy for 2026 and beyond, focusing on how to align certification choices with one’s specific market and business goals.

Panel discussions and presentations in the classrooms and on the stage in the center of the tradeshow floor will cover everything from AI to paint and materials and then some, leaving attendees to return to their shops with newfound information and inspiration that can only be found at SCC. See page 26 for the full educational agenda!

“This will be my first Southeast Collision Conference since joining the Carolinas Collision Association, so I’m especially excited to experience it firsthand,” George shares her excitement. “I’ve heard incredible things about the energy and collaboration that happens at this event. With such a strong lineup of speakers and the level of support we’ve seen from the industry, I’m really looking forward to seeing the turnout and the impact the conference will have on shops, students and partners across the region.”

With so many activities centered around SCC in a city with rich history like Charlotte – they do call it the Queen City after all – one would be remiss to not take advantage of sitting in on SCRS’ Open Board meeting on April 21 to learn first-hand about the work this national organization does for shops all across the country. Both WMABA and CCA are affiliate members of SCRS.

And of course CIC, on April 22, will offer unique opportunities for repairers of all levels to hear from professionals from every aspect of the collision repair world. A full day of panel discussions will cover some of the most pressing issues plaguing the industry today, examine concerns and outline what is to come. It also allows attendees a chance to interact with industry leaders and presenters. To quote CIC Chairman Dan Risley (CCC Intelligent Solutions), “your voice matters;” therefore, anyone in the audience can take the microphone during the Q&A session to raise their voice.

The week doesn’t even have to end once SCC is complete; the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) 4-Wide National Event begins on Friday night offering opportunities for more excitement for those who love racing and hot rods!

It’s not too late to make your plans! For more information and to register for SCC, visit southeastcollisionconference.com. To register for CIC, visit ciclink.com, and for more information on SCRS, visit scrs.com.

Want more? Check out the April 2026 issue of Hammer & Dolly!