Making Choosing Your Hard a Lot Easier!

by Jordan Hendler, WMABA Executive Director

April is officially here, and that means the industry is about to collide in Charlotte.

If you haven’t already secured your tickets, booked your hotel at the Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord, and picked out your who’s coming with you for the week—even if it’s you and a good notes app—now is the time.

We know how difficult it is to peel away from the shop and your family to attend a conference. It is an investment of time and energy, but I look at the effort it takes to get to the Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) through the lens of “choosing your hard”.

•  Creating an engaged culture is hard. Replacing employees who quit because of your culture is harder. Learning culture techniques to motivate your staff is also hard.

•  Working around technician training weeks is hard. Explaining to a customer why their car wasn’t fixed right the first time is harder.

•  Making arrangements to get away from the shop is hard. Trying to survive in this industry without a community, top-tier education, and a view into the future is much, much harder.

Engaging in industry education from top tier instructors so that you and your technicians understand resources and strategies better is also hard.

Choose your hard.

WMABA and the Carolina Collision Association (CCA) have worked tirelessly to bring the “best of the best” to the Mid-Atlantic region. This year, the SCC is going big in Charlotte, and we are bringing an arsenal of resources to help you stand in a place of authority.

More Than Just a Trade Show

This isn’t just another industry event; it’s our best weapon against the daily onslaught you face. We are a skilled profession, not just a trade, and it’s vital that we gather to understand the technological and structural advancements—both in vehicles and in our business models—taking place today.

If you don’t leave your four walls, too much happens without you knowing. Don’t succumb to the “shut-in syndrome” by only taking the education that comes to your doorstep. There is a positive revelation that only happens when you are present in person.

What to Expect in Charlotte

•  The Industry “Big Three”: We are thrilled to host the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) (April 22) and the SCRS Open Board Meeting (April 21) right alongside the SCC.

•  Collision P.R.E.P. Series: Our educational slate is top-tier, featuring high-octane sessions from industry experts and deep dives into critical topics.

•  Engagement for All Roles: Whether you are an owner, manager, technician, or student, there are sessions designed specifically for your role.

When you join us, the doors of your mind will be opened. You will gain a greater sense of purpose and a support system of people who will rally with you to see your business succeed.

Come for the trade show and the education but stay for the people and the community. I promise you’ll never regret giving yourself the opportunity to know and be known!

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