Finding Your People: Community, Connection, and Continuing Education at SEMA with CIC, SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education

by Jordan Hendler, WMABA Executive Director

Running a collision repair business can sometimes feel like you’re operating on an island.

Between managing daily shop logistics, staying on top of rapidly changing vehicle technology, navigating insurer relationships, and keeping your team motivated, it’s easy to feel isolated in the day-to-day grind. But here’s the truth: you are not alone.

As we gear up for the biggest industry week of the year—coming up November 2–6 in Las Vegas—I want to invite you to do something essential for your business and yourself: find your people.

There is an undeniable power in community. While regional events are fantastic for strengthening local ties and catching quality education, making the trek out to Vegas for SEMA week takes your perspective to a whole new level. It’s the one week where the entire collision repair ecosystem comes together under one giant roof.

Whether you’ve been attending for decades or are considering going for the first time, SEMA week is where you find the peers, mentors, and experts who truly get it.

Surround Yourself with the Industry’s Best

To truly take advantage of this packed week, you have to look beyond the massive SEMA trade show floor. The real magic happens when you dive into the incredible lineup of education and collaborative discussions lined up throughout the week:

Collision Industry Conference (CIC): Kick off your week Tuesday, Nov 3 engaging in candid, vital conversations about the current state and future of collision repair. From estimating and repair planning to industry relations and emerging technologies, CIC gives you a seat and voice at the table with best-in-class leaders across every segment of our industry.

SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education (RDE) & OEM Summit: Want to work smarter instead of harder? The RDE series offers top-tier classroom sessions designed to give you actionable insights you can take home and implement immediately. Paired with the OEM Summit, you’ll hear direct technical perspectives from vehicle manufacturers, giving you the edge you need to repair modern vehicles safely and properly.

An Investment in Yourself and Your Future

It’s easy to talk yourself out of going. The shop is too busy. We’re short-staffed. Travel is a hassle. But as I’ve said before, if you want to change your business, you first have to invest in yourself.

When you surround yourself with people who share your passion for excellence, professionalism, and proper repair, something shifts. You leave Vegas not just with notes, handouts, and ideas, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a nationwide support network of colleagues you can call whenever you face a tough situation back home.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Mark your calendar for November 2–6, book your spot, and get ready to connect with the best minds in collision repair.

Saddle up, brothers and sisters—it’s time to find your people, level up your knowledge, and win big for your business. See you in Vegas!

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