WMABA and CCA Announce Plans for 2024 Southeast Collision Conference

Strengthening the “professionalism and business conditions for the professional collision repairer” is a key part of WMABA’s mission, so it’s no surprise that the association will once again be partnering with the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) to host the third annual Southeast Collision Conference (SCC), taking place May 16-18, 2024 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, NC. 

“Associations working together for the direct benefit of the collision repairers is exactly what we’re supposed to do,” explains WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler, promising “national-level contributors and elevated experiences for both attendees and vendors alike [at the] premier tradeshow and education opportunity. We literally cannot wait for you to come!”

Referencing last year’s decision for the two organizations to team up, CCA President Kyle Bradshaw says, “The combination of our associations was an exponential expansion for the Southeast Collision Conference. We will continue to work hard to bring our region the best education and vendor opportunities possible. Being a part of the team leading this event, I’ve seen just how much more we can do for 2024!”

“The 2023 show went way beyond our expectations, and I know that we will do the same this coming year,” agrees WMABA President Steve Krieps. “We want to see the needle move for every individual who participates in the education and tradeshow; we want to see lives and minds changed for the better. WMABA is so proud to be part of this great event.”

Organizers intend to move SCC between the two regions each year in an effort to serve as many shops as possible. The Conference’s educational offerings focus not only on owners but on managers and technicians as well, as WMABA and CCA hope to elevate the professionalism of the industry across all levels of the shop. The 2024 SCC promises to deliver two days of educational classes focused on management, estimating and technical topics in addition to offering panel discussions with OEMs and industry leaders. 

Participation in national events has allowed both associations’ leaders to build relationships with prominent leaders in the collision repair industry, and they are bringing these connections to the show through the vendors in attendance, as well as national-level industry educators and networking opportunities.

“We strive to give everyone a premier experience with many takeaways to improve their daily lives as collision repairers, and it’s a priority that those who are instructing our participants be on the leading edge of their field,” Hendler stresses. “Our teams are hard at work on the planning and preparation of a fantastic education program with opportunities for all segments of collision repair.”

“Our priority is to bring the best the industry has to offer to our region,” adds CCA Executive Director Josh Kent. “The entire point of the Conference is to get shops together, help them to get great education and encourage community growth with their peers. We work really hard to give them the very best experience. I love seeing the shops get connected while they also get pumped up with great content. It’s why I love what I do!”

“I couldn’t agree with Josh more, about seeing industry professionals get their lightbulb turned on,” Hendler concurs. “We had such a great outcome for the first time working together, it was such a no-brainer to collaborate together again for the 2024 show. It’s going to be the not-to-be-missed event this side of the country!”

The full agenda, complete with participating sponsors and vendors, will be available in early 2024, according to Hendler. More information about the 2024 SCC will be added to the website as it becomes available. 

Stay up to date by visiting southeastcollisionconference.com. Learn more about WMABA at wmaba.com, and find additional information about CCA at carolinascollisionassociation.com.

Want more? Check out the December 2023 issue of Hammer & Dolly!