It’s Here!

by Jill Tuggle, ABAT Executive Director

The Texas Auto Body Trade Show is in DAYS, and I cannot wait.

We are expecting record attendance this year. And how appropriate because ABAT also celebrated a milestone birthday – we turned 10 years old this year! Since the beginning of our existence, our goal has been to have over 1,000 attendees come to the show, and this year, we will definitely surpass that goal! If you are on the fence about coming, let me give you a quick snapshot of what you will be missing out on if you don’t attend! 

Education: 

•  Three team members from Collision Advice, including “The King” himself, Mike Anderson. 

•  Social media truth-bomber and mega successful shop owner, Clay Hoberecht. 

•  “Repairidy” – an auto body game show (What?!?) 

•   Classes from top-notch, national speakers on all kinds of collision repair topics. 

Exhibit Hall: 

•  BIG SHOTS: A skill-based competition that you can sign up for on site and win $1,000 cash.

•  50,000 square feet of exhibit hall space where 60-plus auto body vendors will showcase the hottest tools, software and equipment. 

•  English Color’s car show. 

•  NASCAR simulator where the fastest lap wins two tickets to any NASCAR race in the country! 

Extras: 

•  ABAT ladies mixer – margaritas and a free gift! 

•  The iconic Bar Louie After party – we’re bringing a cocktail claw machine, y’all. 

Bring the whole family for a little fun, and we will be sure to have something for everyone – even the kiddos! The hotels are gorgeous, and the surrounding Toyota Music Factory is teeming with entertainment. Come one, come all – register ahead or just show up! But whatever you do, don’t stay home July 12-13! 

Want more? Check out the July 2024 issue of Texas Automotive!