There’s Always Something New to Learn

by Brand Gillespy, ABAT Board Member

As we gear up for this year’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show, I’m fired up about the educational lineup we’ve put together.

Education is key to thriving in this business. My whole introduction to the auto body world started in a high school auto body classroom. Not only did that education inspire me to pursue a career in collision, but it inspired me to never stop learning. We have to keep educating ourselves in order to stay ahead of the curve. And in today’s current climate, it’s more important than ever to buckle down and explore every avenue we can to keep up in a slower market.

Every year, ABAT strives to offer more than ever before via our trade show and this year is no exception. In fact, we have something catered to every role in the shop.

Can I get an “Amen!” for the one-and-only Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), returning once again to this year’s show?! Mike is the heavy hitter of industry education, and this year he’ll be moderating a panel focused on refinishing that’s designed for everyone in the shop – not just painters. This can’t-miss session will also feature representatives from major paint manufacturers and will share resources to help shops keep up with today’s demands. Mike will also be around throughout the show weekend to share his exciting brand of knowledge, which is certain to get you jumping out of your seats.

AI is one of the most in-demand subjects today. Ryan Taylor (Body Shop Booster) will make his debut at our show to talk about how it can be used to fix the many holes in the system that may be keeping shops from realizing their true potential.

ABAT likes to mix our education with a little fun, so our celebrated “Industry Over a Pint” happy hour seminar is of course making a return. You will not want to miss this one. The discussion is going to be a game-changer and it’ll go down even smoother over an ice-cold pint! So, grab a beer and let’s talk about alternative income streams – things like glass repair, ceramic coatings and wheel restorations. You’ll hear directly from shop owners who stared the slowdown right in the face and won by redefining what a body shop can offer.

There’ll be so much information to absorb and take back to the shop to help you take your business to the next level. We’ll even have sessions and clinics devoted to glass repair and urethane certification.

The learning just never stops. There will be so much you can take back to the shop that’s right on the trade show floor.  Aisles and aisles of incredible vendors will be on hand to give you an up close and personal demonstration of their products and resources to help you do what you do best.

ABAT’s mission has always been about offering a strong educational platform, raising awareness about industry problems and providing a forum for members to communicate. Since the very first meeting I attended in Dallas-Fort Worth, the learning and sharing has never stopped.

They say you don’t know what you don’t know, so come on down to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show September 18 and 19 and pick up some new knowledge to put to work. And why not make it an educational experience for the whole crew? Head over to abat.us to get your crew registered.

Want more? Check out the July 2026 issue of Texas Automotive!