Mini SEMA?

by Jill Tuggle, ABAT Executive Director

As another Texas Auto Body Trade Show comes to a close, I’ve spent some time reflecting on what really stood out and what could still use a little refinement.

While I found lots of areas for improvements and more aspects that we have refined to near perfection, one thing was impossible to ignore: our educational sessions were packed. In fact, several classes were standing room only.

To me, that sends a very clear message. Collision repair professionals are hungry for education and ABAT is serving up all the right topics.

I’ve often said that the Texas Auto Body Trade Show is a lot like a mini SEMA. While the scale may be different, our mission is the same: bring world-class education directly to repairers and showcase the coolest stuff our industry has to offer. Not every shop can make the trip to Las Vegas, but that shouldn’t prevent them from accessing the industry’s leading trainers and newest tools.

One of the most popular conversations at this year’s show took place during Industry Over a Pint, where we explored alternative revenue streams and ways shops can diversify their operations. Topics like mechanical services, auto glass, coatings and other complementary offerings generated meaningful discussion. Shop operators are eager to learn new ways to tackle the slowdown and its best when delivered candidly from their peers.

What’s particularly interesting is that many of those same themes are appearing on the national stage. As I review the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ Repairer Driven Education (RDE) lineup at SEMA, I see sessions such as Steve Dawson’s “Bringing Mechanical Repairs In-House,” and Shauna Davis’s “Profit and Control Playbook: Bringing Autoglass In-House.” These topics mirror many of the conversations we have already been having here in Texas.

As I looked further through the RDE lineup, I was reminded just how many of those national educators just graced the stages of ABAT. Industry leaders such as Mike Anderson, Danny Gredinberg, Deric Krist, Sean Preston, Shauna Davis and Ryan Taylor all contributed to the educational opportunities at the show this year. Their presence reinforces what we’ve worked hard to build – an association that stays connected to the national conversation while remaining focused on the needs of Texas shops.

The success of our educational programming this year has only strengthened our commitment to delivering more value through webinars, regional trainings and hands-on workshops. The more we hear from our members, the better we can shape these programs so I encourage you to reach out.

Thank you to everyone who attended, taught, sponsored, exhibited and supported this year’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show. Your engagement helps ensure that our industry remains strong, informed and connected.

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