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2026 Texas Auto Body Trade Show Sessions

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Real World AI Solutions for Accuracy, Efficiency, and Service (single Class Session)

9:00 AM -10:00 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • James Spears - Tracable AI
    James Spears, MAL, MSPM, AIC, AAM, AIS, is the head of automotive — artificial intelligence at Tractable AI, which develops artificial intelligence for accident and disaster recovery. Spears is the chair of the Future Disruptions Committee for the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and the Chair of the Artificial Intelligence Committee for CIECA. He served for seven years as an advisory board member for Towing and Storage for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), and is a mentor for military veterans served by the Disabled American Veterans Patriot Boot Camp. Spears served 13 years in the US Army and was a combat veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was the Distinguished Military Graduate of the JFK School of Special Warfare at Fort Bragg, NC, a graduate of the U.S. Armor Officers School at Ft Knox, KY, and a graduate of the Infantry School at Ft Benning, GA.
Summary
This educational session demonstrates how automated computer vision addresses operational bottlenecks and transforms modern body shop management. The core learning objectives focus on three technologies: Visual AI Foundations, Automated Inspections and Streamlined lead generation. This new technology is NEXT LEVEL!

Real World AI Solutions for Accuracy, Efficiency, and Service (all Access Pass)

9:00 AM -10:00 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • James Spears
    James Spears, MAL, MSPM, AIC, AAM, AIS, is the head of automotive — artificial intelligence at Tractable AI, which develops artificial intelligence for accident and disaster recovery. Spears is the chair of the Future Disruptions Committee for the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and the Chair of the Artificial Intelligence Committee for CIECA. He served for seven years as an advisory board member for Towing and Storage for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), and is a mentor for military veterans served by the Disabled American Veterans Patriot Boot Camp. Spears served 13 years in the US Army and was a combat veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was the Distinguished Military Graduate of the JFK School of Special Warfare at Fort Bragg, NC, a graduate of the U.S. Armor Officers School at Ft Knox, KY, and a graduate of the Infantry School at Ft Benning, GA.
Summary
This educational session demonstrates how automated computer vision addresses operational bottlenecks and transforms modern body shop management. The core learning objectives focus on three technologies: Visual AI Foundations, Automated Inspections and Streamlined lead generation. This new technology is NEXT LEVEL!

Kritech Solutions Title TBD (All-Access Pass)

9:00 AM -10:00 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT II

Location
Moonlight II
Speakers
  • Deric Krist
Summary
Kritech Solutions will present valuable information regarding missed operations and leveraging technology to reduce labor waste.

Kritech Solutions Title TBD (single Class Session)

9:00 AM -10:00 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT II

Location
Moonlight II
Speakers
  • Deric Krist
Summary
Kritech Solutions will present valuable information regarding missed operations and leveraging technology to reduce labor waste.

Learn to Repair Chips & Cracks — The Right Way-Special Session*

9:00 AM -2:00 PM, Fri. 9/18 SUNSET

Location
Sunset
Speakers
  • Jason Horne - Trainer
Summary
Retail class rate is $500- free for ABAT Members! Our hands-on Windshield Repair Training Program teaches technicians how to properly repair chips and cracks using proven techniques and the GlasWeld industry-leading repair system- so you can deliver professional-quality results every time. I this half- day session they will learn chip & crack repair techniques, equipment setup & usage, proper repair process from start to finish, troubleshooting and advanced techniques. Its a glass repair shop in a box!

Excellence Wins: Redefining Customer Experience in Collision Repair (Single Class Session)

10:15 AM -11:30 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • Kyle Bradshaw - Director of Operations, K&M Collision Hickory, NC
    As Director of Operations at K&M Collision and President of the Carolinas Collision Association, Kyle leads one of the most advanced repair operations in the country while also championing shops across the region through association work.
Summary
Learn how a hospitality-focused approach can transform the collision repair experience. Inspired by the customer service principles of Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze, this session shares practical strategies for creating memorable customer experiences, strengthening your brand, and turning satisfied customers into loyal advocates.

Excellence Wins: Redefining Customer Experience in Collision Repair (All-Access Pass)

10:15 AM -11:30 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • Kyle Bradshaw - Director of Operations, K&M Collision Hickory, NC
    As Director of Operations at K&M Collision and President of the Carolinas Collision Association, Kyle leads one of the most advanced repair operations in the country while also championing shops across the region through association work.
Summary
Learn how a hospitality-focused approach can transform the collision repair experience. Inspired by the customer service principles of Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze, this session shares practical strategies for creating memorable customer experiences, strengthening your brand, and turning satisfied customers into loyal advocates.

TBD (Single Class Session)

10:15 AM -11:30 AM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT II

Location
Moonlight II

Refinish Panel (Single Class Session)

11:45 AM -1:45 PM, Fri. 9/18 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Mike Anderson - Moderator
Summary
Join industry-leading refinish experts from top automotive paint companies as they explore the latest innovations in automotive finishes. The panel will cover how to effectively utilize cutting-edge products, improve efficiency, and explore how forming true partnerships can change your business for good. Whether you're a shop owner or technician, this is your chance to gain expert insights and practical tips for a fully cured paint shop.

Refinish Panel (All-Access Pass)

11:45 AM -1:45 PM, Fri. 9/18 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Mike Anderson - Moderator
Summary
Join industry-leading refinish experts from top automotive paint companies as they explore the latest innovations in automotive finishes. The panel will cover how to effectively utilize cutting-edge products, improve efficiency, and explore how forming true partnerships can change your business for good. Whether you're a shop owner or technician, this is your chance to gain expert insights and practical tips for a fully cured paint shop. (ALL-ACCESS PASS)

The Industry Over a Pint: Alternative Revenue Sources for Body Shops (All-Access Pass)

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Fri. 9/18 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Mike Anderson - Moderator
  • Manuel Rubio - Panelist
  • Burl Richards - Panelist
  • Shauna Davis - Panelist
Summary
The collision repair market is tough right now. see hoe shops across Texas and the nation are combatting the slowdown by implementing alternative revnue streams like glass, ceramic coatings and more. Over a pint, of course. All attendees will recieve a happy hour beverage and commemorative glass during this session.

The Industry Over a Pint: Alternative Revenue Sources for Body Shops (Single Class Session)

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Fri. 9/18 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Mike Anderson - Moderator
  • Burl Richards - Panelist
  • Manuel Rubio - Panelist
  • Shauna Davis - Panelist
Summary
The collision repair market is tough right now. see how shops across Texas and the nation are combatting the slowdown by implementing alternative revnue streams like glass, ceramic coatings and more. Over a pint, of course. All attendees will recieve a happy hour beverage and commemorative glass during this session.

Urethane Certification: SIKA (Single Class Session)

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • Mark O'Brion

Urethane Certification: SIKA (All Access Pass)

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Fri. 9/18 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • Mark O'Brion

Fair Repair Plans: RTA (Single Class Session)

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Sat. 9/19 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • OEM Breakfast Session
Summary
Panel discussion on what RTA is, why we needed to pass a law and how it can be used in practice. You will hear from shops who have experience with the appraisal process sharing insights on how the process works from the initial conversation with the customer to the financial side of it. The session will also cover the journey to passing the law, the impact it has had on the industry, and the ongoing efforts still needed to protect and strengthen consumer and repairer rights. Breakfast included*

Fair Repair Plans: RTA (All-Access Pass)

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Sat. 9/19 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • OEM Breakfast Session
Summary
Panel discussion on what RTA is, why we needed to pass a law and how it can be used in practice. You will hear from shops who have experience with the appraisal process sharing insights on how the process works from the initial conversation with the customer to the financial side of it. The session will also cover the journey to passing the law, the impact it has had on the industry, and the ongoing efforts still needed to protect and strengthen consumer and repairer rights. Breakfast session*

Urethane Certification: Dupont (Single Class Session)

10:00 AM -11:30 AM, Sat. 9/13 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • Kody Allan - Trainer

Urethane Certification: Dupont (All-Access Pass)

10:00 AM -11:30 AM, Sat. 9/13 MOONLIGHT I

Location
Moonlight 1
Speakers
  • Kody Allan

Certification de Urethane; En Espanol (Single Class Session)

10:00 AM- 11:30 AM Saturday, 9/19 MOONLIGHT II

Location
Moonlight II
Speakers
  • Jorge Sandoval - Trainer
Summary
El clase en espanol

Certification de Urethane; En Espanol (All-Access Pass)

10:00 AM- 11:30 AM Saturday, 9/19 MOONLIGHT II

Location
Moonlight II
Speakers
  • Jorge Sandoval - Trainer
Summary
El clase en espanol

Body Shop Booster Title TBD (All-Access Pass)

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, Sat. 9/13 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Ryan Taylor
    Fueled by way too much coffee Ryan started his first Body Shop at age 17. Through unconventional and creative means, he grew it to be an MSO with locations across Canada with a successful exit in 2014. A present, he is the founder of the CRM software BodyShop Booster and the President of The AMP Bureau. Ryan is an advisor and coach to thousands of Shops, OEM’s and fortune 500 companies around the globe.
Summary
Ryan Taylor of Body Shop Booster is one of the most dynamic speakers in our industry. Not only will you love his style you'll be blown away with the tips he shares to bringing more business to your door.

Body Shop Booster Title TBD (Single Class Session)

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, Sat. 9/13 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Ryan Taylor
    Fueled by way too much coffee Ryan started his first Body Shop at age 17. Through unconventional and creative means, he grew it to be an MSO with locations across Canada with a successful exit in 2014. A present, he is the founder of the CRM software BodyShop Booster and the President of The AMP Bureau. Ryan is an advisor and coach to thousands of Shops, OEM’s and fortune 500 companies around the globe.
Summary
Ryan Taylor of Body Shop Booster is one of the most dynamic speakers in our industry. Not only will you love his style you'll be blown away with the tips he shares to bringing more business to your door.

Negotiations: the Power of .1 (All-Access Pass)

12:30 PM -2:30 PM, Sat. 9/19 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Mike Anderson - Collision Advice

Negotiations: the Power of .1 (Single Class Session)

12:30 PM -2:30 PM, Sat. 9/19 SUNRISE

Location
Sunrise
Speakers
  • Mike Anderson - Collision Advice
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