As everyone knows, things are just bigger and better in Texas. And that certainly applies to the 20th annual International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), which will be held in Dallas Dec. 5-8.

More than 30,000 attendees from more than 70 countries are expected to converge on "Big D" during NACE 2002 at the Dallas Convention Center. It will feature more than 60 timely educational sessions, a world-class exposition with over 550 exhibiting companies, a keynote address by former President George Bush - the 41st president of the United States and the father of the current president - and a live performance by comedian and actor Bill Cosby.

In addition, NACE 2002 has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Overseas Buyer Initiative Program. NACE was chosen because of its high export potential, stature and international interest. As part of the program, NACE will be marketed worldwide by the International Trade Administrations Office of Automotive Affairs and its global network of offices.

"This year's 20th annual event gives us the opportunity to celebrate the history of NACE and the role it has played in elevating and strengthening the global collision repair industry," said Dana Bellantone, NACE show director. "We're also very proud and honored to be part of the Overseas Buyer Initiative Program and expect to see a strong international presence at NACE 2002."

The NACE welcome party will feature an abundance of Texas hospitality and excitement, including a live rodeo and a traditional Texas barbecue with all the trimmings. The evening's entertainment will also include a country band with an award-winning fiddler, Yellow Rose Country Dance instructors, card shark demonstrations, quick draw artists and a costume photo corner.

Jobber and small-shop tracks have been added to the NACE 2002 Conference program. Management, industry, technical and lifestyle tracks have also been set, with many tracks expanded. In addition, two of the NACE technical track sessions and two Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) classes will be offered in Spanish. Dealer body shop management sessions have been added and many of the small-shop track sessions will be accredited by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) for credit toward the institute's Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

NACE's Action Demonstration Arena will showcase live demonstrations on the processes of auto glass installation, resistance spot welding, panel bonding, aluminum welding and airbags. There is no cost to attend and tickets are not required for these one-hour action demos by industry experts.

Certainly not least among all the opportunities NACE affords is the opportunity to network with collision repair professionals from around the world.

In short, there's something for everyone.

AutoInc. provides many of the show's highlights, including a list of NACE exhibitor show specials on page 20. But be sure to check your NACE program guide at the show for more details.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | ASA, Automakers Reach Agreement on Service Information | More Than Just Brakes | Diminished Value | Pre-Employment Screening | NACE 2002 Special Section | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message