NACE-97 Coverage

NACE Logo It takes place for about one week out of each year. For the other 51 weeks, it is discussed, written about and planned for. There is something for everyone at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). If you've attended before, you know that to be true. If you haven't attended, you have a lot more to gain by going than you might think.

Since there is so much to do while at the world's largest collision repair event, AutoInc. has provided coverage of what you can expect this year at NACE, including what's new in 1997, keynote speeches, special presentations, educational opportunities, a list of show specials from various exhibitors, a show schedule, an exhibitor list and more.

What's new in 1997

Logo Industry Summit '97:
A comprehensive look at key industry issues
Gain a unique perspective on the collision repair industry as NACE chairmen, past and present, participate in an informative and enlightening panel discussion on Saturday, Dec. 6. Hear their views on the industry's hot issues surrounding insurance, consolidation, work force shortage, diminished value and the industry's independence. These trusted industry leaders will forecast the future of collision repair and provide you with insightful information to face today's challenges and succeed in tomorrow's world of collision repair. You will have the opportunity to voice your opinions and be heard by the industry in this unique setting.

NADA seminars
For the first time in the 15-year history of NACE, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is offering workshops specifically designed for the dealer auto body professional.

Keynotes
Friday Morning Keynote Address
E. Dole Elizabeth Dole will deliver the Friday Keynote Address, An America We Can Be, on Dec. 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. NACE '97 proudly welcomes Dole, one of the most admired women of our time. For the past five years she has led The American Red Cross, the country's largest philanthropic organization. Her career of public service includes work for six U.S. presidents and the creation of an endowment dedicated to educating and training youth-at-risk. Dole is nationally respected for her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.

Gain insight into the importance of values, community service, leadership and management of change. Elizabeth Dole presents the NACE '97 Friday Keynote Address with her unique charisma and personal appeal that has made her popular with audiences worldwide.

Saturday Morning Keynote Address
D. Quayle Former Vice President Dan Quayle will deliver the Saturday Keynote Address, Standing Firm, on Dec. 6 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Americans love a fighter ... someone who takes some knocks, then picks himself up and gets back in the ring. Quayle is a fighter. He has been through great struggles, but his good humor has remained intact. Now a popular and entertaining speaker as well as an ever present political contender, Quayle brings his experiences to bear on topics of interest to everyone concerned about America's future - competitiveness, national security and the presidential campaign.

Special presentations
NACE '97 Luncheons
Industry Analyst: NACE is pleased to present Ed Yeager, a widely recognized industry expert, who will share his views on the future of collision repair. His Friday luncheon presentation will be on Dec. 5. Yeager combines his unique insight and years of experience as an automotive consultant to create an educational and informative program.

Musical Guest: Back by popular demand! Mikaila Enriquez, the little girl who "stole our hearts" last year in Orlando, will entertain attendees again in Las Vegas Dec. 6. Don't miss this young star on the rise!

Sunday Morning Presentation
Do you tend to take yourself too seriously? Losing your sense of humor? Let C.W. Metcalf redefine the wisdom and value of developing humor skills, on Dec. 7, through the Sunday Morning Presentation: Humor, Risk & Change. Experiment with exercises and tools that can facilitate problem solving, ease stress and increase productivity under pressure. You won't want to miss this presentation É It is a laughing matter!

Educational opportunities
Congress Seminars
From technical training to management courses, from financial planning to lifestyle advice, NACE '97 gives you the complete educational package. NACE '97 Congress Seminars feature industry, management and technical topics. Learn proven techniques from industry leaders on such topics as running an ethical business; protecting the environment while maintaining a profit; consolidation concerns; recommended paint standards; and more.

The management seminars will provide insight on how to connect your business to the world through the Internet; write competitive compensation plans; understand your financial statements; and maximize profitability. The technical sessions will help you to increase your knowledge on airbag technology, panel gluing and efficient estimating techniques.

Optional education
NACE '97 also offers a variety of optional education seminars, workshops and technical training programs.

The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is offering accredited courses in subjects including estimating, body shop marketing and customer development.

The Automotive Service Industry Association (ASIA) and the Paint, Body and Equipment Association (PBEA) will offer specialized jobber seminars.

Inter-Industry Congress on Auto Collision Repair certified instructors will present the latest in technical training for collision repair industry professionals.

Also, there a numerous programs for attendees' spouses. A variety of seminars will focus on career and personal issues, intriguing tour packages and first class "mixing" and "mingling" opportunities targeted for the NACE '97 spouse.

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam
ASE will be conducting a special test session at NACE '97 on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Damage Analysis and Estimating Exam will be offered from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. You may register in advance or on-site. For more information, call ASE at (703) 713-3800.

Entertainment
Welcome Party '97
Jeff Foxworthy, Thursday, Dec. 4

An Evening with Jeff Foxworthy: Join us for an evening full of fun, food, festivities and Foxworthy! Mix and mingle with friends as you enjoy limitless hors d'oeuvres and lively libations. Then get ready as Jeff Foxworthy shares his unique style of Southern humor and charm. He'll have you rolling over with laughter with his, "You might be a redneck if..." comic routine. As Warner Brothers' Recording Artist of two albums, the star of the NBC television series, "The Jeff Foxworthy Show," two Showtime specials and a regular guest on "The Tonight Show," this Atlanta native has made quite a name for himself with audiences around the globe.

NACE on the Internet

By Alissa Arford-Leyl

The NACE Web site (http://www.NACE-97.com) made its debut this year, giving NACE '97 enhanced international exposure. The Web site includes information about NACE, a look back at NACE '96, a complete guide to NACE '97, housing and registration forms, and an online request form for registration information.

The Web site is best viewed using Netscape Navigator, 3.1 version or higher. An alternate version of the Web site is available if your browser is not compatible with tables or your connection will not allow you to view animation in a timely fashion (http://www.NACE-97.com/altnace.htm).

The NACE-97 section features information about NACE highlights, exposition expectations, keynote speakers, special presentations, entertainment choices, spouses' programs, and also includes a complete listing of educational opportunities, a regularly updated list of exhibitors and a schedule of events.

"We are very excited about the NACE Web site and feel it serves as a communication conduit to the collision repair industry as a whole. It allows everyone the opportunity to stay up-to-date with current NACE happenings, make registration and housing decisions, and express interest in receiving more information. In addition, the Web site serves as a vehicle to voice industry questions, comments or suggestions," said Alan G. Peterson, NACE show manager.

Visitors to the Web site can e-mail their questions and comments to NACE-info@NACE-97.com; and prior to the show, Internet users can submit a topic of discussion for the new Industry Summit '97 within the Keynotes section of the Web site.

One visitor to the site wrote, "We are looking forward to NACE this year. We normally go every two years, but will be attending yearly; it seems like too many things change in two years."

Though some visitors are NACE regulars, many who come to the NACE Web site are not familiar with NACE and have found out about it by using search engines and international exposition directories where the site is registered. Each year the NACE Web site will continue to grow and offer more exposure to this important industry event.

The NACE registration and housing forms are online and available to print out and mail or fax to NACE Show Management. The housing form is regularly updated to indicate which hotels are "Sold Out." If you would rather receive the registration packet in the mail, all you need to do is fill out the pre-registration form and information will be sent out to you immediately.

About 80 percent of the requests for registration packets are coming from the United States, and about 20 percent from other countries. The top countries accessing the NACE-97 Web site are: England, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Japan, Costa Rica and Spain.

"The NACE Web site not only allows this international show to gain even more added exposure, it also provides another method by which to efficiently disseminate information about NACE. The enhanced timeliness of information availability made possible by this Web site benefits all parties involved - attendees, exhibitors and show management, " said G.W. "Bud" Merwin III, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the sole founder and sponsor of NACE.

ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page
Implementing the new clean air regulations || NACE Coverage || A look back at CARS '97 || Understanding exhaust gas recirculation systems || Is the chemistry right for sectioning repairs || How to work with the media || Show owners critical to success of training programs || Hunting for profit || The training enigma - Part II || Guest Editorial: Dream or Nightmare - Do the Homework || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking The Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 11, November 1997