Connecting with the collision repair industry is a privilege
By DARRYL SIMMONS
One of the most rewarding aspects of being the publisher of Collision Repair magazine is the opportunity to attend industry events and meet the extraordinary people who make this vital industry as exciting and influential as it is. There’s something special about the collision repair industry that keeps people energized, focused, and ready to tackle the challenges that come with ensuring the safety of drivers across Canada. Whether it’s restoring a vehicle after a major accident or handling the day-to-day demands of keeping operations running smoothly, the people who work in this industry do incredible things every day.
We often think about the collision repair industry as one that operates behind the scenes, but the truth is, it’s essential to the way we live and move. Without this industry, our roads would be filled with damaged, unsafe vehicles, and the peace of mind that drivers rely on after an accident would be near impossible to achieve. The work done by collision repair shops allows people to get back to their lives, confident that their vehicles have been restored to pre-accident condition—safe, reliable, and ready for the road again.
For me, the best part of this job is getting to meet the people who make all of this happen. Attending industry events is not just about hearing presentations or learning about new products— although those aspects are important—but it’s about connecting with the individuals who are at the forefront of the industry. These are the shop owners, technicians, suppliers, and innovators who keep the collision repair world moving forward. It’s truly an honour to shake hands, exchange stories, and hear about the passion and commitment that drives these professionals every day.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending several key events, including Automechanika in Germany, the Simplicity Conference in Montreal and the CIECA Conference in Detroit. Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to meet many of you at the CARSTAR and Fix Network conferences. These gatherings offer a unique chance to learn about the latest trends and advancements in the collision repair industry, but what stands out to me most is the people. It’s the conversations in the hallways, the connections made over lunch, and the camaraderie that makes these events so memorable.
In each conversation, I am reminded of just how dynamic and forward-thinking this industry is. The challenges are many—whether it’s adapting to the latest vehicle technology, keeping up with training and certification requirements, or managing the rising costs of doing business. Yet, the resilience and ingenuity of the people in this industry never waver. Each event I attend reinforces the idea that the future of collision repair is in good hands because it’s driven by people who care deeply about what they do and who strive for excellence in every repair.
At Collision Repair magazine, we work hard to capture the essence of these events and share them with our readers. In every issue, you’ll find coverage of where our team has been, the people we’ve met, and the trends that are shaping the industry. I encourage you to check out our photo albums on the website, as we’re not always able to fit all the images from these events in the magazine itself. We want to ensure that even if you can’t attend every event in person, you still get a sense of the energy, excitement and sense of community that make this industry so special. One thing is for sure: Collision Repair magazine will always be at the key events in this industry. And to us, every event is a key event. From shop openings and charity golf tournaments to major conferences and trade shows, we do our best to be there, capturing the moments that matter. We also love receiving invitations from our readers—if you have an event coming up, let us know. If we can’t attend in person, we’d be thrilled to include photos and details in our coverage. After all, this magazine is for you—the people who make this industry what it is—and we take that responsibility seriously.
Our next stop is SEMA, one of the industry’s most anticipated events. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there, and I can’t wait to hear more about the amazing work you’re doing. Whether it’s at SEMA or somewhere else along the way, it’s always a pleasure to connect with the true champions of this industry. See you soon!
