Ottawa, Ontario — The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) held its first-ever virtual conference on Oct. 7 and 8, featuring ample opportunities to connect and chat with industry experts via chatroom or video amid the ongoing global situation.
In 1999, CCIF had its first meeting in Edmonton. According to the organization, the event was small and mainly to draw and increase the number of stakeholders to voice their opinions. Now, 21 years later, CCIF puts on three meetings a year in different provinces across the country and beyond.
CCIF director Caroline Lacasse believes the event did turnout a success due to the participation of the people in the industry. All corners of the industry came together at the event, from collision repairers, insurers, suppliers and service providers, to OE manufacturers, dealers, trade associations, educators and students.
“The benefits [of a virtual conference] are that you can stay safe and join the event without travelling and spend money on travel and lodging. Some people that were not able to attend before because of time or money, can now join us from all around the world,” said Lacasse.
All sponsors with CCIF had to provide a virtual booth that could be interactive and showcase what they contribute to the industry. Some sponsors that attended were A.P.T. Auto Parts Trading, 3M, AkzoNobel, CARSTAR CANADA, Progi, ProColor Collision and Simplicity Car Care, to name a few.
“I had a great time; it has been very informative; I am representing the company [Simplicity Car Care] to increase awareness about who we are [and expand] our franchise network across the country,” said Ali Khan, a representative for Simplicity Car Care.
Another sponsor, PPG, featured a video showcasing its new MoodWalk Colour Dispenser, allowing attendees to view the demonstration by visiting their virtual booth. You can also find it here, on YouTube. PPG also promoted their Virtual Learning Sessions at their booth.
“We’ve got a great series of MVP Virtual Learning Sessions that we host twice a week covering many topics,” said PPG U.S. representative Surja Suba.
Overall, the event seemed to go well for CCIF and the sponsors. CCIF Director Lacasse believes this virtual event allowed for new attendees to feel more comfortable connecting with people, given the global pandemic.
Another benefit to the virtual experience is that “you can attend the event on your own terms. As an example, if you missed a conference because you were busy at a meeting to have other work, you can still catch up later. The conference and information booths will be available for another three months, all you have to do is log in,” said Lacasse.
However, the virtual experience may have been a hit, but it didn’t go without its downfalls.
“Of course meeting virtually will never completely replace the face to face warmth, because most people enjoy being able to interact in ‘real life,’ but this is a great alternative for now and as I said previously, this allows us to bring in new attendees and speakers all over the world,” explained Lacasse.
The CCIF virtual conference suite will remain open for 90 days from Oct. 9, 2020. Attendees can access recordings of CCIF’s sessions here using their login credentials.
