Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Sept. 26, 2019 — The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) wrapped up its largest fall conference yet last weekend at the Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre in Saskatchewan. As a training and networking opportunity as well as a product showcase, Sept. 19 to 21 was a packed three days for all who participated.
A welcome registration and golf tournament filled the day on Thursday, Sept. 19, with a keynote speech by Ken Friesen being the highlight. Not to mention a build-your-own-burger supper at the conference venue.
Friday opened with a venue breakfast in the morning, before diving into the Accountable Estimating Seminar throughout midday. In the evening, the supplier showcase opened, where guests could peruse about 40 suppliers during a cocktail hour. Two Toyota hybrids were carefully driven into the venue as demo cars, with live stage demonstrations of products being performed later into the night. Friday closed with some door prize draws and lifted spirits.
An all-star list of guest speakers addressed the conference on Saturday. Andrew Shepherd, the senior director for AIA Canada; Leanne Jefferies, the vice president of Assured Performance Network; and Marc Honorat from Haiti Arise were among the speakers, hoping to provide some fresh perspective on the industry. Some other highlights for Saturday speakers were Jerry Fastineau from Mitchell and Dave Flockhart from Betag Innovation.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) was also in attendance to inform about upcoming changes to SGI accreditation as well as its image desk. In addition, Tom Campbell and Jeryl Olorenshaw of SGI were selected as the company’s south and north support staff in the province.
“I know both men personally and I think they are great selections for these positions,” wrote Tom Bissonnette, the executive director of SAAR in his weekly newsletter. “I look forward to working with them to help our SAAR members meet the demands of repairing today’s vehicles”
According to Tom Bissonnette, one of the goals that came out of the weekend is to make Sask Polytechnic the premier collision training centre in Western Canada.
Enough information was covered over the weekend through speakers and presentations that the company general meeting, which was meant to occur on Saturday evening, was deemed unnecessary and was skipped. It allowed all repair industry pros and partners to wind down from the hectic weekend before heading on their way home.
Check out some photos from the conference below.
