Spring with SAAR: Saskatchewan seasonal forum just three weeks away

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan — The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) is nearly done prepping for its spring forum, which is slated for Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa in Moose Jaw.

The event will kick off Friday at noon Central Time alongside a discussion with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) on paintless dent repair (PDR). The organization says the discussion is open to bodyshops, PDR companies and other interested industry stakeholders, and will discuss what PDR will look like in 2023; the availability of the Matrix Estimating System; whether PDR shops will have their own accreditation program and more. A free lunch will also be provided.

To close out day 1, SAAR will host a casual social at Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern.

Feb. 11 offers a jam-packed schedule, starting with an 8 a.m. session with Jolene Watson of Clarity Coaching, who will deliver a talk on “creating connections.” Sharon Ashley of Bodyshop Connect will follow to share her experience managing a collision centre using the latest computerized management software.

At 10:30 a.m., 3M will share an inside look at its body shop digital supply management system called Repair Stack. Click here to learn more on RepairStack.

SAAR will host an annual general meeting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday to introduce new bylaws, give a financial update and, if necessary, hold an election.

After a brief lunch, SGI will deliver an update on its plans for 2023, followed by CARSTAR’s Christine Hall, who will share human resources insights in the areas of employee engagement, retention, staff awareness, recruitment and shop culture.

At 3:30 p.m., Sask Polytech will take the stage, followed by Raj Kavia and Don Pogoda’s “Lessons I’ve Learned” panel.

The event will conclude on Feb. 11 with an evening banquet.

While the event will be hosted at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa, there are no more rooms available on the property for SAAR’s event dates. SAAR director Tom Bissonnette recommends the Grant Hotel, one block away from Temple Gardens.