Industry Forum 2016 Report

More than 140 attendees enjoyed a very informative, educational and entertaining day at the Newton International Marketing Industry Forum 2016. The Forum this year was held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Saturday 16th July. The major sponsor for the Forum was IAG and supporting sponsors were Australian Factoring Company, Axalta Coatings, BASF Australia, Capricorn Society, Car Craft, Car-O-Liner Australia, Compass Claims, GM Holden, iBodyshop/DNS, Lowbake Australia, PPG Industries Australia, Suncorp Group and The National Collision Repairer magazine.

The day began with morning tea/coffee and registration before the opening welcome from David Newton-Ross and Jeff Hendler who were the MC and moderators for the event.

The keynote address was given by Per Madsen from Car-O-Liner AB and as always his presentation was a snapshot of what is happening around the world in terms of industry trends, new technology and training. The presentation certainly lead to many questions asked of the various panellists during the day and of the audience comprised of shop owners and key employees, suppliers, insurers and educators.

The first panel consisted of Stephen Palmer from IAG, Rob Bartlett from Suncorp, Geoff Gwilym from VACC and Peter McMahon from Car Craft who all provided their thoughts on where the industry is heading in terms of consolidation, technology, autonomous vehicles and insurer relations. There were many questions from the audience before the lunch break.

After lunch Artur Candido from GM Holden made a presentation on Holden Repair Insights and this proved to be very entertaining and informative.

Artur then joined Per Madsen and Mark Czvitkovits from I-CAR Australia on a panel to answer many questions from attendees.

It was then left to Newton-Ross and Hendler to encourage discussion and questions from the attendees which was at times very lively!

At the end of the day everyone was in no doubt that there still is a great future in the industry but more than ever the industry must adapt to change and certainly be able to prove to insurers and vehicle manufacturers that they have the training, equipment and employees to be able to repair the modern vehicle which as we all know is becoming more and more complex. It was also noted that there is life outside consolidation and groups/franchising for the independent operator who is willing to invest in his or her business.

Attendees and sponsors then were able to enjoy an hour of refreshments and networking at the end of what proved to be a very successful and well received event.

MotorEx 2016 Once again a huge drawcard in melbourne

As you can see from just a small selection of photographs MotorEx once again delivered an amazing array of cars, bikes, movie memorabilia and excitement this year in Melbourne. The weather ensured that huge crowds were in attendance both days and they were certainly exposed to some of the best vehicles in Australia which would stand up with the best in the world.

Congratulations to Bruce Morrison, Owen Webb and the team at MotorEx for once again providing a world class event. Look out for a full report in the August 2016 issue of The National Collision Repairer magazine.

 

NCR Lifetime Achievement Awards 2016

It was once again a very emotional morning at the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Awards 2016 breakfast held on Saturday 16th July at MCEC in Melbourne. This event is where the industry meets to honour those who have served the industry over many years ‘over and above the call of duty’. More than 30 worthy recipients have already been inducted and two more were added to this prestigious list:-

TONY FAMILY
Phil Nixon (left) with Diana and Jason Warrener

Tony Warrener, OAM who sadly passed away in 2015 was posthumously honoured with the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement for 2016. Tony was instrumental and a driving force in organising the Smash Repair Team who were on hand to repair damaged vehicles at many V8 races around Australia especially at Bathurst. Tony and his wife Diana would take many young apprentices under their wings for these races and not only mentor them but look after them, feed and house them for the duration of the event. It is hard to say how many in total passed through the team over the years and Phil Nixon from IAG was on hand to present the award to Tony’s wife Diana and son Jason.

 

 

BRENDON
Meredith and Brenton Abbott

Also receiving an award was Brenton Abbott of Fleurieu Crash in Adelaide (Victor Harbor) who has owned his business for more than 30 years and represented the industry at a State (MTA SA) level and also National (AMBRA) in many capacities. He has also been a member of many groups and organisations over the years including MCRS, CRSA, AARN and Car Craft of which he is a director. Brenton and his wife Meredith were presented with their award by Robin Taylor of Axalta Coatings.

 

 

 

 

 

THE TWO JOHNS
John Bowe (left) and John McCoy Lancaster

 

 

BREAKY 1
Breakfast is served!

A special guest at the breakfast was Australian Motorsport legend John Bowe who was interviewed by John McCoy-Lancaster and what a very entertaining and informative interview it was! John has a fascinating story to tell and if anyone has the opportunity to see him talk about his career it would be well worthwhile.

More than 170 attended the event and it will be held in 2017 at the Collision Repair Expo, April in Melbourne.

 

Editor: Once again some very special people honoured for outstanding contributions to the industry-congratulations and thanks to the many sponsors of the NCR Lifetime Achievement Awards.