The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) has announced its agenda for the 2019 CCIF Calgary event scheduled to take place from September 26-27.

The event is scheduled to be held at The Westin Calgary, 320 4th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta.

As with all CCIF events, the focus of the Calgary event will also be on the forum’s three main priorities: profitability, human resources and vehicle technology.

CCIF Director Caroline Lacasse will present the welcoming remarks whereas CCIF Chair Patrice Marcil will provide the opening and closing remarks for the event.

Kiara Reissner, an automotive refinishing apprentice in Richmond Autobody in North Vancouver will take the stage first to discuss about her career path within the collision repair industry.

Industry veteran Paul Stella, Manager for the Collision Repair and Refinish program at Toyota Canada, will talk on the subject of the impact of counterfeit parts.

This will be followed by the first session of the presentation titled “Test your Knowledge” by Ben Hart from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Hart currently instructs apprentices at SAIT. Two other sessions of “Test your Knowledge” will be conducted by Hart in between other presentations.

Ryan Mandell, Director of Performance Consulting at Mitchell International will offer his expert opinion on the subject “A Focused Look at Managing Performance and the Evolving Role of Blockchain in Collision Repair”.

The issue of insurance fraud will be discussed by Bryan Gast from the Insurance Bureau of Canada. A panel discussion titled “Engine Light On! Troubled Times for Auto Insurers” will be hosted by Joel Baker from MSA Research. Colin Alsselstine, RSA Canada; Ciaran Downes, SGI; Geneviève Bélanger, Intact Insurance; and William Perreault, Desjardins Insurance will join in as expert panellists on the topic.

The presentations will round-off with a discussion on the trends that are currently influencing the North American collision repair industry. Steven Hansen from Raymond James Ltd will be speaking on the subject.

Early bird registrations end on Monday, August 26. Registration fees for the event will be $159 until this date after which the fee will go up to $179. Thursday’s reception, hors d’oeuvres and food stations as well as Friday’s CCIF meeting and meals are all included with the registration.

CCIF has also announced a special offer for collision repair shops. They are eligible to receive two registrations for the price of one. In order to qualify, repair shops may register and email the name of their complimentary guest to [email protected].