Provisional Agenda
Tuesday 1st April 2025
7.00pm – IBIS USA Welcome Reception in Partnership with Axalta
Wednesday 2nd April 2025
7.30 am – Arrival and Registration
8.30 am – IBIS Opening Introduction
Suzie Scott, head of sales, IBIS
8.35 am – Welcome to IBIS USA 2025
Sean Carey, IBIS board member
8.40 am – Transforming Tomorrow Together – what did we learn
This session we reflect on the impactful journey of IBIS events in 2024 under the unifying theme, Transforming Tomorrow Together. Last year, the IBIS community came together across vibrant global locations to explore innovative ideas and share diverse perspectives that provided the clarity of why and how we needed to Transform Tomorrow Together.
As we bring together these lessons into IBIS USA 2025, this session will delve into the key takeaways from the 2024 events and how they align with our shared goal for 2025 of Shaping the Future: Leadership through Collaboration. Let’s explore how the industry can show leadership and move forward through collaboration, by applying these insights to drive progress and make a lasting impact across industries and communities worldwide.
8.50 am – Global Trends and the Automotive Future
Gain a comprehensive view of the current global market in this insightful session, where we’ll explore key trends shaping the market and projections for the future. From the evolving dynamics of international trade to shifting consumer demands, we’ll examine what these changes mean for the automotive industry. Following on, Ford Motor Company will share their views of where they are heading in the market and, specifically what the collision repair sector can expect going forward.
Moderator: Sean Carey
Almudena Benedito, CEO, GiPA Group
Jennifer Boyer Director of Strategy and Collision Business, Ford Motor Company
Christopher Wallace, U.S. Parts Category Sales Director – at Ford Motor Company (Ford Blue, Ford Model e, Ford Pro)
9.45 am – From Transforming Tomorrow Together to Shaping the future
Executive leaders from IBIS global partner companies will share their thoughts on the market and how they are shaping the future for their companies in the US marketplace. This interactive discussion will seek to uncover perspectives on market direction, changing market landscapes, customer needs and behaviours and key actions or initiatives necessary to respond effectively.
Moderator: Dave Smith
David Wilk, vice-president, US & Canada, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division
Jeremy VanAlstyne, vice-president of sales – North America Refinish, Axalta
Craig Edmonds, president, asTech, Driven by Repairify
Dan Friedman, vice-president, North American Sales and Business Development, Entegral
Dave Flockhart, Chief Operating Officer, BETAG Innovation
10.30 am – 11.00 am – Networking Coffee Break
11.00 am – Shaping the Future: Trends and Impacts of Global Bodyshop Consolidation
Explore the evolving landscape of bodyshop consolidation in Europe in this engaging session. Focusing on the broader European markets, we’ll dive into how bodyshop groups are reshaping the industry through consolidation strategies. Learn about the key drivers behind this trend, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the innovative approaches being adopted across the region. From market dynamics to operational efficiencies, this session will provide valuable insights into the current state of bodyshop groups and what the future might hold for consolidation in Europe.
Moderator: Dave Smith
Fredrik Karlsen, CEO, Intakt Bilskade
Matthias Rolinski, CEO, IRS Group
Paul Gange, COO, U.S. Collision, Gerber Collision & Glass
Ben Chesterfield, general manager, Car Craft QLD Ltd
12.00 pm – Morning Insights Unpacked: Key Highlights and Takeaways from Today’s Speakers
During this session, we’ll recap the key points from our morning speakers. This session will highlight the trends, strategies, and innovative ideas shared, ensuring delegates walk away with clear takeaways to apply in their business.
Moderator: Dave Smith
12.30 pm – 1.45 pm – Networking Lunch Break
1.45 pm – Embracing the Future: Unlocking the Potential of AI in Work and Innovation
This captivating session is led by an AI expert, exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the workplace and beyond. Discover what AI can do today, how it’s shaping industries, and the exciting possibilities it holds for the future.
Moderator: Dave Smith
Kanene Ayo Holder, educator and AI strategist
2.30 pm – AI in action
During this session, we will see how businesses across the collision repair industry are leveraging AI to revolutionise workflows, enhance efficiency, and deliver better outcomes. We will learn the impact AI is having on day-to-day operations, the challenges of adoption, and the opportunities it creates for innovation and growth in the industry.
Moderator: Dave Smith
Joe Saputo, owner, Saputo Collision
Jonathan Garay, president of operations, Zenetec
3.15 pm – 3.45 pm – Networking Coffee Break
3.45 pm – Collaboration of Our Various Talent Acquisition Programs – Update
At IBIS USA 2024, we delved into the pressing issue of the technician shortage, highlighting the organisations and initiatives striving to tackle this challenge. In 2025, Jen Maher of TechForce will provide insights from other industries and how their parallels may assist the collision industry.
Moderator: Dave Smith
Jennifer Maher, CEO, TechForce Foundation
4.15 pm – Leadership through Collaboration – Past Lessons and Future Strategies
This session will hear from two iconic leaders of the US collision repair industry who coincidently happen to both be retiring in 2025. Both have had a significant influence on the shape of the market over the past decade or more, and their fingerprints can be found on many industrywide initiatives. We will hear from them on what changes have been most consequential, where they believe the market is heading, and what lessons and messages they would leave for the future leaders of our industry.
Moderator: Sean Carey
John S. Van Alstyne, CEO & president, I-CAR
Tim O’Day, CEO, Boyd Group Services Inc.
5.00 pm – Closing remarks
5.15 pm – Day one conference close
6.30 pm – IBIS USA Exclusive Networking Drinks Reception and Dinner – in Partnership with Axalta
Thursday 3rd April 2025
9.00 am – Welcome Back to IBIS USA 2025
Sean Carey, IBIS board member
9.05 am – Shaping the Future: Navigating the Collision Repair Market in the U.S.: Current Trends and Future Outlook
Steve Greenfield is an Automotive industry expert and investor. In this session, he will delve into the current state of the auto industry and provide his perspectives on the collision repair market in the United States. Discover key trends shaping the industry, from advancements in vehicle technology to evolving consumer expectations, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges businesses face, such as workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. This session will also explore opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, offering a forward-looking perspective on what the future holds for collision repair.
Moderator: Sean Carey
Steve Greenfield, general partner, Automotive Ventures
10.00 am – WIN update
Elizabeth Stein, Chair of the Women’s Industry Network will share highlights from the organisation on progress in their mission to be THE network driving the future of collision repair by attracting, developing and advancing women across North America – including plans for deeper engagement in Canada, the upcoming 19th Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, and important milestones with the WIN Scholarship and industry recognition programs. WIN is a proud collaboration partner with IBIS Worldwide.
Elizabeth Stein, chair, Women’s Industry Network
10.15am – 10.45am – Networking Coffee Break
10.45 am – Future-Ready: Leading Forward Through Collaboration
As vehicle technology rapidly evolves, staying ahead requires a strategic focus on advanced systems, equipment readiness, and industry-wide accountability. This session, led by I-CAR’s technical experts, will provide executive insights into the critical areas shaping the future of collision repair—ADAS, electric vehicles, Mixed Attachment Methods, and the essential role of Post Collision Safety Inspections. Through forward-looking discussions, we’ll explore how to align operations with emerging technologies, close procedural gaps, and ensure technical excellence across your organisation.
Part one: Navigating Technology Transformation and Operational Readiness: ADAS, EVs, and Advanced Equipment
This segment will explore how emerging technologies—such as ADAS, electric vehicles, and advanced attachment methods—are reshaping collision repair. It will dive into the impact these innovations have on operational readiness, equipment standards, and workforce skills, with a particular focus on Mixed Attachment Methods that are now being required by OEMs for various repairs.
Part two: Safety & Compliance: Closing the Accountability Gap
This section addresses the critical industry gap in performing and supporting Post Collision Safety inspections. We’ll discuss the operational risks of non-compliance and present solutions to integrate inspection protocols effectively across the repair process.
Executive Roundtable: Actionable Next Steps
An interactive discussion encouraging leaders to identify key takeaways and define practical, forward-looking steps to enhance technical proficiency and operational excellence.
Moderator: Dave Smith
Jeff Peevy, vice-president, industry relations, I-CAR
Bud Center, director, technical products and curriculum, I-CAR
Scott Kaboos, OEM collision repair technical lead, I-CAR
12.00pm – Closing remarks
Dave Smith, IBIS moderator
Sean Carey, IBIS board member
Suzie Scott, head of sales, IBIS Worldwide
12.15pm – Delegates Networking Departure Lunch
