3.6.23 – With less than two weeks to go, registration for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) flagship event, the NORTHEAST 2023 Automotive Services Show (March 17-19 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ), is ramping up for show access as well as this year’s educational slate, (sponsored by Education Sponsor AirPro Diagnostics). Sessions including this year’s “Shop of the Future” panel discussion are drawing record numbers as attendees look to hear from industry leaders on how they can continue to be successful today and in the days to come.

Seats for this discussion and others are filling up fast! One needs to stay on top of what is new and what is next to keep up in this ever-changing industry, but what must collision repair professionals do in 2023 to be a true “shop of the future”?

Panelists – including Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), Michael Bonsanto (Passaic County Technical Institute Vo-Tech), Bud Center & Dirk Fuchs (I-CAR), David Luehr (Elite Body Shop Solutions), Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision Repair and AASP/NJ), Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists), Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint Inc.), John Shoemaker (BASF) and Frank Terlep (OPUS IVS) – will talk ideas, information and predictions on what modern body shops need to know to remain successful now and in the future. Veteran automotive journalist Joel Gausten will moderate this exclusive discussion.

“Many may not realize it, but the ‘future’ is already here,” suggests McNee, AASP/NJ president. “Advanced technology is a part of every vehicle including the most basic and inexpensive models. An alarming amount of repairers are overlooking this important fact, but no one can afford to sit back and do nothing. If you want to survive and thrive, attend NORTHEAST and don’t miss this panel discussion to hear about others’ experiences. It’s not an easy road to jump on, but we have to embrace what is coming.”

“What Does It Take to Be a Shop of the Future?” is scheduled for Saturday, March 18 at 5pm. Visit aaspnjnortheast.com/education to access the full agenda and to register. Attendees can purchase single classes for $25 each or get a huge discount on a Full-Access NORTHEAST Educational Pass (12 sessions) for $199 (over $100 in savings!). To learn more about Education Sponsor AirPro Diagnostics, visit airprodiagnostics.com or see them at NORTHEAST booth #317.

Thousands of industry professionals make their way to NORTHEAST every March to experience national-level education and training, the best equipment and innovations on the market and networking with peers. In addition to the value offered in the classrooms and on the show floor, collision repairers can take part in the inaugural Bodywork Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition on Saturday, March 18. Test your skills in the categories of estimating, welding or painting for a chance to win a $500 cash prize.

Save time in line at the show by registering for your FREE Badge and a chance to win $500 in NORTHEAST Dollars toward any purchase at the show by visiting aaspnjnortheast.com. For more information on AASP/NJ, please visit aaspnj.org.