CARSTAR Momentum 2018 Conference Recap

Gathered in Calgary, Alberta for its second annual North American conference, CARSTAR franchise partners, vendors and insurance leaders witnessed an unstoppable display of momentum over the course of the week.

With over 80 percent of the franchise network in attendance, CARSTAR was full of energy and eager for the week’s events. The three days of programs included strategic planning, financial management, operational improvements, marketing strategies, technical education, panel discussions, keynote speakers, insurance breakout sessions, a robust vendor expo and a special panel on the automotive aftermarket with key industry leaders.

CARSTAR kicked off the event with its own private rodeo, Calgary Stampede-style, for the opening day. Attendees enjoyed a private dinner, musical performance and live rodeo, as they donned their white cowboy hats and networked with one another.

Highly anticipated keynote speaker and owner of Collision Advice, Mike Anderson touched on the outlook of the automotive industry. Automated cars, increased value on customer satisfaction and technology advancements were all points Anderson highlighted. Additionally, industry leader Vincent Romans hosted the aftermarket panel discussion, with Dan Risley, ASA President and JF Champagne, AIA President. Discussing scale, customer experience and OEM procedures, the speakers all touched on how these components can drive profitability.

More than 60 vendor partners and resource providers participated in the renowned vendor trade show. These leaders highlighted their new products, tools and innovative technologies throughout the afternoon. In addition, CARSTAR franchise partners had an opportunity to saddle up on a mechanical bull and raise money for CARSTAR’s charity of choice, supporting cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy. Attendees lined up, eager to test their rodeo skills on the mechanical bull, with this activity raising over $7,000 for the CF cause.

Celebrated throughout the week were top network performers, who received praises from CARSTAR as well as insurance leaders. Acknowledged for their dedication, work ethic and commitment to upholding the brands premier standards, CARSTAR champions won various accolades, from franchisee of the year, to the EDGE award.

Determined to continue its forward momentum, CARSTAR consistently displayed its commitment to driving growth throughout the conference. “Performance equals growth,” was a phrase reiterated throughout the week. Leveraging the proprietary EDGE Performance Platform to drive operational efficiencies, surpass performance-based agreement expectations and expand fleet work will help drive organic growth for the brand. Additionally, CARSTAR is laser-focused on driving unit growth across North America with an aggressive goal to reach 1,000 locations by 2020.

To see all of the highlights from the CARSTAR North American conference and witness the momentum first hand, check out the CARSTAR Momentum 2018 video recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77mSfvabYZU&feature=youtu.be