30 YEARS OF VISION

BY CHAD SNIDER, MWACA STAFF

THE VISION HI-TECH TRAINING & EXPO first opened its doors in 1992 with around 250 attendees and around 35 exhibitors, who set up their spaces in the parking garage of the Hilton Inn. Dragsters were used to fill unused exhibit space. Now look to 2022, where the annual event brought in a record-breaking 3,200+ attendees from 43 states and 3 Canadian provinces. 1,900 of those attendees took training, a further 48% of which were first-timers to the conference. 144 exhibitors filled the entirety of the Overland Park Convention Center’s 60,000 sq foot exhibit hall with overflow of booths into the hallway.

While things have changed since 1992, there is one thing that VISION has maintained throughout those years: its mission. To bring quality education to the independent automotive service professional. No gimmicks. No sales pitches. Just true and trusted education.

“Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary and the well deserved huge turnout. VISION Hi-Tech and Training Expo is the industry event role model.” - Howard P.

70 industry professionals taught over 33,000 hours of management and technical training throughout the 3-1/2 day conference. Classes ranged from service advisor training to hands-on technical classes, and everything in-between. Attendees left with actionable ideas and skills they could immediately put to use as soon as they returned to their shops. These weren’t just temporary ideas and teachings to be discarded after use; everything learned during this annual training event can be used every single day on the job. These skills are for life.

“MWACA has brought the absolute best trainers in the automotive industry together for a very well-organized event. With such a wide range of subject matter to choose from, this event could apply to almost anyone looking to advance their career to the next level.” - Weir L.

Thursday afternoon saw the Hi-Tech Tool Expo, featuring over a dozen companies exhibiting their hi-tech tools, diagnostic equipment, and software. From a professional-grade diagnostic scanner that offers OE-level capabilities to remote repair assistance, many were blown away by the possibilities now available to their shops.

That evening, all members of the Auto Care Alliance enjoyed a reception featuring food, fun, and fellowship. Sponsored by MWACA and Tekmetric, the night was a blast and provided each alliance member, be they part of MWACA or the other alliances that now fall under the ACA, the opportunity to catch up and make new connections. The evening fit its event name to a T: Our Future Is Bright.

After another full day of training, the moment had arrived: the Expo. Thousands lined up to enter the Exhibit Hall where over a hundred companies had spent the day prepping their booths. Not only was it a mad dash to get into the Hall to see what the top companies in the aftermarket automotive industry had to offer, but a second reason stuck out for every attendee that night: KUKUI had sponsored drinks for the evening, with everyone given a drink ticket during their registration. Could the night get any better?

From Advance Professional to ACDelco, spark plugs to shop management programs, every category of part and software was featured in the 60,000-square-foot hall.

Some of the best moments included seeing that many attendees had brought their families, including wide-eyed young children. It was truly heartwarming to realize you might just be seeing the future of the automotive industry right before your eyes.

Saturday morning featured more bacon being consumed than anywhere else in the Midwest. (We assume, anyway.) Breakfast was under-way and everyone had a smile on their face.

Not long after, the Opening General Session, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, began, we were moved and humbled to have U.S. Navy SEAL Leif Babin deliver our opening keynote. Leif co-wrote the New York Times Best-Selling book on leadership entitled, “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win.” He discussed the leadership skills he learned as a Navy SEAL and how those lessons transfer to our unique businesses. This was a not-to-miss event, and Leif: We’re very grateful for your service in the field, and at this year’s VISION.

“One of the greatest benefits of attending events like VISION is leaving with knowledge and relationships to be and do better. But, this year, we were honored with the presence of someone who brought inspiration to a new level. Hearing from Leif Babin and his story helped
me to internalize where I can improve while leading my company, clients, and family. He was powerful, relevant, and increased the energy of the event in an amazing way. It’s incredible when we get the chance to hear from a speaker like him and I’m grateful to VISION for the opportunity!” - Kim W.

Saturday evening several scholarships were awarded to deserving students, as well as many other awards. Among which was the MWACA President’s Award, given to Brian and Kim Walker of Shop Marketing Pros, and the MWACA Member of the Year Award, nabbed by Al Wright.

All that was left was Sunday’s classes, and the 2022 VISION event would be capped for another year.