Collision repair executives will meet behind closed doors in Las Vegas on Nov. 2 to compare business strategies, examine consolidation and discuss changes affecting large and growing repair organizations.
The 15th annual MSO Symposium is intended primarily for multi-shop operators. These are collision repair businesses that manage more than one location and must make decisions across several facilities about staffing, investment, insurer relationships, technology and expansion.
The Automotive Service Association will host the one-day event at the Rio Hotel & Casino. It will take place immediately before the SEMA Show and Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo.
Unlike the larger trade shows, the symposium restricts attendance. Owners, executives and employees of MSOs may apply. Independent collision repair businesses qualify if annual sales exceed US$3 million.
Representatives of insurers and vehicle manufacturers may also attend. Access for suppliers is generally limited to event sponsors, while media attendance is limited to one representative from each approved publication. Organizers review each application, and no on-site registration will be offered.
The format brings executives from repair companies, insurers and vehicle manufacturers into the same program. Sessions focus on the management and financial questions that arise as repair businesses add locations or oversee larger networks.
The 2026 program will cover the economy, recent consolidation, artificial intelligence in repair operations, customer service and changes in the claims environment. A complete session schedule has not yet been released.
Phil Mackintosh, chief economist and senior vice-president at Nasdaq, will open the main program with “A Complicated Economic Backdrop.” His presentation is scheduled from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Mackintosh joined Nasdaq in 2018 and has more than 30 years of financial, operating and trading experience. He previously held senior trading and research roles with KCG/Virtu Financial, Credit Suisse and County Investment Management. He began his career with KPMG and is a chartered accountant.
He previously addressed the symposium in 2024. His “Return to Goldilocks” presentation examined inflation, employment, interest rates and the wider economic conditions affecting businesses and consumers.
Brad Anderson, president and CEO of Classic Collision, will serve as master of ceremonies. Anderson took over the multi-location collision repair and automotive glass company in June.
Before joining Classic Collision, he led Pilot Company’s retail business, which included more than 900 travel centres and 26,000 employees. He previously spent more than 18 years with Brunswick Corporation, including service as president and general manager of Sea Ray Boats.
A 17-member industry advisory board helps determine the symposium’s content. Its members include executives from Classic Collision, The Boyd Group, Crash Champions, Caliber Collision, Driven Brands, Quality Collision Group, CollisionRight, VIVE Collision and Berkshire Hathaway’s collision operations.
The board also includes independent repair, consulting, finance and network representatives. Roy Schnepper, owner of Butlers Collision and a CSN Collision Centres operator, is among its members.
Scott Paul, senior vice-president of U.S. collision operations for Driven Brands, said discussions outside the formal sessions are an important part of the event.
“What makes the MSO Symposium unique is the willingness of people to openly share what they’re learning,” Paul said. “The conversations that happen in the hallways, over meals, and between sessions are often just as valuable as the content on stage.”
Registration includes breakfast, a plated lunch, two networking breaks and a pre-dinner reception. Doors will open at 8 a.m., presentations will begin at 9 a.m. and the reception will conclude at 5:30 p.m.
Registration and eligibility details are available on the MSO Symposium website.
