IGNITE THE FUTURE

FIX NETWORK NATIONAL CONFERENCE BANFF 2026

Some cars get rebuilt. Others help rebuild lives. By the time the auctioneer called the final bid at Fix Network Canada’s 2026 National Conference in Banff, the Pontiac Firebird sitting under the lights had already become the emotional centrepiece of the event. But the biggest number attached to the car was not horsepower, restoration hours or auction value. It was one million dollars.

The winning bid pushed Fix Network Canada’s fundraising efforts for Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada past the $1 million mark, capping off years of support from franchisees, suppliers, partners and corporate teams across the country.

That milestone became the defining moment of the “Ignite the Future” conference, held May 7 and 8 at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta. More than 350 franchisees, insurers, suppliers and industry leaders gathered against one of the most dramatic backdrops in the country to talk about where this industry is headed and what it takes to get there. The Firebird itself carried its own remarkable backstory. Purchased from Mike Hall of the hit television series Rust Valley Restorers, the once-forgotten Pontiac came from Hall’s famous “Field of Dreams” collection in British Columbia.

Through more than 1,000 hours of work contributed by Fix Network teams, franchise partners and suppliers, the vehicle was transformed into a showpiece that later appeared at SEMA in Las Vegas before arriving in Banff for the charity auction.

Fix Network Canada president Steve Leal opened the conference with a message focused on growth, momentum and preparing franchise partners for the road ahead. Economist Andrew Hencic followed with a clear-eyed assessment of the economic pressures facing Canadian businesses. From there, the sessions moved quickly through leadership, operational planning, ESG, the changing insurance landscape and the long-term challenge of building workplace cultures that can sustain growth.

Leadership discussions carried a strong emphasis on culture, teamwork and decision-making under pressure.

Ayao Komatsu, TGR Haas F1 Team Principal, reinforced that message during a fireside chat.

“As a leader, my job is to listen and create a safe environment where people can challenge ideas, take risks and speak openly,” said Komatsu. “If people are afraid to put ideas on the table, you will never improve.”

The insurance panel discussion drew particular attention from attendees. Conversations around claims trends, cycle time pressures, ADAS calibrations, EV adoption and OEM repair procedures reflected the growing complexity facing modern collision repair operations. The tone remained collaborative, even as discussions acknowledged the mounting pressure on shops to stay current with rapidly evolving repair requirements.

The Firebird project itself became a fitting metaphor for many of those discussions. \ Fix Network vice-president of strategic business development Daryll O’Keefe said the project succeeded because of the willingness of people across the industry to contribute their time, expertise and resources. “This project showed that with the right people behind you, good things happen, even when the odds say different,” said O’Keefe.

Support for the restoration came from sponsors including LKQ, NAPA, 3M, Axalta and Kent Automotive, alongside numerous franchise partners and suppliers throughout the network.

Recognition also played a major role throughout the conference, with franchisees and contributors from across Canada receiving awards for performance, customer experience and brand advocacy.

The following awards were presented during the event:

PRESIDENTS AWARD:

• Albert Rosanova – Fix Auto Edmonton West, Edmonton North, Tamarack and Northgate

PERFORMANCE AWARD:

• Fix Auto Edmonton North

• ProColor Lebourgneuf

• Novus Halifax Bayers Lake

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AWARD:

• Fix Auto Sherwood Park

• ProColor Richmond Hill

• Novus Glass North Shore

BRAND AMBASSADOR AWARD:

• Ben Alleckna, The Davis Group (Fix Auto Abbotsford, Airdrie, Chilliwack and Kelowna)

• Azad Daya, ProColor Etobicoke North, Guelph and Barrie

• Will and Jodi Brant, Novus Glass Regina

By the time attendees packed their bags and headed home, “Ignite the Future” had delivered more than presentations and business updates. It delivered perspective. It delivered momentum.

One especially meaningful moment for the Collision Repair team came when CRM’s own Gloria Mann received the Industry Partner Award, recognizing decades of support and commitment to the industry.

Still, some of the most valuable moments happened away from the stage.

Hallway conversations stretched between sessions. New partnerships formed over dinners overlooking the Rockies. Franchisees exchanged ideas, concerns and strategies in the spaces between presentations. Those quieter conversations often carried as much value as anything projected on the conference screens.

By the time attendees packed their bags and headed home, “Ignite the Future” had delivered more than presentations and business updates. It delivered perspective. It delivered momentum.

And thanks to one rebuilt Firebird, it also delivered a fundraising milestone that will help support families across Canada for years to come.

Collision Repair magazine was proud to attend the event to represent the industry. For full coverage and photo gallery visit collisionrepairmag.com/15824845