Toronto, Ontario – The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced its 2025 annual conference lineup of expert professional collision repair industry programming and keynote speakers for this year’s event, set to take place May 5 to 7, 2025.
The event will be held at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista–Disney Springs Area, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
According to a recent press release, this year’s conference theme is “Create Your Own Magic,” and will also celebrate women in the industry by honouring this year’s WIN Most Influential Women recipients.
Here, funds will be further be raised for collision repair student scholarships, while also recognizing recent scholarship winners.
“This year’s conference is focused on how the women in our industry create magic every day in their roles,” according to WIN Conference Chair Blair Womble. “We have attendees that have carved out their own place in the industry through entrepreneurship, body techs and painters that are truly artisans, and women that influence through a creative approach to problem solving.”
“Attendees leave our conference energized to return to their teams with renewed focus and new ideas to apply in the workplace. The impact ensures that they not only stay updated on the latest in collision repair, but are inspired to see so many women in the industry, all together. It encourages us to be able to share best practices, network about the business, learn from each other, and even make life-long friends and colleagues.”
The confirmed 2025 speakers and programs are as follows:
- The Disney Approach to Quality Service – Alex Martinez, Senior Facilitator, Disney Institute – In this keynote, discover why delivering exceptional customer service is all about the details—nothing is left to chance. It is the result of deeply understanding customers’ expectations and putting the right guidelines in place so Disney’s Cast Members (employees) can focus on servicing its guests. When an organizational framework properly unites its people, place, and processes around a singular purpose, exceptional service becomes possible across all customer touchpoints.
- Unapologetically Driven – Sabrina Thring, Collision Group President, Driven Brands – Sabrina has held senior leadership roles at Maaco, CARSTAR, Abra, and Fix Auto USA, leveraging her finance background to drive growth and transformation in the collision repair industry. This session will offer a personal and professional perspective on thriving in the male-dominated collision repair industry, sharing insights and experiences from a woman who has broken barriers and embraced her journey with confidence and resilience.
- Becoming AI-empowered: Embrace AI to Sell Smarter, Serve Better, While Saving Time – Julie Holmes, Globe-trotting Inventor, Tech Founder and Innovation Powerhouse -With over 90% of leading businesses investing in AI, there’s no better time to learn how it can help you work smarter, lead better, and find new opportunities for growth. Learn how to make AI an empowering tool for your day-to-day, from saving you hours to cheering you on. You’ll learn to embrace the right AI tools, master the art of prompting, and bring a new level of creativity and efficiency to work and life. Join us, and unlock a world of innovation, excellence, and yes - your own AI-mazing magic!
- Collision Repair: The Past, the Present, and the Future – Jamie Shackleford, Sr. Director, Sales and Enablement, Caliber Holdings – In this session, Jamie will explore the dynamic shifts in the Collision Repair Industry over the last five years, highlighting the impact of rising vehicle complexity, workforce challenges, and evolving customer expectations. She'll discuss the ripple effects of these changes on repair processes, insurance dynamics, and business models, while offering insights into how the industry can continue to innovate and adapt to future demands.
- All Star Industry Panel – Unlocking OE Standards for Collision Repair Success – Our Industry panels have become a highlight of our content the last few years. Join influencers from top OE Partners to as we drill down on topics like repair requirement differentiation across brands, along with First Notice of Loss.
Additionally, breakout sessions will include:
- Innovating Learners with Engaging Virtual Reality Experiences – Mike Mertes, Learning Innovation and Technology Manager, I-CAR – Virtual reality experiences give learners a new way to learn and solve complex processes or procedures that were previously difficult to study due to cost, accessibility, and time constraints. With VR now being used in industries such as law enforcement, fire rescue, medical, and aerospace, how can the Collision Repair Industry benefit from using the technology? Learn the challenges and benefits of creating VR experiences to give learners effective learning solutions they can experience anywhere.
- Driving Precision & Safety Forward with ADAS Calibration – Aubrey Dahl, Vice President of Sales, asTech, Driven by Repairify – This is a hands-on breakout session designed to equip automotive professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for accurate ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration. Participants will learn about the latest calibration techniques, OEM requirements, and industry best practices to ensure vehicle safety and performance. Aubrey leads high-performing teams and drives strategic growth in the automotive diagnostics and repair industry. A seasoned sales executive, Aubrey specializes in transforming organizations, enhancing customer retention, and accelerating revenue within SaaS and cloud-based markets.
- Transforming Your Personal Brand and Presence – Candace Wachter, Certified Executive Coach – Your personal brand is a reflection in everything you do, from your work habits to how you communicate to how you are perceived from others and how you 'show up.' Learn how to have your personal brand give a visual introduction to your live presence (Executive, Personal, Leadership, etc.). Learn to build trust and credibility, increase visibility, attract opportunities and provide personal confidence in everything you do, and be perceived and seen the way you want to be. It's like making your own magic!
- Networking Session – Enjoy and thrive in an environment for all conference attendees to share best practices and meet new people. This will inspire tangible actionable strategies and ideas to help all better achieve professional and personal goals.
For more information about the event, click here.
