Revving Up for Innovation: CIECA announces details for CONNEX 2025 in Nashville

Nashville Tennessee – The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) has revealed that its 16th annual conference, CONNEX 2025, will take place from September 23 to 25 at the Hilton Nashville Green Hills in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s theme is “Insights to Innovation: The Future of Collision Industry Technology.”

One of the event’s highlights will be a tour of the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, the largest Nissan manufacturing site in the United States. The plant assembles the Nissan Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue, and INFINITI QX60.

Paul Barry, executive director of CIECA, said the conference aims to provide a platform for all segments of the collision industry to come together and explore the future. “CONNEX 2025 will focus on the latest industry insights and trends, and how businesses are using that information to drive innovation," he said.

The conference is open to all industry stakeholders, including both CIECA members and non-members.

Agenda:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23: Afternoon Group 1 tour of Nissan plant, evening reception for all attendees  
• Wednesday, Sept. 24: Full day of presentations, evening reception
• Thursday, Sept. 25: Half day of presentations, lunch, Group 2 tour of Nissan plant  

In addition, the following industry events will take place during the same week:

• Monday, Sept. 22: Changing and Saving Lives Music City Golf Fundraiser, hosted by the National Auto Body Council (NABC®)
• Friday, Sept. 26 & Saturday, Sept. 27: Music City Collision Conference, hosted by the Tennessee Collision Repairers Association (TCRA) at the Southwestern Conference Center  

Barry emphasized the growing role of technology in the collision industry. “The rapid evolution of technology impacts every aspect of vehicle design, repair, and recycling,” he said. “These changes extend beyond physical vehicle repair.”  

He added that as vehicle technology advances, the data generated offers both opportunities and challenges for all sectors of the collision industry. “It’s crucial for anyone in the ecosystem to stay informed about the ongoing impacts of these technological changes,” Barry said.

Early-bird registration is available at https://connex.cieca.com/CIECACONNEX2025#/tickets?lang=en  

Sponsor a breakfast, lunch, and/or reception: https://connex.cieca.com/CIECACONNEX2025#/sponsors 

The full conference agenda will be announced in Spring 2025.