More than 200 industry professionals attended the Collision Industry Conference, which was held January 21 in Palm Springs, California.
The CIC is an open forum designed to allow different segments of the industry to share information, present committee work and raise concerns in a non-binding setting. Meetings focus on collaboration rather than decision-making and include structured sessions alongside open discussion.
The Palm Springs event brought together repairers, insurers, OEM representatives, suppliers and industry groups for a full day of discussion on the state of the collision repair industry.
The agenda covered a wide range of topics affecting collision repair operations. Sessions included a look at how emerging technologies are reshaping the modern bodyshop, as well as a business-focused presentation on internal growth strategies, benchmarking and performance measurement.
OEM representatives also shared updated technical and program information intended to help repairers navigate evolving repair requirements.
Another session examined how advanced vehicle technologies, including ADAS, are changing liability and accountability, with attorney Rebekah Cooper outlining risks for both consumers and repairers.
Additional presentations addressed estimating and repair planning updates for 2026, data handling in total loss situations, and misconceptions around welding practices. The agenda also included a session on safety and repair innovation, highlighting dust and fume control and the growing use of 3D printing to support modern repair processes.
As with all CIC meetings, the day concluded with open discussion, allowing attendees to raise questions and concerns directly within the forum.
Full coverage of the Palm Springs Collision Industry Conference will appear next week in Collision Repair.
