The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association has announced its 17th annual CONNEX conference will take place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Hilton Palacio del Rio in San Antonio, with a focus on the growing impact of software-defined vehicles on the collision repair industry.
This year’s conference theme, “The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles: Collision Industry Impacts,” will explore how evolving vehicle technology is reshaping repair operations, diagnostics, connectivity and business infrastructure across the sector. The event is open to both members and non-members.
According to CIECA, the conference agenda will feature presentations and panel discussions from industry leaders representing repairers, insurers, OEMs and technology providers. A keynote presentation on industry trends will be delivered by Greg Horn of PartsTrader, while Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures will discuss how technology is reshaping the collision industry.
Sessions focused on software-defined vehicles and connectivity will include presentations from Jeremy Carlson of S&P Global Mobility, Matt Harden of AT&T Connected Cars and Dan Malik of Slate Auto.
The event will also include panel discussions on OEM repair procedures, insurer perspectives and chief information officer strategies, featuring representatives from companies including OEC, ALLDATA, Crash Champions, Caliber Collision, Boyd Group and State Farm.
Additional presentations will cover artificial intelligence, privacy concerns tied to connected vehicles, ADAS calibration and industry data standards.
“Events like CONNEX are so important because they bring the industry together to learn, connect and support one another,” said Kim DeVallance Caron, chairwoman of CIECA and business development director for Enterprise Mobility. “As software-defined vehicles rapidly reshape our industry, this year’s theme reflects the need to better understand these changes and align on how we move forward -- together.”
A tour of Toyota Motor Corporation’s Toyota Texas manufacturing facility and Experience Center will be offered during the conference. The conference will also feature a National Auto Body Council NABC Recycled Rides vehicle gifting event on Sept. 30.
Additional industry events scheduled during the same week include the rebooted NACE/CARS Conference hosted by the Automotive Service Association and a networking meet-up hosted by the Women’s Industry Network.
Early-bird registration pricing is available until July 31, while discounted hotel rates are available through August 31.
For more information, or to register for the event, click here.
