Kelowna is known for its vineyards, where years of planning, investment and patience eventually produce results worth celebrating.
The same could be said for the conversations taking place at this year's ACX Align Conference – Vision in Motion.
Gathering in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, collision repair professionals from across Canada spent three days discussing leadership, learning and understanding the challenges shaping the future of the industry. While sessions covered everything from vehicle technology and diagnostics to customer loyalty, brand retention, and organizational growth, a common message emerged: organizations that continue to invest in people (the fuel of an organization) will be best positioned for what comes next.
For ACX President Arthur Crawford, that journey is already well underway.
"We've built the engine. We've developed a platform for growth," Crawford told attendees during his opening remarks.
That vision was less about growth for growth's sake and more about creating an organization capable of adapting to an industry that continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Throughout the conference, speakers repeatedly returned to the importance of leadership, training, and building teams equipped to navigate change.
Crawford challenged attendees to view many of the industry's biggest challenges through a different lens.
"At ACX, we choose to turn these headwinds into tailwinds," he said, referring to increasing vehicle complexity, OEM certification requirements, and rapidly advancing technology.
Whether discussing diagnostics and calibration, customer loyalty, workforce development, or emerging technology, presenters emphasized that standing still is no longer an option. Continuous improvement is a requirement rather than a competitive advantage.
Keith Crerar, chief transformation officer at Reparify Inc. and president of AsTech, noted that experience alone is no longer enough.
"The tried-and-true 20-year technician that does everything from memory used to be their greatest advantage. That person you could hand anything to, and they'd figure it out because they'd done it thousands of times before. Now, that person is potentially your greatest liability," said Crerar. "The modern technician really needs to be someone who's willing to read, to research, to learn and then repeat that cycle over and over again."
Several sessions explored leadership development, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation of collision repair professionals. Discussions around apprenticeship programs, career development and supporting women in the industry highlighted the importance of building a workforce capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges.
One of the conference's standout sessions featured broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos, who shared insights and stories from his career interviewing some of the world's most recognizable figures. He later welcomed Canadian musician Steven Page for a conversation on creativity, reinvention and authenticity, followed by a live performance that became one of the event's most memorable moments. Together, the two guest speakers delivered a powerful reminder about embracing change and growth.
While the collision repair industry continues to face significant change, the atmosphere throughout the conference was one of optimism, confidence and opportunity. The challenges ahead are real, but so is the industry's ability to adapt.
