The 2026 URG Conference in Denver brought together nearly 1,000 automotive recyclers and industry partners to explore how technology, AI, and stronger partnerships are transforming recycled OEM parts procurement and the broader repair ecosystem.
- Nearly 1,000 automotive recyclers, technology providers, and industry partners attended the 2026 URG Conference in Denver, Colorado.
- Auto Part Search, URG's next-generation marketplace, launched with features including VIN-based fitment, real-time inventory, detailed imagery, and streamlined purchasing for collision repair facilities and insurers.
- Over 85 educational sessions covered AI, cybersecurity, EVs, inventory management, digital commerce, and business innovation driving industry evolution.
- The conference highlighted the importance of cross-industry collaboration, with URG's partnership with the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program gifting four vehicles to deserving veterans.
- Carol Roedder and Jim Counts were inducted into the URG Hall of Fame for their decades of contributions to advancing professionalism and innovation in automotive recycling.
In May 2026, nearly 1,000 automotive recyclers, technology providers, suppliers and industry partners gathered in Denver, Colorado, for the 2026 URG Conference with Team PRP. With attendees travelling from across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the conference once again demonstrated why it has become one of the automotive recycling industry’s premier events and a meeting place for those shaping the future of recycled OEM parts.
Appropriately themed Back to the Future, this year’s conference returned to Colorado where the very first URG Conference was held. While the location paid tribute to the organization’s history, the conversations throughout the week were firmly focused on what comes next.
Across more than 85 educational sessions, industry leaders explored AI, cybersecurity, EVs, inventory management, leadership, sales, digital commerce and business innovation. The topics were diverse, but the underlying message was consistent: automotive recycling continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by technology, stronger data, and a commitment to raising industry standards.
Kristi Werner, chief executive officer at URG.
One of the most anticipated sessions featured the URG Board of Directors, who joined CEO Kristi Werner to discuss the organization’s strategic priorities. Board members include David Gold (Standard Auto Wreckers), John Jr. Catalano (Bionic Auto Parts), Matt Carman (Lentini Auto Parts), Kelly Roepke (Y-Yard Auto & Truck), Matt Ehlers (Road Tested Parts), Ryan Falco (Aesop Auto Parts) and Pat Huesers (PAM’s Auto). Together, they highlighted ongoing investments in technology, education, partnerships and member services while engaging members in an open discussion about the future of the industry.
One of the conference’s most significant announcements was the continued rollout of Auto Part Search, URG’s next-generation marketplace for recycled OEM parts. Developed with direct feedback from recyclers and continually refined through collaboration with the buyers, mechanics, repair shops, insurers and industry partners, the platform is designed to simplify the way collision repair facilities, mechanical repairers, insurers and consumers search for and purchase recycled parts.
Features such as VIN-based fitment, real-time inventory, detailed imagery, warranties and streamlined purchasing reflect the industry’s continued investment in creating a more modern and connected buying experience.
Auto Part Search not only streamlines purchasing, but also the claims and repair process. Adjusters can now create quotes for shops to review the recommended recycled parts for the repair and complete the purchase through a simplified, online checkout process.
Rather than simply launching another parts marketplace, Auto Part Search represents a broader shift towards greater efficiency for insurers, repairers and recyclers alike. Making recycled OEM parts more accessible, more trusted and easier to integrate into the repair process.
The conference also reinforced the importance of collaboration beyond technology.
One of the week’s most meaningful moments came through URG’s continued partnership with the National Auto Body Council and its Recycled Rides® program. Across two vehicle gifting events, four vehicles were presented to deserving veterans, made possible through the combined efforts of collision repair facilities, insurers and URG member recyclers who donated the recycled OEM parts needed to complete the repairs. It served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when every part of the industry works together.
The conference also celebrated those whose contributions have helped shape automotive recycling over many decades. Carol Roedder of Modern Imports and Jim Counts of Counts Consulting were inducted into the URG Hall of Fame, recognizing careers dedicated to advancing professionalism, innovation and leadership throughout the industry.
For more than 30 years, URG has provided a forum where recyclers can collaborate, learn and challenge one another to continually improve. Increasingly, those conversations are extending beyond automotive recycling to include technology providers, insurers and the collision repair community as a whole.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the future of automotive recycling will be driven not only by better technology, but by stronger partnerships across the entire repair ecosystem. If the conversations in Denver were any indication, that future is already well underway.
See you back in Orlando in 2027!
