Final Day of 2024 CARSTAR Conference: Velocity! Featured Keynote Speaker, Leadership Presentations, Breakout Sessions, Vendor Expo and a 90s-Themed Gala and Awards Ceremony

“Today’s program focused on how we can embrace change and map our path forward in the industry,” said Dave Foster, VP of operations and development, CARSTAR Canada. “Thank you to our valued vendors for a dynamic vendor expo. And congratulations to all of our franchise partners on their awards.”

The closing day began with a dynamic keynote speaker, Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan, who shared her philosophy of strategic performance excellence to achieve the fullest potential in business and life.

The general sessions featured a presentation by Tony Mammone, VP of strategy and analytics, on how the CARSTAR network is performing and key initiatives for the year ahead. General sessions concluded with an incredibly dynamic panel featuring a member from a collision repair facility, insurer, OEM partner and industry expert to discuss the dynamics of the markets inherent “Bermuda Triangle.”

The day also included breakout sessions, with presentations on OE parts profitability and the role of artificial intelligence and technology in future claims handling. Afterward, attendees joined the popular vendor tradeshow in the afternoon, at which North American vendors showcased the new products and services for the CARSTAR network and its procurement program.

CARSTAR hosted the glamorous 2024 Awards Gala that evening, and attendees were decked out in their finest 90s fashion to honour the theme. A special sports-themed auction, alongside the walk and other charitable initiatives through the week, helped raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

The top-performing franchise partners were announced as part of the festivities, including:

• CARSTAR Canada Franchisee of the Year – Don Morton, owner, CARSTAR London Centre

• CARSTAR Canada President’s ClubFor the public provinces: CARSTAR Raydar Group, Bill Davidson and Brad Green

• For Ontario: CARSTAR North Toronto and CARSTAR Toronto St. Clair

• For Alberta: CARSTAR Red Deer

• For Quebec: CARSTAR St-Urbain

• And for Atlantic Canada: CARSTAR New Minas

• CARSTAR Canada Rookie of the Year – CARSTAR St. Eustache

• CARSTAR Canada Ironman Award – Javier Torres, owner, TORCAM Group

• CARSTAR Canada Vanguard Award – David Kember, Ezra Kember and the Kember Family

The 2024 CARSTAR Conference: Velocity was held July 9 through 11, 2024, in breathtaking Victoria, BC. CARSTAR Canada has a long and established history in the Canadian repair industry, tracing back for three decades. In 1994, CARSTAR began franchising in Canada with the vision of building a nationwide network of high-quality auto body repair centres aimed at providing consistent service and integrity across all locations, a legacy still lives on today.

CARSTAR Canada selected Victoria as the home for its 30th anniversary celebration because it has a strong presence and history in the region. CARSTAR sponsors the BC Lions CFL team there and the 2024 Grey Cup which is being hosted in Vancouver this fall.