AGENDA
Keep visiting for more updates to the agenda!
Tuesday, August 18
| Time | Name |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Registration Opens |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Seaside Stride Charity Walk |
| 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM | Opening Ceremonies |
| 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Executive Leadership Messages |
| 5:00 PM - 5:20 PM | Leadership Messages from Sabrina Thring and Dave Foster |
| 5:20 PM - 6:20 PM | Keynote Speaker — Mike Downey |
| 6:20 PM - 6:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 6:20 PM - 6:30 PM | Franchisee of the Year Award |
| 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Opening Night Event | Halifax Waterfront “Kitchen Party” |
Wednesday, August 19
| Time | Name |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:10 AM - 8:30 AM | Leadership Message from Damien Reyna |
| 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | Operations Message — Collin Welsh and Andrew Northrup |
| 9:15 AM - 9:25 AM | Marketing Message — Melissa Kwiatkowski |
| 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | Industry Speaker — Ryan Mandell |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Closing Remarks |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Vendor Expo |
| 4:00 PM | Free Night |
Thursday, August 20
| Time | Name |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM | Keynote Speaker — Tom Deans |
| 9:15 AM - 9:35 AM | Insurance Panel — Insurance/OE and Sabrina Thring |
| 9:35 AM - 10:20 AM | Panel — Dave Foster and Brad Green |
| 10:20 AM - 10:30 AM | Mainstage Closing |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 AM - 12:30 PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch |
| 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free Time |
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Cocktail Reception — Casino Night |
| 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Awards Gala — Great Gatsby themed |
Breakout Sessions
Impact 2026 breakouts are designed to deliver practical, actionable strategies you can take straight back to your shops—from improving efficiency and capture rates to leveraging AI, strengthening training, increasing profitability, and elevating the customer experience.
You’ll have the opportunity to choose your focus and build a personalized learning path across dedicated breakout blocks on Wednesday and Thursday.
Featured Breakout Sessions
Education to Excellence: Building the Foundation for What’s Next
The way we develop people across the CARSTAR network is evolving. Join us for a look at the transformed Collision University platform, the new Virtual Learning Center, and the learning pathways designed to support role development, operational consistency, and continuous improvement.
See how education and training are creating a foundation for stronger teams, better performance, and a shared path forward for the future.
CARSTAR Academy: Bringing Youth into the Trade
Attracting and retaining young talent is vital for the future of our industry. Join us to discover actionable strategies for engaging with local job fairs, colleges, and apprentice institutions, all powered by the nationally recognized CARSTAR Academy.
Beyond the Score Card; Turning Performance into Profitability
Insurance Performance Scorecards will continue to be a part of the Collision Business. Transforming the information provided into operational actions has benefits beyond the insurer. This Session will focus on how targeted improvement can positively impact insurer KPI's and your bottom line.
From SEO to AEO: Competing in the Age of AI Answers
The rules of digital marketing have changed. Customers are no longer scrolling — they’re asking, and AI is answering. This session will dive into the shift from traditional SEO to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), unpacking how AI platforms influence customer decisions before they ever reach your website. Discover how you can lead as a trusted, recommended choice in AI-driven journeys.
ADAS in Action: Navigating Calibration and Growth
Jeff Brown will speak about his first hand experience and the opportunities in ADAS Calibrations. What can be the hurdles and what you need to navigate as ADAS Calibration requirements continue to increase and evolve.
EV Essentials: What Every Shop Needs to Know
Joins NAPA's EV expert for an engaging session focused on the technologies, risks and repair considerations surrounding todays electrified vehicles. From full EV's to Hybrids, you'll gain valuable insights that help protect your team, your customers and your business.
AI Estimating
Join Mitchell's Sinh Quan for an inside look at Mitchell Intelligent Estimating and how AI is transforming the estimate creation process. Learn how emerging technology can help improve consistency, identify opportunities, reduce administrative effort and support more accurate repair planning from the very first touchpoint.
BETAG and Keco
This moderated panel discussion will highlight the value of advanced training and tooling through insights from two trusted industry leaders. Attendees will learn key strategies to improve throughput efficiency, better manage repair severity, increase profitability, and capture more customer-pay work.