Registration desk opens in the pre-function area on the Ballroom level. Pick up your opening night t-shirt, your welcome gift, your name badge and CARSTAR swag with proceeds going to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
 

Join us for our charity walk, the Seaside Stride! Get ready to walk along the waterfront to support our national charity, Cystic Fibrosis Canada!
 

Opening ceremonies commence in Ballroom B2, where all general session activities will take place through the week. 
 

Kick off Impact 2026 with Sabrina Thring, Brand President, Driven Brands Collision Group, who will look at the opportunities, challenges, and goals shaping the future of CARSTAR Canada. Hear reflections on the strength of our network, celebrate our collective achievements, and be inspired to make a meaningful impact the rest of the year.
 

Dave Foster, SVP of Operations and Development, takes the stage to share a powerful message on resilience, leadership, and the difference we can make in the lives of others. This thought-provoking session will encourage attendees to reflect on their influence, embrace change, and leave motivated to create lasting impact within their businesses, teams, and communities.

Award-winning filmmaker, storyteller, and philanthropist Mike Downie will share insights on the power of storytelling to inspire connection, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful change. Drawing from acclaimed projects including The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal and Secret Path, Mike will challenge and inspire attendees to think differently about the stories that shape people, organizations, and communities.

We're thrilled to recognize our highest accolade,  Franchisee of the Year Award, on opening night. This stellar owner can then be celebrated throughout the week and you can try and make time to connect with them and get their secret sauce for success.
 

We’re kicking off the conference with an unforgettable evening on the historic Halifax waterfront at Pavillion 23.  Join us for an authentic 'Kitchen Party' which will include delicious east coast delights, a live band, backyard games, and more!  Get ready for a fun night and don't forget we're raising money for a great cause, CF, with some karaoke fun.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast next to general sessions, courtesy of the Halifax Convention Centre.
 

Hear the operational leadership message from the  COO, Damien Reyna, as he shares a North America-wide perspective on where we are today, where we're headed, and the priorities shaping our future. Gain insights into the trends, opportunities, and strategic focus areas that will help position our network for continued success.

Hear the latest from Zone Directors, Collin Welsh and Andrew Northrup, on operational focus areas, network performance, industry developments, and key metrics shaping success across the country. Gain insights and practical takeaways to help keep your business on track and performing at its best.
 

After hearing about our operational priorities and vision for the future, we'll celebrate the winner of our Operations Excellence Award. This franchisee brings those principles to life every day. Their success story serves as a powerful example of what excellence looks like in action.
 

Hear from automotive industry expert Ryan Mandell as he explores the latest trends in collision repair, insurance, and vehicle technology. Backed by extensive industry experience and data analytics, Ryan will share insights to help you navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.

Our emcees will take the stage to close out our mainstage sessions for the day and share infomation regarding the upcoming breakout sessions.
 

Enjoy light snacks and beverages, courtesy of the Halifax Convention Centre.
 

Head to the first breakout session to dive deeper into topics designed to help you strengthen and grow your business. You'll leave with fresh ideas, practical takeaways, and valuable insights from experts and fellow franchisees.

Enjoy light snacks and beverages, courtesy of the Halifax Convention Centre.
 

Keep the momentum going by attending your second breakout session, where you'll explore additional opportunities, best practices, and new perspectives to help drive success. It's another chance to learn from experts, connect with peers, and take home actionable ideas for your business.

These outstanding events are made possible by our valued vendor partners. Don't miss out as we enjoy some desserts as we connect with our vendors on their latest and greatest products and services.

Take advantage of a free night in Halifax to explore all the sites, scenes and experiences the city has to offer. Check out 'Halifax attractions' under 'attendee information' on the CARSTAR conference website to find fun things to do in the city.  
 

Enjoy a delicious breakfast next to general sessions, courtesy of the Halifax Convention Centre.

Renowned author, speaker, and expert on family business succession and wealth transfers, Dr. Tom Deans will share insights on preparing the next generation, navigating important family conversations, and building a lasting legacy. Drawing from his best-selling Family Wealth Trilogy and experience speaking in 29 countries, Tom offers practical lessons on leadership, planning, and ensuring long-term success across generations.
 

Melissa Kwiatkowski, VP of Marketing, will begin with discussing how CARSTAR is showing up in communities across the country and hear what's next from the marketing team. Learn about current initiatives, key priorities, and the strategies designed to support franchisee success throughout the year.
 

Brad Green, CARSTAR Raydar Collision Group's Director of Operations, and Dave Foster will take the stage to hear more about what Brad and his team are they doing in their stores regarding AI and new technology. Then, our industry partners will join the stage to continue the conversation and dive deeper into the topic.
 

Our emcees will take the stage to close out our mainstage sessions and share infomation regarding the remaining breakout sessions.
 

Enjoy light snacks and beverages, courtesy of the Halifax Convention Centre.

Kick off the next round of breakout sessions by choosing two of the three breakout sessions available. Dive deeper into topics that matter most to your business, gain practical insights from experts and peers, and walk away with ideas and strategies you can put into action right away. A short break between sessions will give you time to connect with fellow attendees before heading to your next breakout.

Enjoy lunch, courtesy of the Halifax Convention Centre.

Continue the conversation by selecting two additional breakout sessions from three available options. Explore new perspectives, uncover fresh opportunities, and leave with valuable takeaways to help you elevate performance and drive success in your business. A brief break between sessions provides an opportunity to recharge, network, and prepare for your next learning experience.

Before we celebrate the best of the best at the Awards Gala, join us for an exciting Casino Night benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Try your luck at the tables, connect with fellow franchisees, and enjoy an evening of friendly competition, great prizes, and meaningful fundraising - all while supporting a cause that has long been important to our network.

Step into the glamour of the Roaring Twenties as we celebrate our top-performing CARSTAR franchise partners at this year's awards gala. Join us for an unforgettable Great-Gatsby inspired evening filled with elegance, excitement, and a few surprises along the way - all in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada as we can off an incredible week together.