Photo Gallery: I-CAR National Conference's First Day

Feb. 28, 2025

The organization celebrated 10,000 Gold Class shops and recognized John Van Alstyne and Mike Anderson with awards.

I-CAR's 2025 National Conference, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Houston, kicked off Thursday with a Collision Lab Partner Showcase. During the welcome reception, the organization celebrated its 10,000 Gold Class milestone, and Chair Jennifer Goforth presented the Chairman's Award to Mike Anderson and the True North Visionary Award to John Van Alstyne.

Friday's general session highlights include speeches from CollisionAdvice.com's Mike Anderson and renowned retired NASCAR Crew Chief Larry McReynolds, followed by five breakout sessions from 1 to 3 p.m. Astronaut Jose Hernandez will speak on "Reach for the Stars." The day concludes with a Celebration for a Cause with NABC Recycled Rides and a silent auction for the Collision Repair Education Foundation.

About the Author

Jay Sicht | Editor-in-Chief, FenderBender and ABRN

Jay Sicht is editor-in-chief of FenderBender and ABRN. He has worked in the automotive aftermarket for more than 29 years, including in a number of sales and technical support roles in paint/parts distribution and service/repair. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Central Missouri with a minor in aviation, and as a writer and editor, he has covered all segments of the automotive aftermarket for more than 20 of those years, including formerly serving as editor-in-chief of Motor Age and Aftermarket Business World. Connect with him on LinkedIn.