DALLAS — NACE and CARS have developed an expanded 2009 conference program delivering a total of 84 sessions (or 138 hours) of compelling and relevant education focused on today’s industry professionals – all for the same cost as 2008.

Both the upcoming International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS) are sponsored by Automotive Service Association (ASA) and co-located at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, during the second annual Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW), which takes place Nov. 4-7.

The NACE and CARS conference delves into topics that are dealt with by both the mechanical and collision segments of industry professionals on a daily, weekly and annual basis. The conference program will include timely topics that teach facility owners and managers how to stay ahead and focus on their businesses during the current economic climate. Sessions will be offered in both 90-minute and 3-hour timeslots. Tracks include management, vehicle repair (collision), technical (mechanical), women’s professional development, train the trainer, estimating, jobber, auto glass and all-new tracks for lean and heavy duty truck, created due to the overwhelming request from post-show attendee surveys.

“Each year the conference development and direction is created with the attendees’ needs as the foremost catalyst. But with the economy impacting this industry – from both negative and positive standpoints, special emphasis was given to 2009 topics that would help them keep their businesses vital and competitive,” said Ellen Pipkin, show manager, Hanley Wood Exhibitions. “We’ve added five new timeslots to the schedule offering an additional 7.5 hours of education. It is our top priority to provide real knowledge and skills, delivering participants with an immediate ‘take-away’ that makes their businesses work smarter, better and more productively.”

For more event details visit www.NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent.com.