Automotive Training Institute (ATI), a leading coaching and training company for repair and collision shop owners, hosted its 18th annual SuperConference at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida. More than 500 shop owner members, their employees and family, and event sponsors converged on the luxury resort to participate in what may be the first large in-person automotive aftermarket conference hosted since the height of the pandemic.
The event featured enhanced safety protocols, which included daily health screening and temperature checks, and socially distanced meeting space carefully designed to maintain a balance between the SuperConference live experience and attendee safety.
“This year, we were determined to host SuperConference in-person for our members, vendors and associates. It’s not only what we wanted, it’s what they wanted. We did SuperConference virtually last year, and while it was a great experience, it doesn’t compare to the magic we create by learning, socializing and celebrating in person, together,” said ATI President Richard Menneg.
Speaker highlights included ATI Founder Chris “Chubby” Frederick Sr., ATI President Richard Menneg, Productive Leader’s CEO Mary Kelly; Snow & Associate’s President Dennis Snow; CEO, Mark Zinder & Associates, Mark Zinder; Laugh it Off Productions CEO, Steve Rizzo and Carm Capriotto, host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast, broadcasting his weekly Town Hall Academy live from the SuperConference stage. There were also industry specific breakouts presented by ATI’s coaches, members and vendors.
After watching industry experts present, attendees also participated in teambuilding activities, networking events, site-seeing tours, fundraising and celebrating ATI’s Top Shop Winners at their gala awards banquet.
“There is no other way to gain the knowledge and experience of hundreds of shop owners around the country, and hear from phenomenal speakers on content vitally important to the successful operation of an auto repair shop — all provided by the premier automotive training company in the industry,” said ATI member Al Sutherland, owner of Al’s Certified Auto Repair.
ATI member Erika Gurley, owner of Complete Auto Repair, added, “This was our first conference, and we had a fabulous experience. This has become a priority to put into our budget to attend each year – the information received and camaraderie of socializing with other shops has been an invaluable experience.”
This year’s charity fundraiser was mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which contributes millions of dollars in trade scholarships to qualified recipients, including those training in the automotive industry. ATI will announce the total dollars donated in the next couple of weeks.
