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  • ASCCA 2026 Annual Training Conference SessionsASCCA 2026 Annual Training Conference Sessions
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9/11/2026 3:30 - 5:00 PM - YOU ARE THE BOTTLENECK - You can't fix the shop by fixing cars

Friday Afternoon Session

Summary
Most shop owners didn't get into this business because they loved numbers-they became owners because they were great technicians. And that's exactly why the transition to leadership is so painful. This session speaks directly to technician-turned-owners who feel busy, overwhelmed, and stuck despite working harder than ever. We'll explore why owners instinctively run back to the bay, how that behavior quietly becomes the biggest bottleneck in the shop, and why chasing dozens of KPls often creates more confusion than clarity. Attendees will learn why understanding a few big metrics-especially the relationship between payroll and gross profit-matters far more than obsessing over micro numbers too early. Using a restaurant-style 'stress test' approach, this talk challenges traditional scheduling assumptions to reveal whether a shop's true constraint lies in sales process, technician produc-tivity, dispatch, or leadership. We'll also cover where real freedom begins: standard operating procedures, non-negotiables, and proper intake and dispatch protocols that allow the owner to step down, then step out. This session is for shop owners ready to stop being the choke point, build systems instead of dependency, and finally lead a business that can grow without them standing in the middle of everything. Sponsored By: Shift N Gears Auto Repair

Technical Track - No Friday Technical Track (select this type if attending as a technician)

Friday Afternoon Session

9/12/2026 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Technical Track A - Mastering the uScope: Hands-On Diagnostics for Real-World Results

Saturday Morning Sessions

Speakers
  • Thomas Broxholm
Summary
Description: Experience the power of the AES Wave uScope through a fully hands-on diagnostic workshop. Each participant will operate their own uScope as simulated sensor signals are transmitted in real time. Learn how to capture and navigate waveforms for quick and accurate interpretation using best-practice techniques. From basic operation to advanced signal capture you'll gain the confidence to apply uScope diagnostics efficiently in the shop. Presented by: Tom Broxholm, Retired Automotive Professor of Skyline College

9/12/2026 - 7:00 - 11:00 AM - Technical Track B - Euro BUS System

Saturday Morning Sessions

Speakers
  • Brandon Mathews
Summary
Description: Comprehensive overview, structure, troubleshooting & pattern failures of BMW & other Euro networks • Serial Networks • High Speed CAN BUS • LIN BUS • FlexRay •Ethernet• Testing Equipment & Tooling Network failures such as CAN communication faults & missing message faults can be daunting for a technician to troubleshoot. This network course outlines the various communication networks used on BMW & Euro vehicles includ-ing BSD, LIN, CAN, FlexRay, Ethernet, etc. More importantly diagnostic strategies, pattern failures, & test steps and values will be discussed. Presented by: Brandon Mathews, Opus IBS Sponsored By: WorldPac WT/

9/12/2026 - 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM - Management Track - The Wealth Gap - Turning Shop Income into Personal Wealth

Saturday Morning Sessions

Speakers
  • Derrick Van Ness
Summary
Description: You've built a shop that runs, generates revenue, and keeps your bays full. But at the end of the year, when you look at your bank account and your net worth, something doesn't add up. The truth is, most shop owners are good at running their shop but nearly invisible when it comes to building wealth ... and it has nothing to do with how hard you work. In this class, we'll break down exactly why your income isn't converting into lasting financial security, and show you the system successful shop owners use to finally change that. If your shop is making money but you're not getting ahead, this is the class you've been waiting for. Presented by: Derick Van Ness, Big Life Financial

9/12/2026 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Technical Track A Continued - Mastering the uScope: Hands-On Diagnostics for Real-World Results

Saturday Morning Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Thomas Broxholm
Summary
Description: Experience the power of the AES Wave uScope through a fully hands-on diagnostic workshop. Each participant will operate their own uScope as simulated sensor signals are transmitted in real time. Learn how to capture and navigate waveforms for quick and accurate interpretation using best-practice techniques. From basic operation to advanced signal capture you'll gain the confidence to apply uScope diagnostics efficiently in the shop. Presented by: Tom Broxholm, Retired Automotive Professor of Skyline College

9/12/2026 - 7:00 - 11:00 AM - Technical Track B Continued - Euro BUS System

Saturday Morning Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Brandon Mathews
Summary
Description: Comprehensive overview, structure, troubleshooting & pattern failures of BMW & other Euro networks • Serial Networks • High Speed CAN BUS • LIN BUS • FlexRay •Ethernet• Testing Equipment & Tooling Network failures such as CAN communication faults & missing message faults can be daunting for a technician to troubleshoot. This network course outlines the various communication networks used on BMW & Euro vehicles includ-ing BSD, LIN, CAN, FlexRay, Ethernet, etc. More importantly diagnostic strategies, pattern failures, & test steps and values will be discussed. Presented by: Brandon Mathews, Opus IBS Sponsored By: WorldPac WT/

9/12/2026 9:00 - 10:30 AM - Management Track - The Hidden Cost of Leadership Avoidance: How Culture Drift Kills Profit

Saturday Morning Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Dori Eppstein
Summary
Description: Most shop owners track labor rate, ARO, and productivity- but ignore the silent profit leak happening inside their culture. What you tolerate, avoid, or fail to clarify doesn't just affect morale ... it affects your bottom line. In this session, Dori Eppstein breaks down the real financial cost of leadership avoidance - from underperformance and unclear expectations to conflict left unresolved. You'll learn how culture drift happens, how it quietly taxes your shop, and how to implement a practical 30-day leadership reset to realign performance, accountability, and profit. Presented by: Dori Eppstein, DEHR Consulting Sponsored By: DEHR Consulting

9/12/2026 1:30 - 5:30 PM - Technical Track A - Elevating your DVI experience

Saturday Afternoon Sessions

Speakers
  • Timothy Chakarian
Summary
Description: Many shops are performing Digital Vehicle Inspections, but few are truly maximizing their value. A DVI should not simply be a checklist or photo gallery. When executed properly, it becomes the most powerful communi-cation tool in the shop-building trust with customers, improving technician accountability, and dramatically increasing authorization rates. In this session, Tim Chakarian from Bimmer PhD Motorsports will walk through the struc-tured inspection system his shop uses to turn raw vehicle data into clear, prioritized action plans customers can understand and approve with confidence. Attendees will learn how to transform inspections from a routine process into a strategic tool that improves transparency, increases average repair order, and strengthens long-term custom-er relationships. Presented by: Timothy Chakarian, Bimmer PhD Motorsports

9/12/2026 1:30 - 5:30 PM - Technical Track B - Knowledge is Power with Pico Scope Diagnostics

Saturday Afternoon Sessions

Speakers
  • Thomas Broxholm
Summary
Description: Learn the distinctive power and flexibility of Pico Scope 7 software. Shorten diagnostic time, improve diagnostic accuracy, diagnose with confidence, establish documentation and customer satisfaction. Knowledge is power - knowing how to use the basic and advanced features of the Pico Scope 7 software is the key to powerful diagnostics. Bring a laptop preloaded with Pico Scope 7 software from https://www.picoauto.com/downloads and follow along as I take you through the basics and onto the advanced features such as triggers, filters, deep measure, math channels, and alerts. (No Scope required}. Presented by: Tom Broxholm, Retired Automotive Professor of Skyline College

9/12/2026 1:30 - 3:00 PM - Management Track - Procedures & Polices & The Effect on KPls

Saturday Afternoon Sessions

Speakers
  • Jeff Nott
Summary
Description: In this workshop we will cover not only what processes, procedures and policies you should have in place, but the effect they have on your bottom line. You will be surprised to learn the many ways you can improve your business with some simple policies and procedures. Presented by: Jeffrey Nott, Altus Business Solutions Sponsored By: Altus Business Solutions

9/12/2026 1:30 - 5:30 PM - Technical Track A Continued - Elevating your DVI experience

Saturday Afternoon Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Timothy Chakarian
Summary
Description: Many shops are performing Digital Vehicle Inspections, but few are truly maximizing their value. A DVI should not simply be a checklist or photo gallery. When executed properly, it becomes the most powerful communi-cation tool in the shop-building trust with customers, improving technician accountability, and dramatically increasing authorization rates. In this session, Tim Chakarian from Bimmer PhD Motorsports will walk through the struc-tured inspection system his shop uses to turn raw vehicle data into clear, prioritized action plans customers can understand and approve with confidence. Attendees will learn how to transform inspections from a routine process into a strategic tool that improves transparency, increases average repair order, and strengthens long-term custom-er relationships. Presented by: Timothy Chakarian, Bimmer PhD Motorsports

9/12/2026 1:30 - 5:30 PM - Technical Track B Continued - Knowledge is Power with Pico Scope Diagnostics

Saturday Afternoon Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Thomas Broxholm
Summary
Description: Learn the distinctive power and flexibility of Pico Scope 7 software. Shorten diagnostic time, improve diagnostic accuracy, diagnose with confidence, establish documentation and customer satisfaction. Knowledge is power - knowing how to use the basic and advanced features of the Pico Scope 7 software is the key to powerful diagnostics. Bring a laptop preloaded with Pico Scope 7 software from https://www.picoauto.com/downloads and follow along as I take you through the basics and onto the advanced features such as triggers, filters, deep measure, math channels, and alerts. (No Scope required}. Presented by: Tom Broxholm, Retired Automotive Professor of Skyline College

9/12/2026 3:30 - 5:00 PM - Management Track - The Road to 2030: The Economic and Market Forces Reshaping the Industry

Saturday Afternoon Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Mike Bennett
Summary
Description: The next five years will not look like the last five. Economic shifts, labor market dynamics, evolving vehicle demographics, and changing consumer expectations are quietly redefining what success will require by 2030. In this session Mike Bennett examines the key forces shaping the industry's trajectory from inflation trends and rising median wages to technician scarcity and the true cost of acquisition and retention. We'll explore how shifts in vehicle age, technology complexity, and ownership patterns are altering service demand, as well as how consumer sentiment and value perception are influencing buying behavior. This isn't just about pressure, it's about positioning. You 'II gain insight into the strategic differentiators that will matter most in a more competitive, experience-driven marketplace and how forward-thinking operators can reimagine customer engagement to remain relevant, profitable, and resilient. Presented by: Mike Bennett, Automotive Training Institute Sponsored By: Automotive Training Institute

9/13/2026 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Technical Track A - Electric Vehicles: How do They Work?

Sunday Morning Sessions

Speakers
  • John Bridgwater
Summary
Description: This course introduces technicians to the core electrical and electronic systems used in modern electric vehicles. Students will learn the fundamentals of high-voltage and low-voltage circuits, battery pack operation, battery management systems, charging systems, thermal management, and electric motor control. Emphasis is placed on safety, practical diagnostics, and understanding how the major EV systems interact. Designed for working technicians, the class focuses on real-world service bay knowledge rather than engineering theory, giving attendees the confidence to safely diagnose and service today's electric vehicles. Presented by: John Bridgwater, Automotive Training Authority Sponsored By: Automotive Training Institute

9/13/2026 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Technical Track B - 1...2...3...Misfire!

Sunday Morning Sessions

Speakers
  • Jason Gloria
Summary
Description: As long as there are internal combustion engines, misfires will continue to be an inevitable part of auto-motive repair. In this course we will discuss ignition components and how to read ignition waveforms when utilizing an oscilloscope to diagnose them. While it is all too common to do the 'coil dance', we will cover testing techniques that will provide us with definite results to avoid teardown and diagnostic approaches to reduce comebacks and wasted time. Presented by: Jason Gloria, NAPA Autotech Sponsored By: NAPA Autotech

9/13/2026 8:00 - 9:30 AM - Management Track - A Journey of Growth: Master the Art of "Scaling Up

Sunday Morning Sessions

Speakers
  • Mike Bennett
Summary
Description: A Journey of Growth: Master the Art of 'Scaling Up': Dive into the dynamic world of business expansion in this exclusive presentation designed for ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders. Discover the secrets of scaling up your business sustainably and efficiently. Learn how to expand your company's size, reach, and revenues while maintaining or enhancing profitability. Join us to unlock the strategies for managing growth without over-whelming your company's capabilities, ensuring a successful and scalable future. Presented by: Mike Bennett, Automotive Training Institute Sponsored By: Automotive Training Institute

9/13/2026 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Technical Track A Continued - Electric Vehicles: How do They Work?

Sunday Morning Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • John Bridgwater
Summary
Description: This course introduces technicians to the core electrical and electronic systems used in modern electric vehicles. Students will learn the fundamentals of high-voltage and low-voltage circuits, battery pack operation, battery management systems, charging systems, thermal management, and electric motor control. Emphasis is placed on safety, practical diagnostics, and understanding how the major EV systems interact. Designed for working technicians, the class focuses on real-world service bay knowledge rather than engineering theory, giving attendees the confidence to safely diagnose and service today's electric vehicles. Presented by: John Bridgwater, Automotive Training Authority Sponsored By: Automotive Training Institute

9/13/2026 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Technical Track B Continued - 1...2...3...Misfire!

Sunday Morning Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Jason Gloria
Summary
Description: As long as there are internal combustion engines, misfires will continue to be an inevitable part of auto-motive repair. In this course we will discuss ignition components and how to read ignition waveforms when utilizing an oscilloscope to diagnose them. While it is all too common to do the 'coil dance', we will cover testing techniques that will provide us with definite results to avoid teardown and diagnostic approaches to reduce comebacks and wasted time. Presented by: Jason Gloria, NAPA Autotech Sponsored By: NAPA Autotech

9/13/2026 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Management Track - The Future of DVls: What Matters Now and What's Coming Next

Sunday Morning Sessions Continued

Speakers
  • Lauren Thunen
Summary
Description: Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVls} have become an industry standard, but many shops are still not using them at all or to their full potential. Many shops implement DVls and then wonder why they aren't seeing big gains in ARO, customer trust, or workflow efficiency . In this session, you'II learn what actually makes a DVI effective. We'll walk through the key metrics every shop should track to know if their DVI is delivering results, including photo count, edit rates, recommendation rates, and customer research time. You'll also see real-world examples of strong inspections and learn how to avoid the most common DVI mistakes that stall success. Finally, we'll take a look ahead: where is DVI technology headed over the next 3-5 years? Get a first look at the trends that will shape the future of inspections and what your shop can do now to stay ahead Presented by: Lauren Thunen, AutoVitals Sponsored by: AutoVitals
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