ABPA 2025 Annual Meeting and Business Conference - Sarasota, FL | The Westin Sarasota
Cultural Experiences
Join Us at the 2025 ABPA Annual Meeting and Business Conference!
2025 ABPA Annual Meeting and Business Conference, Sarasota, FL
The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) is thrilled to announce our highly anticipated 2025 ABPA Business Conference, set to take place from May 19-21, 2025, at the luxurious Westin Sarasota.
Following the success of our previous events, this year’s conference promises to be even more engaging and insightful, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, cutting-edge industry insights, and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the automotive body parts industry.
Why Attend the 2025 ABPA Business Conference?
Unmatched Networking Opportunities
Connect with industry leaders, manufacturers, distributors, and other key stakeholders. Our conference is designed to facilitate meaningful connections that can lead to strategic partnerships and business growth. Past attendees have consistently highlighted the value of the relationships formed during our events.
Expert Speakers and Panel Discussions
Gain insights from top experts in the automotive body parts industry. Our carefully curated lineup of speakers will share their knowledge on current trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. Topics will range from supply chain management and regulatory updates to sustainability initiatives and market forecasts.
Interactive Workshops and Sessions
Participate in hands-on workshops and interactive sessions that provide practical solutions to everyday business challenges. Learn from case studies and real-world examples that can be applied directly to your business operations.
Product Showcases and Exhibitions
Explore the latest products and services from leading suppliers and innovators in our comprehensive exhibition hall. Discover new technologies and solutions that can enhance your business efficiency and competitiveness.
Beautiful Venue
The Westin Sarasota offers a stunning backdrop for our conference, with top-notch amenities and services. Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather, pristine beaches, and vibrant local culture, making your conference experience both productive and enjoyable.
Registration
Registration is a two-step process. You will need to reserve your room at the Westin, and then register for the Conference itself.
Step 1: Hotel Reservation
The ABPA is proud to partner with The Westin Sarasota for our 2025 Conference. ABPA attendees will enjoy a special $249 per night rate using the link below.
https://book.passkey.com/e/50762807
Step 2: Conference Registration
The ABPA has partnered with Eventbrite to provide registration services for the 2025 Conference. Buy your tickets here on Eventbrite.
Special Events
Rooftop Welcome Reception – Monday 5/19/25
Attendees will enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Westin. The ABPA has reserved the entire rooftop to welcome attendees on the evening of Monday, 5/19. Cocktails and heavy appetizers will be available.
Annual ABPA Golf Event – Tuesday 5/20/25, Bobby Jones Golf Course
The 2025 ABPA Golf event will take place on Tuesday 5/20/25 and will be held at the beautiful Bobby Jones Golf Course. For $109, ABPA golfers will have lunch, drinks, cart, and a round of golf. What a deal and always a great time! To ensure your spot, select the Golf ticket add-on during the registration process. Club rentals are extra.
Offsite Dinner – Wednesday 5/21/25, PopStroke Sarasota (Sponsored by Tong Yang Group)
Wrap up the ABPA Conference at our highly anticipated off-site dinner and networking event at PopStroke! This is your opportunity to enjoy dinner, drinks, and mini golf with your industry friends and associates. SPACE IS LIMITED - to participate, select the free Popstroke event ticket during checkout while they last! Transportation will be provided to and from the event.
Schedule of Events
Monday (5/19/2025)
8:00 am – 2:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting
3:00 pm Registration opens
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Exhibitors Tabletop Setup (Triton Ballroom)
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Welcome Reception (Roof Top) sponsored by Micro Group
Tuesday (5/20/2025)
6:30 am Registration re-opens
7:00 am Golfers Depart (Lobby)
Not golfing? Take the time to explore the beautiful Sarasota waterfront! Please make sure you get back to the ballroom by 3PM for the opening session!
7:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast Buffet (Triton Ballroom) sponsored by CAPA / Intertek
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Business Session with Keynote Speakers (Triton Ballroom)
Speakers
3:00 - 3:30- Ed Salamy, ABPA Executive Director -
Welcome to Attendees and Association Update
3:30 - 4:30 - Greg Horn, PartsTrader -
“Collision Industry Update: What You Need to Know
”
In this segment, Greg will provide the latest on general automotive trends, an update on tariffs and collision parts use trends.
4:30 - 5:00 - Justin Rzepka, CAR Coalition - Legislative & DC Update from the CAR Coalition
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm - Cocktail Reception (EVOQ Terrace) Sponsored by PartsTrader – Take some time to grab a drink, network, and explore the various vendor tables prior to dinner. Special thank you to the PartsTrader team for sponsoring this event!
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm - Tradeshow Dinner (Triton Ballroom) - Sponsored by TYC Americas
Wednesday (5/21/2025)
6:30 am - Registration re-opens
7:00 am – 9:00 am - Breakfast (Triton Ballroom) - Sponsored by GoParts
8:00 am – 4:00 pm - Business Session with Keynote Speakers (Triton Ballroom)
Speakers
8:00 am - 8:45 am - CAPA / Intertek - Update on the CAPA Program
8:45 am - 9:30 am - Dr. Blaire O'Neal - Dr. O'Neal will review the ABPA Consumer Research Project, "High Costs, Hard Hits" which illustrates how consumers are affected by the rising costs of auto repair.
9:30 am - 11:00 am - Panel Discussion -"Total Loss: What Does it Mean to Me?" ABPA Chair Chris Northup will engage in a fireside chat with industry leaders Don Hermanek & Ken Rosen to discuss the implications of increased total losses on the repair ecosystem.
11:00 am - 11:45 am - Bill Brower, Solera - "Touchless Claims: Streamlining Auto Claims for Maximum Customer Convenience. How this will impact parts suppliers."
11:45 am - 12:00 pm - Sean Kennedy, ABPA - Introduction to Board Candidates
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm - ABPA Awards Lunch (pre function Coral Bay) Sponsored by Partslink
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Eric Horton, CCC Intelligent Solutions - "
How can Aftermarket suppliers better embrace technology to meet the needs of independent shops and mega MSOs in this rapidly evolving market landscape while keeping their own identity."
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Chris Vanderzyden, Legacy Partners - "
Equity to Liquidity
:
How to Execute a Profitable Exit Strategy"
The vast majority of businesses brought to market fail to transact. Join Chris as she presents the 6-step process that prepares a business owner for a successful exit. Her session will bring clarity, insight, and guidance on what is often perceived to be a complicated process.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm -
Panel Discussion - "Automobile Insurance Insights and the Impact of Increased Collision Repair Costs" - Ken Weiss, Empire (moderator),
Brian Fening - Liberty Mutual, & Scott Kohl - Kemper
Afternoon Break - Thank you to our sponsors!
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm - NABC Vehicle Giveaway (Front Parking Lot)
Join the NABC in this wonderful event where a veteran will received a refurbished vehicle!
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm - Offsite Dinner – PopStroke Sarasota
Wrap up the ABPA Conference at our highly anticipated off-site dinner and networking event at PopStroke! Sponsored by Tong Yang Group. Shuttle buses will be available to take attendees to and from the event. Attendees will need to wear their ABPA badge.
Sponsors
Several levels of support are available. See the Tabletop and Sponsorship Application section below for details. All sponsors will get their name, website link, and logo (depending on the support level) added to this page!
Tabletop and Sponsorship Application
https://www.autobpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ABPA-Conference-Sponsorship-Application-2025-1.pdf
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 ABPA Conference are available! As an ABPA sponsor, you will receive the highest rated industry exposure for your business. In addition, you will be supporting the Association and making the 2025 Conference a success for all attendees.
Information Source: Ed Salamy | eventbrite