Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference

Schedule

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Industry-wide programming (AIA Canada National Conference): 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT

Networking reception (AIA Canada National Conference and CCIF Toronto): 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Collision-focused programming (CCIF Toronto): 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

CCIF Vendor Showcase: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT

The schedule is subject to change without notice.  

Agenda

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

7:30 am – 7:00 pm

Registration open

Location: South Lobby Foyer

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Breakfast

Location: Plaza AB and Plaza Foyer

8:30 am – 8:45 am

Opening remarks

Location: Plaza AB

8:45 am – 9:00 am

Shifting gears: The here, now, and next of Canada’s auto care sector with AIA Canada

Location: Plaza AB

The opening session of the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference, presented by Emily Chung, AIA Canada’s new president and CEO, will offer attendees fresh insight into who AIA Canada is and the direction the organization is heading. The session will highlight how our initiatives and advocacy continue to ensure the longevity and success of the auto care industry.

Speaker: Emily Chung, president and CEO, AIA Canada

9:00 am – 9:45 am

No talent left behind: Building a future-ready workforce

Location: Plaza AB

Industry growth depends on talent, but what happens when we consistently overlook half the workforce? In today’s competitive labour market, tapping into the full potential of available talent is not just the right thing to do—it is a business imperative that directly impacts your bottom line.

This engaging panel will explore how inclusive leadership and intentional workforce strategies are reshaping the workplace experience, strengthening teams, and helping organizations across the auto care sector attract, develop, and retain top talent. Grounded in real-world insights and practical strategies, the conversation will focus on building future-ready workplaces that work for everyone, including:

How inclusive leadership drives retention, performance, innovation, and business results
What inclusive practices look like across different levels, roles, and workplace settings
Why companies cannot afford to leave talent untapped
Practical steps to foster workplace cultures where all employees can thrive

Moderator: Stephanie Cooney-Mann, general manager, UAP Inc.

Panelists: Chris Theodoratos, director of operations, Mr. Lube + Tires Canada

Hitesh Patel, director – Canada, Transtar Industries (King-O-Matic)

Shannon Miller, executive director, Accelerate Auto

Saifullah Sanaye, owner, Ottawa Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

9:45 am – 10:15 am

Networking break

Location: Plaza Foyer

10:30 am – 11:00 am and

11:15 am – 11:45 am

Concurrent sessions: Women in the Auto care sector

Location: International A

Concurrent sessions will be offered consecutively, allowing attendees to choose two out of three sessions based on their track preference.

Session to be announced.

10:30 am – 11:00 am and

11:15 am – 11:45 am

Concurrent sessions: Young Professionals in the Auto care sector

Location: International B

Concurrent sessions will be offered consecutively, allowing attendees to choose two out of three sessions based on their track preference.

Bridging the talent gap: How young professionals will future-proof the auto care industry

The auto care industry is undergoing major transformation, driven by digital disruption, evolving customer expectations, and workforce shifts. This session explores how young professionals are stepping up as key drivers of change in areas like electric vehicle (EV) readiness, sustainability, and digital innovation. Discover how artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and employability skills are reshaping roles, and gain practical insights on mentorship, entrepreneurship, and adapting to change. Designed for emerging leaders and seasoned pros alike, this session delivers strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Speaker: Pruthvi Brahmbhatt, senior manager, market development and Planning, UAP Inc.

10:30 am – 11:00 am and

11:15 am – 11:45 am

Concurrent sessions: Market research and data

Location: International C

Concurrent sessions will be offered consecutively, allowing attendees to choose two out of three sessions based on their track preference.

Canadian auto sector trends: Navigating uncertainty

The Canadian auto care sector is shifting faster than ever, with technology, policy, and economic forces reshaping how the industry plans for the future. While EV adoption has cooled in the short term, long-range decarbonization pressures remain firmly in play. Elevated vehicle prices, supply chain volatility, and a softening economic climate continue to shape production, investment, and strategic priorities across the sector. Meanwhile, auto care providers must adapt to new operational technologies and evolving service models to stay competitive. Ryan Robinson will break down the trends, risks, and opportunities defining Canada’s automotive landscape in the years ahead.

Speaker: Ryan Robinson, automotive research leader, Deloitte LLP

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Networking lunch and awards presentation

Location: Plaza AB

Presenting the 2026:

Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) Young Leader of the Year Award

AIA Canada Distinguished Service Award

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

The road ahead: Top trends in the auto care sector

Location: Plaza AB

Tune in for a live edition of AIA Canada’s vodcast, Curbside Chat, featuring a panel of CEOs and senior leaders as we dive into the real issues shaping the auto care sector. Join these top industry voices for candid conversations, insightful perspectives, and behind-the-scenes stories that are driving the future of the auto care sector.

Speakers to be announced.

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm

Session to be announced.

Location: Plaza AB

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm

Networking break

Location: Plaza Foyer

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm

From the ballot to the business: One year later and what it means for Canada’s auto care industry

Location: Plaza AB

Back by popular demand, David Coletto, founder and CEO of Abacus Data, teams up with AIA Canada’s vice president of government relations, Emily Holtby, to take a fresh look at the federal election—one year later. Discover how consumer and voter sentiment has shifted, what trends have emerged, and what it all means for the auto care industry today. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the latest insights and stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Moderator: Emily Holtby, vice president, government relations, AIA Canada

Speaker: David Coletto, founder and CEO, Abacus Data

4:00 pm

Closing remarks

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Networking reception

Location: Plaza Foyer and Plaza C

Thursday, March 12, 2026

7:30 am – 3:00 pm

Registration open

Location: South Lobby Foyer

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Breakfast and vendor showcase

Location: Plaza ABC and Plaza Foyer

8:30 am – 8:35 am

Opening remarks

Location: Plaza ABC

8:35 am – 9:00 am

Session to be announced.

Location: Plaza ABC

9:00 am – 9:45 am

Session to be announced.

Location: Plaza ABC

9:45 am – 10:30 am

Networking break and vendor showcase

Location: Plaza Foyer

10:45 am – 11:15 am and

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Concurrent sessions: Profitability

Location: International A

Concurrent sessions will be offered consecutively, allowing attendees to choose two out of three sessions based on their track preference.

Session to be announced.

10:45 am – 11:15 am and

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Concurrent sessions: Human resources

Location: International B

Concurrent sessions will be offered consecutively, allowing attendees to choose two out of three sessions based on their track preference.

Session to be announced.

10:45 am – 11:15 am and

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Concurrent sessions: Vehicle technology

Location: International C

Concurrent sessions will be offered consecutively, allowing attendees to choose two out of three sessions based on their track preference.

Session to be announced.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Networking lunch and vendor showcase

Location: Plaza ABC and Plaza Foyer

1:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Session to be announced.

Location: Plaza ABC

2:15 pm – 3:00 pm

Session to be announced.

Location: Plaza ABC

3:00 pm

Closing remarks

Location: Plaza ABC

Registration and pricing

The Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference offer various ticket prices and options, from early bird pricing, single day programming tickets, corporate tables, and more.

Make the most of your conference experience by hosting your team or clients at a corporate table. Enjoy front-row seating, showcase your brand, and connect with industry leaders—all in one day.

Why purchase a corporate table?

Front-row visibility – reserved table with your logo displayed.

Team engagement – host clients or colleagues for a day of learning and networking.

Brand exposure – logo featured on the conference webpage.

Easy and convenient – secure preferred seating and simplify registration.

Support the industry – show your commitment to the Canadian auto care community.

Single day of programming with access to the March 11 networking reception

Ticket type	Pricing*
~~Early bird, single ticket – ends December 5, 2026~~	~~$288.75~~
Single ticket	$341.25
Young professional (under 45 years of age)	$259.88
Shop owner	$259.88
Corporate table** Includes eight tickets at a discounted rate for the selected date(s) with access to the networking reception on March 11, plus one reserved table at the front of the conference room with a branded table sign and logo placement on the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference event webpage.	$2625.00

Full two-day Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (March 11 and 12, 2026)

Ticket type	Pricing*
Early bird, single ticket – ends December 5, 2026	$519.75
Single ticket	$614.25
Young professional (under 45 years of age)	$467.78
Shop owner	$467.78
Corporate table** Includes eight tickets at a discounted rate for the full event with access to the networking reception on March 11, plus one reserved table at the front of the conference room with a branded table sign and logo placement on the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference event webpage.	$4725.00

*Plus applicable taxes

** Deadline to purchase a corporate table: February 5, 2026, or until sold out.

CCIF Supporters

CCIF Supporters can attend CCIF Toronto on March 11 – 12, 2026 and CCIF Montreal on September 16 – 17, 2026. Additionally, CCIF Supporters receive individual recognition on the CCIF website and get a distinctive CCIF Supporter badge at the events to recognize their contribution to the collision industry.

The cost to become a 2026 CCIF Supporter is $519.75 plus applicable taxes.

CCIF 2026 Supporter registration does not include access to general and concurrent sessions on March 11, a separate registration is required if you wish to attend the sessions on March 11. Select the “Add on” ticket to complete your registration.

The deadline to register as a CCIF Supporter for 2026 is February 27, 2026.

Become a CCIF Supporter

Sponsorship opportunities

Elevate your brand and connect with key decision-makers in the auto care industry by sponsoring the CAIC on March 11 and 12, 2026.

Sponsorship provides unmatched visibility and credibility, offering your company prime exposure through digital recognition, event signage, and direct engagement with influential industry leaders.

With access to key networking moments and the chance to showcase your brand, you will strengthen relationships, foster new connections, and position your company as a trusted industry partner.

Become a sponsor!

Do not miss the chance to see a 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia retrofitted as an electric vehicle!

Georgian vehicle

Students from Georgian College’s Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Interior Design programs collaborated to transform a 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia into a fully electric vehicle (EV). This hands-on project provided invaluable experience in EV technology, sustainability, and innovation.

With the Automotive Business School of Canada’s (ABSC) industry partnerships and faculty support, students took on everything from retrofitting components to optimizing performance, gaining real-world skills essential for the evolving automotive industry.

This project highlights ABSC’s commitment to cutting-edge automotive education, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead the transition to electrification.

Visit the van on display in the International Foyer on the ground floor of the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre on March 11 and 12 to learn more about this project!

*Image source: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/blog/newsroom/georgian-unveils-1972-vw-westfalia-students-retrofitted-as-electric-vehicle/

CCIF Vendor showcase

The CCIF Vendor showcase—a one-day event designed specifically for collision industry professionals—will be held on March 12, 2026, during the CAIC.

The CCIF Vendor showcase provides a unique opportunity for vendors to connect directly with key decision-makers across the collision repair sector. Engage with a targeted audience of collision repairers, corporate representatives, insurers, OEMs, and more, all in one place. As a vendor, you will have the chance to showcase your latest products and services, forge valuable business relationships, and strengthen your presence in the industry. Do not miss this opportunity to elevate your brand at one of the year’s most anticipated collision-focused events.

Applications to participate in the CCIF Toronto Vendor showcase are open to any company in the collision sector of the Canadian auto care industry.

Apply now!

Visit these participating companies in the vendor showcase

Hotel and travel savings

Accommodations

We are pleased to offer special rates starting at $199 plus taxes. To book a hotel room, please contact the hotel at or book online under the block name AIA Canada Canadian Auto Care Sector.

Rates are valid until Monday, February 23, 2026. Guestrooms will be subject to availability on a first come, first served basis.

Book online

Travel 

For those flying into Toronto for the event, travel discounts are available.

Air Canada   

Book online at www.aircanada.com and enter promotion code VU24ZRM1 to receive a 10 percent discount on eligible fares*. The travel period begins Monday, March 2, 2026, and ends Friday, March 20, 2026. *Five per cent discounts will apply to standard fares, 10 per cent flex fares and up for North American travel. 

WestJet

Book online at www.westjet.com/conventions and enter promotion code 5I4X1SM to receive a five per cent discount off Econo, 10 per cent discount off EconoFlex and Premium base fares for guests travelling to Toronto, Ontario only. The travel period begins Monday, March 2, 2026, and ends Friday, March 20, 2026. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings. Travel Agents GDS promotion code: YBR23.

Porter

Book online at www.flyporter.com and enter promotion code ACIC26 to receive up to 10 per cent discount on available base fares for guests travelling to Toronto, Ontario only. The travel period begins Sunday, March 8, 2026, and ends Sunday, March 15, 2026. No discount will apply to the lowest class fare during a public seat sale.